Technology and Learning (M.Sc./P.Grad.Dip) – (M.Sc.)

The School of Education and the School of Computer Science at Trinity College Dublin are offering a multidisciplinary course leading to a Master's degree in Technology and Learning (formerly IT in Education). The programme is offered on a part-time basis over two academic years and the timetable is designed to facilitate participation by practicing teachers and other professionals. It is structured as a taught component followed by a substantive research dissertation leading to the degree of Master in Science.

The course aims to meet the needs of 21st century learners in the context of the emerging Knowledge Society, by providing its students with the opportunity to participate in a research led Masters program exploring the integration of learning and technology.

The focus for the students is on technology mediated transformative learning experiences. The course addresses areas such as creativity, critical reflection, collaboration and meta-cognition through the active design, construction, use and evaluation of a range of learning technologies. Course learning activities and themes are research led and are closely aligned with the ongoing research activities of the Centre for Research in IT in Education.

This degree was launched in 1999 with the aim of producing a cohort of people who would be able to play a leadership role in the development and use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in all aspects of learning. To date graduates have been equally divided between those working in the formal educational system, teachers or lecturers, and those involved in a variety of roles in the workplace ranging from instructional designers to training. A significant number of graduates have been involved in the general area of "special needs".

On the educational side, graduates of the course gain a deep understanding of the theories of learning that are relevant to the use of ICT and will have a realistic view of the real enhancements to learning that ICT can facilitate. On the technical side, graduates of the course gain a good knowledge of the principles of web design, multimedia authoring, digital video and computer operation. Although aspects of computer programming are by necessity touched upon it is not an aim of the degree to produce people who can program.

In the second year of the course students carry out a substantial piece of research which typically involves the design, implementation and evaluation of a learning experience in which ICT plays a key role.

Thus graduates of the programme are in a position to play a leadership role in the area of ICT In learning. They are technically proficient, appreciate the role of ICT in learning, are able to develop ICT based course material, or tools, and above all are capable of undertaking researching into the use of ICT at the "chalk face" and in the wider educational and learning communities.