Title: Stage 1 - Getting Started with EdTech

Following Stage 0 (Orientation), Stage 1 (Getting started) provides an introduction to using educational technology for your teaching and learning, and explores the basics of the Moodle Learning Management System (LMS). This is intended to lay a foundation for the subsequent three (3) stages, which should be undertaken in order.

Stage 1 Outcomes: On completion of this stage, participants will have:

  - developed a basic understanding of how technology can support teaching and learning
  - articulated “Why” they want to use the Moodle LMS and other technologies in their courses
  - considered their own course through the lens of constructive alignment
  - engaged with examples of Moodle sites and courses
  - started learning to use Moodle: Login, Navigate, Forums, Blog, Set up your course.
  - become aware of Moodle support systems within this course, built into Moodle, and in a local context.

Category: EdTech-UEM: Eng — Note: This suite of modules is also available in Portuguese.

Why this course? This course arises in the context of the expanding possibilities for blended teaching and learning created by the EdTech-UEM sub-program. The goals of EdTech-UEM are consistent with the UEM strategic plan which includes the importance of integrating technology in teaching and learning. The pioneering work in several UEM units on the use of ICTs for teaching and learning, notably the Faculty of Education and the Centre for Distance Learning (CEND), dates back a few years, but progress has always been limited by infrastructure, resource constraints, Internet access and the experience and knowledge of lecturers.

    Thus, other components of the EdTech programme include the rehabilitation of communication networks within UEM, an increase in bandwidth and improved management capacity, and an increase in the computer equipment available within Faculties and Schools, as well as scholarships for graduate studies in the field of educational technologies. As a purpose, it is intended that most teachers and students of UEM will have access to the benefits of technological integration in their courses. At the most practical level this will mean that UEM teachers design their courses well for blended (and in some cases online) teaching and use the Moodle-based Vula platform courses to support learning by their students.

    The planned roll-out of the EdTech-UEM staff development course in the blended mode to all the UEM campuses was delayed by the advent of the global COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. The course has now been adapted for fully online provision, and the roll-out phase is able to commence online. The course will also be provided in a blended face-to-face format when conditions allow. Comments and input from participants will be important contributions to the further revisions and institutional adoption and sustainability.

Getting Started with Educational Technology
Essential Stage 1 and Support Information
  About Stage 1
  Glossary of Terms
  Supporting Course Resources
  Moodle HELP
Staying in Touch
  Announcements
  Stage 1 General news and announcements.
  Moodle FAQs & Tips
  Open Space Forum
  Stage 1 achievements, discoveries and questions ab...
Preparation BEFORE Stage 1
1. Introducing Educational Technology and Moodle
  Getting Started Session 1 (sync - 90 mins)
  Stage 1 Live Session 1
  Topic 1 Learning Resources and Activities
  Identify your course: Start by undertaking the fir...
  How aligned are our courses?
  Then undertake Activity 1.2: Discuss alignmen...
  Remember: (Optional, but recommended): Yo...
  Activity 1.1: Which course will you redesign and develop?
  Activity 1.2: Discuss alignment in your own courses
2. Moodle, Course Description & Reflective Learning Journals
  Getting Started Session 2 (sync - 90 mins)
  Stage 1 Live Session 2
  Topic 2 Learning Resources and Activities
  Moodle Basics Lesson
  Moodle practical: Undertake Activity 1.3: Exp...
  Course Description Example
  Course Description: Now create and share&nbs...
  Reflection as a Learning Tool
  Finally, start reflecting on your learning in Acti...
  Activity 1.3: Explore the Basics of Moodle
  Activity 1.4: Write your Course Description
  Activity 1.5: Start Your Reflective Learning Blog
3. Making sense of Teaching with Educational Technology
  Getting Started Session 3 (sync - 90 mins)
  Stage 1 - Live Session 3
  Topic 3 Learning Resources and Activities
  Ed Tech - What's Possible?
  Continue to explore educational technologies by un...
  Activity 1.6: Explore the T&L with Tech slides
4. Practical, Consolidation & Evaluation
  Getting Started Session 4 (sync - 90 mins)
  Stage 1 - Live Session 4
  Topic 4 Learning Resources and Activities
  Practice: Undertake Activity 1.7: Accessing y...
  Activity 1.7: Accessing your practice course
  Activity 1.8: Consolidation
  Activity 1.9: Stage 1 Evaluation
Stage 1 Closing