Professional learning in a digital world

The course is an eligible course in the International Master's Program in Information Technology and Learning. The course can also be given as a freestanding course.

The course can be part of the following programme: 1) International Master's Programme in Information Technology and Learning (S2ITL)

To be eligible for the course the student must possess a Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 180 higher education credits or an equivalent degree.

Furthermore, the student must demonstrate proficiency in English equivalent to English B (Swedish upper secondary level) or English 6 (equivalent) with at least a pass, or a valid test of English as a foreign language TOEFL (232 computer based), 575 (paper based) or IELTS with a minimum score of 6.0 in all scores, alternatively a Bachelor's degree from an education offered in English.

This course focuses on the digital transformation of professional and workplace learning. Aspects like formal and informal forms of learning and work are examined in relation to institutional public and private sectors as well as other emerging professional communities. By focusing on the changing practices of professionals in different areas like engineering, nursing and teaching, the course addresses the various ways that digital technologies reconfigure activities such as training, coaching and professional learning community participation. In addition to theories of digital professional learning in Education and Adult Learning, the course connects to theories in related areas such as Work and Organization Studies and Human Resource Development. The course is related to the United Nation’s Agenda 2030 sustainable development goals by suggesting designs for professional and lifelong learning, and by problematizing social and technological sustainability with a focus on work life digitalization.

On successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• account for formal and informal forms of digital professional learning
• identify trends in digital work and discuss its implications for professional learning
• analyze conditions for professional learning with chosen theoretical concepts and concrete examples of digital change

Competence and skills

• suggest and motivate a process for supporting and evaluating a professional learning situation where digital platforms are integrated
• contextualize digital technology use in relation to professional learning in a selection of sectors

Judgement and approach

• judge the relevance of formal and informal forms of digital professional learning
• evaluate the impact of digitalisation in a selection of different professional learning practices based on ideals of a sustainable worklife

The course is sustainability-related, which means that at least one of the learning outcomes clearly shows that the course content meets at least one of the University of Gothenburg's confirmed sustainability criteria.

The course is based on both online and campus-based activities, including lectures, workshops, and seminars. Group and individual work are a part of the course.

The language of instruction and assignments in the course is English.

The assessment is based on the following assignments:

• Individual peer review, graded pass with distinction (VG), pass (G), or fail (U)
• Individually written paper, graded pass with distinction (VG), pass (G), or fail (U)

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies to placement and internship (VFU) except that this is restricted to only one further examination session.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local Rules Regarding RIU Students at the University of Gothenburg.

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U).

1. Individual peer review 5 HEC (U-G-VG)
2. Individual paper 10 HEC (U-G-VG)

An evaluation will be conducted after completion of the course. Evaluation is given anonymously by the student. The results from the course evaluation will be compiled and made available to the students. If changes are implied by the evaluations, these should be presented. Compilation of the course evaluation is to be available for students attending the next time the course is offered.

Information and communication via The University of Gothenburg's learning platform is applied and a computer with internet access is a prerequisite during the course.