Literacies in a Digital World

The course is mandatory in the International Master’s programme Information Technology and Learning.

The course is also offered as a separate course.

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 6 (Swedish upper secondary level) or English level 2 (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.

The digitalization of society is changing the ways we read, write and communicate, as well as the conditions for learning, and social participation. Therefore, digital literacy, digital competence and AI literacy are perceived as fundamental in research and policy. The course deals with the relationship between digital media, that is texts, sounds and images that are produced and distributed in a digital form, communication and learning, as well as contemporary ways of conceptualizing literacy.

The course also addresses the GU sustainability development goal nbr 2 and the UN sustainability development goal (SDG) nbr 4, Education for all, through discussions about the ecological footprint of IT and global digital divides.

The course focuses the following four themes:

• Social participation and digital practices: this theme addresses policies and empirical research related to literacy practices as social, global and political phenomena

• Changed conditions for learning in professional work practice, education and everyday life settings: this theme addresses possibilities, challenges and consequences for different literacy practices related to the introduction and use of digital media and technologies in learning environments

• Social media and generative AI: this theme addresses the literacy aspects of emerging patterns of interaction, learning, information use and communication in online environments.

• IT, education and sustainability: this theme addresses sustainability issues related to social conditions and natural environmental aspects resulting from the digitalization of society, today and in the future.

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

Knowledge and understanding

• account for different conceptualizations of literacy in research and policy

• describe and discuss the ways in which digital media and technologies can change the conditions for literacy practices in work, education and everyday life settings

• account for and discuss sustainability development issues in relation to the field of IT and learning

Competence and skills

• observe and analyze communication and interaction in digital media and technologies and draw conclusions in relation to learning

Judgement and approach

• analyze and evaluate argumentation in scientific literature about literacy in a digital world

The course is structured around lectures, seminars, workshops and project work. Both individual- and group work are part of the course. Some course components may be conducted online.

Language of instruction: English

The assessment is based on the following assignments:

1. The accomplishment, presentation, and documentation of project work (graded Pass (G) or Fail (U), 5 credits)

2. Active contribution in three seminars (graded Pass (G) or Fail (U), 3 credits)

3. Written exam (graded Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) or Fail (U), 7 credits)

The examiner can decide that an examination assignment that has not been completed may be replaced with another assignment.

If a student, who has failed the same examined component twice, wishes to change examiner before the next examination, a written application shall be sent to the department responsible for the course and shall be granted unless there are special reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6, Section 22 of Higher Education Ordinance).

If a student has received a recommendation from the University of Gothenburg for special educational support, where it is compatible with the learning outcomes of the course and provided that no unreasonable resources are required, the examiner may decide to allow the student to sit an adjusted exam or alternative form of assessment.

In cases where a course has been discontinued or has undergone major changes, the student shall normally be guaranteed at least three examination occasions (including the ordinary examination) during a period of at least one year from the last time the course was given.

If a student has been notified that they meet the requirements to be a student at the Swedish Sports University (RIU student), the examiner has the right to decide on adjustments to the examination, provided this is done in accordance with the local rules for RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U). For the grade Pass with Distinction, the third assignment, a written exam, must be graded with pass with distinction.

An evaluation will be conducted after completion of the course, and shall comprise the students' as well as the teachers' documented experiences, and is to be compiled and made accessible for the participating students and teachers. The report is to serve as guidance for developing and planning the following course. Results and changes, if any, are to be communicated both to those students who participated in the evaluation as well as to students who are enrolling the following course.

Net-based 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.