Study Guide

Objectives (course unit)

The aim of this course is to develop an understanding of the ways in which the modern digitally mediated world impacts all aspects of being, including education and leadership.
After completing the course, the student will
• understand the ways in which technology is entangled with existing social practices and economic and political systems
• reflect on the utilisation and practices of labour in social media and digital platforms
• develop an understanding of the discussions and debates around the uses of contemporary digital technologies
• critique and evaluate the ethics of social media
• select and appraise digital media resources for their own work in education and leadership
• examine the relevance of historical media theories in the contemporary post-digital landscape

Content (course unit)

• Defining the postdigital world
• Platform affordances
• Surveillance capitalism
• Narrative theory & genre
• Memes & humour
• Digital gatekeepers
• Social media & reality
• Representation

Prerequisites (course unit)

None

Further information (course unit)

None

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2) (course unit)

The students can recognise and define concepts and movements in the fields of media theory as far as they are relevant in the field of educational leadership. They are able to perform the assigned course tasks under supervision, within the allotted deadlines and can partake in peer feedback and group work.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4) (course unit)

The students can identify relationships between the various media-related theories and compare and analyse how they work in relation to their own particular field of educational leadership. They can make plans and solve problems from a range of possible options with clear justification. The engage with peer feedback and group activities with a high level of skill and commitment.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5) (course unit)

The students demonstrate a deep level of comprehension of historical and contemporary media theory and are able to expand upon those concepts in a creative and professional way. They are able to employ a diverse range of sources in their arguments and bring originality to the way the engage with the topics. The students are competent in all areas of feedback, analysis and self-assessment. They can cooperate responsibly, flexibly and constructively.

Assessment scale

0-5