OPEN, CONNECTED, SOCIAL — IMPLICATIONS FOR EDUCATIONAL DESIGN

Alec Couros, PhD, Faculty of Education, University of Regina, Canada

In January 2008, a new Graduate course in Education was offered at the Faculty of Education, University of Regina. The online course, “Open, Connected, Social,” utilizes Web 2.0 and open source software tools to promote, engage with and critically interpret emerging digital pedagogies. Students participated in collaborative activities that helped develop student self- efficacy, improved technological competencies, and positively influenced student perceptions of educational technology. This paper shares the theoretical foundations of the course, a description of course activities, assessments and experiences, and describes early successes and lessons learned in the design and facilitation of this unique experience.