Master of Education (ODL)

CORE MODULES

Educational Psychology

This module explores the fundamental principles and concepts of educational psychology, focusing on three main schools of thought - behaviorism, cognitivism and constructivism. These three approaches provide a more comprehensive view of how teaching and learning can take place effectively. The course also explores the role of motivation in learning and individual learning differences. You will also earn a microcredential from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Curriculum Development

This course explores the various definitions of curriculum and discusses how philosophical beliefs, psychological perspectives, societal demands and the legacy of history affect curriculum. Curriculum development, along with discussions on issues and future trends, is also explored. You will also earn a microcredential from The University of New South Wales.

Learning and Cognition

This course focuses on developing understanding on the key concepts and principles in learning and cognition. You will be guided to focus on the various learning theories and strategies of learning and teaching, giving due consideration to the content to be taught, learner differences and styles of learning. You will also earn a microcredential from Columbia University.

Models and Strategies of Teaching

This course introduces you to a variety of models and strategies of teaching based on past research. Three families of teaching models are introduced: social learning, information-processing and behaviourist. Several teaching contexts are described so that teachers can design and develop appropriate lesson plans, make informed decisions and develop a sense of best practice in teaching. You will also earn a microcredential from Macquarie University.

Instructional Technology 

This module explores the earlier and current developments of educational technology, followed by examples of how technology has been used at various levels of education and in the training environment. You will also explore reviews of future technologies and the role they could play in today’s Knowledge Society. You will also earn a microcredential from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Measurement and Evaluation in Education

This course introduces the differences between testing, measurement and assessment. The focus is on the purpose of the assessment - ‘why assess’ followed by discussion on ‘what to assess’. Next, the ‘how’ of assessment is considered, with emphasis on the various techniques teachers can adopt. Various assessment techniques are utilised for this module and the effectiveness of these assessment approaches are then tested. You will also earn a microcredential from John Hopkins University.

Qualitative Research Methodology

This module introduces concepts, theories and processes in qualitative research. Aspects which are dealt with include identifying areas and topics of research, research objectives; problem statements, formulating research questions; theories and models; literature review; methods of data collection, analysis and interpretation; conclusion and recommendation; report writing and ethical issues and considerations in qualitative research. You will also earn a microcredential from Queen Mary University of London.

Quantitative Research Methodology

 This module provides you with a foundation on the principles and practices of quantitative research and its application in the design and implementation of a research project. Among the quantitative methods emphasised are experimental research designs and the survey method. Various kinds of experimental research designs are introduced along with the procedure for conducting surveys. This module also introduces the application of basic statistical techniques. You will also earn a microcredential from the University of Amsterdam.

Masters Project

This project aims to further develop your research skills. These skills concern the choice of a socially and scientifically relevant research subject, the systematic collection and analysis of relevant literature on this subject, and the formulation of a research question. This course runs over a duration of 2 semesters.

ELECTIVE MODULES

AREA OF CONCENTRATION 1: STEM

The Philosophical Underpinnings and Pedagogical Transformation

iR4.0 had caused the changing landscape of employment, technologies and demand. As such, STEM education is life-long learning and should be conducted via formal methods. This module focuses on the introduction and implementation of STEM in Malaysia, philosophical and underlying theories of STEM education, the transformation of pedagogy from traditional to advance approaches with developments in Information Communication Technology, robotic technology, BIG data & data analysis. 

STEM in Primary and Secondary Curriculum - Areas of Concentration: STEM

This module explores the various definitions of curriculum and discusses how philosophical beliefs, psychological perspectives, societal demands and the legacy of history affect this curriculum. The curriculum development process is considered, with particular emphasis on curriculum planning, design, implementation and evaluation in the context of today’s dynamic society.

Teaching and Learning in STEM- The Pedagogical Shift 

Our rapidly changing environment, greater competition and advances in ICT have resulted in the need for a professional workforce in STEM-related fields. As such, this module focuses on aspects that could make STEM-based topics more interesting and fun. These aspects include inquiry-based learning, problem-based learning, mobile learning (m-learning), game-based Learning (GBL), amongst others. 

AREA OF CONCENTRATION 2: EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP

Leadership and Managing Change in Education

This module gives you an increased understanding of theories in leadership and organisational changes, and enables you to demonstrate an increased capability to observe, reflect and understand the nature of effective educational leadership. You will also be able to investigate and critically engage with concepts, principles, and research findings related to educational change processes. You will also earn a microcredential from Macquarie University.

Educational Leadership and Entrepreneurship

The main aim of this module is to give you the theoretical foundation of educational leadership and organisation, enabling you to understand and utilise these concepts in managing your organisation or school effectively, with minimal obstacles. You will also earn a microcredential from the University of Michigan.

Strategic Educational Administration

This module is important for the development of your competencies, as educational administrators, in utilising strategic management concepts and practices as tools to analyse and strategise for your students’ success at present and in future real-life situations. You will also earn a microcredential from Copenhagen Business School.

 

AREA OF CONCENTRATION 3: LEARNING SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGIES

Cloud Computing Applications for Educators

This module focuses on why cloud computing should be utilised within our education institutions and its importance in the reiteration of education philosophy. You will be exposed to the services and applications of educational cloud computing. You will also earn a microcredential from IBM.

Learning Design and Digital Pedagogy

You will learn trends and issues of e-Learning content development and explore a variety of web- based designs, development tools and methods. This module also focuses on the technical and development requirements for e-Learning and the investigation of social media tools within education. You will also earn a microcredential from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Design Based Research for Future Technological Innovations

Design-based research is used to solve real-world problems by designing and enacting interventions as well as extending theories and refining design principles. You will learn how to develop design-based research, which is interactive, iterative and flexible. This module provides the conceptual foundations for understanding design-based research, as well as the methodological tools for performing it. You will also earn a microcredential from Macquarie University.