This document provides information about the Learning and Educational Technology (LET) minor subject studies program at the University of Oulu. It introduces the LET research unit and its focus on understanding learning through motivation, self-regulation and social aspects. The minor studies program is described as consisting of introductory courses in learning theory and technology as well as courses in designing technology-enhanced learning and educational projects. The goals of the program are also listed, which are to understand learning theories and evaluate technologies for learning, collaborate in learning communities, and recognize the role of technology in modern learning.

1. Essi Vuopala
LET – Learning and Educational Technology Research Unit
University of Oulu
essi.vuopala@oulu.fi
Learning and Educational
Technology
Minor subject studies
2013-09-10

2. Essi Vuopala
LET – Learning and Educational Technology Research Unit
University of Oulu
essi.vuopala@oulu.fi
About LET
We aim for understanding
the “skill and will” of
learning and design future
innovations for learning.
Research focuses on:
1. motivation, self-regulation
and socially shared regulation
of learning,
2. collaborative learning and
CSCL and
3. learning of expertise.
Teaching:
- LET –master’s
programme
- LET minor subject studies

3. Essi Vuopala
LET – Learning and Educational Technology Research Unit
University of Oulu
essi.vuopala@oulu.fi
Introducing minor subject
teachers
• Essi Vuopala
– INTRO, THEORY, TEL1, PROJECT
• Jari Laru
– INTRO
• Pirkko Hyvönen
– PROJECT
• Aino-Maaria Palosaari
– PROJECT

4. Essi Vuopala
LET – Learning and Educational Technology Research Unit
University of Oulu
essi.vuopala@oulu.fi
Why learning and educational technology?
What kind of expertise do we need in future?
FINNSIGHT 2015:
• In future’s society there’s a need for new ways of learning. Learning
occurs regardless of time and space.
• Modern technology affords plenty of new ways to learn, study and
teach.
• It’s more and more important to know how to share expertise, work in
teams and develop your skills and expertise continuoysly.

5. Essi Vuopala
LET – Learning and Educational Technology Research Unit
University of Oulu
essi.vuopala@oulu.fi
Learning objectives
After these studies students are able to
• make use of the essential learning theories in the
contexts of individual and collaborative learning and
life-long learning
• pedagogically evaluate different technologies in
interaction, learning, and content production
• work collaboratively in different learning communities
• recognize the role of educational technology in
learning society

6. Essi Vuopala
LET – Learning and Educational Technology Research Unit
University of Oulu
essi.vuopala@oulu.fi
Our main interest is LEARNING - in theory and in practice

7. Essi Vuopala
LET – Learning and Educational Technology Research Unit
University of Oulu
essi.vuopala@oulu.fi
Courses in LET minor studies
Introduction to
learning and
educational
technology (INTRO)
Learning theory and
pedagogical use of
technology
(THEORY)
Designing
technology-
enhanced learning
(TEL1)
Educational projects
(PROJECT)
Digital portfolios
Autumn 2013 Spring 2014
Introducing
research in the field
of LET
Getting familiar with
central ICT
applications
Becoming familiar
with theoretical
framework of LET
Applying learning
theories in
implementation of
educational project
Developing skills of
setting up,
implementing and
evaluating a virtual
course

8. Essi Vuopala
LET – Learning and Educational Technology Research Unit
University of Oulu
essi.vuopala@oulu.fi
Studying educational technology means…
• Diversity
– We use many different teaching and
studying methods and wide range of
technological tools and applications
• Collaborative studying
– Big part of the studying is implemented
as a group work, face-to-face or on-line
• Internationality
– Working together with the LET
programme’s students and other
international partners
• Cooperation with local
employers
– In the Educational Projects course

9. Essi Vuopala
LET – Learning and Educational Technology Research Unit
University of Oulu
essi.vuopala@oulu.fi
Digital story by last year’s
Educational Technology students:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AM7Vqw3-dI

10. Essi Vuopala
LET – Learning and Educational Technology Research Unit
University of Oulu
essi.vuopala@oulu.fi
Getting to know each other by
Exploring experiences & expectations
• Form groups of 3-4 students
• In these groups
– Introduce yourself to the other group members
– Share the experiences that you have had with
educational technology (using technology to support
learning/teaching) so far
– Share also the expectations that you have for the studies:
What are your personal learning goals?

11. Essi Vuopala
LET – Learning and Educational Technology Research Unit
University of Oulu
essi.vuopala@oulu.fi
Tuesday afternoon coffees
with teachers and tutors
Once a month
If you have any questions or problems with your studies
If you want to talk and hang out with other students
If you want to discuss about some educational technology contents or
practical issues
If you just like coffee (or tea) :)
KTK234
At 13:00 – 14:00
Tuesday 24th September
Tuesday 15th October
Tuesday 19th November

12. Essi Vuopala
LET – Learning and Educational Technology Research Unit
University of Oulu
essi.vuopala@oulu.fi
Keep yourself informed!
• E-mail list of all the LET minor students: Edtech2013(at)lists.oulu.fi
(urgent information)
• Confluence (’home environment’)
• Web-pages www.oulu.fi/let/ (course descriptions)
• http://www.slideshare.net/LEToulu (PowerPoint-slides)
• Essi Vuopala
E-mail: essi.vuopala(at)oulu.fi
Tel. 050 3507641
Room KTK232