Behaviourism
Focuses on observable changes in behaviour, with practice, feedback and reinforcement supporting learning.
Examples: step-by-step exercises, immediate feedback and basic skills practice.
ICT PERSONNEL TRAINING 2026 / UNIT 01
Foundations and Applications of Educational Technology
Session One: Why study educational theory, and how does technology shape teaching and learning?
Session overview
School ICT work extends beyond maintaining equipment. It also involves helping teachers judge what a technology supports, which learning situations it suits, and how it protects students and their data.
This guide summarises the first-session slides for preparation and review. Refer to the presentation used in class for the full content and illustrations.
01 · Education in the information age
The internet changes how knowledge is accessed and shared. Students can be readers, creators and contributors. Learning analytics and AI offer new possibilities, while requiring teachers and ICT staff to evaluate their uses and limitations together.
Reflect: before introducing a tool, do you start with its new features or the learning goal it should support?
02 · Four learning theories
Cognitivism
Examines how information is processed, organised, remembered and retrieved.
Examples: concept maps, segmented materials and multimedia explanations.
Constructivism
Learners connect prior experience with inquiry, interaction and authentic situations to build understanding.
Examples: projects, collaborative boards and simulations.
Connectivism
Emphasises creating, maintaining and evaluating connections within networks of knowledge.
Examples: personal learning networks, learning communities and open educational resources.
The same tool can support different teaching approaches. Consider the activity design, feedback and learning goals alongside the technology.
03 · Group activity: analyse a school tool
The slides suggest groups of 4–5, preferably from different schools. Allow approximately 30 minutes for the activity and 3 minutes for each group report.
- Choose an ICT tool or platform commonly used in your school.
- Analyse how it is used through the four learning theories.
- Describe the learning activities and goals it supports.
- Identify a limitation, risk or opportunity for improvement.
04 · Roles, digital citizenship & data protection
Teachers increasingly act as learning designers and guides. ICT staff are partners in supporting teaching. Tool selection should consider information literacy, online safety, intellectual property and personal data.
- What student data does the platform collect?
- Which data is necessary for the learning activity?
- How can students recognise unreliable information and online risks?
- How does the tool fit local curriculum requirements in Macao?
Check current official guidance when referring to legislation or curriculum requirements.
After-session reflection
Choose a technology currently used in your school. Identify its learning goal, the theory it aligns with and one improvement you would like to make. Bring your observations to the next discussion.
Course arrangements
Unit One consists of 30 hours, approximately 10 sessions. The slides specify attendance of at least 80%. Refer to the official timetable for subsequent dates.
Faculty of Education, University of Macau