Expand+Course overview
Information and communications technologies (ICTs) create new potential to enhance learning, education and human development through adaptive, blended and personalised learning environments. Innovations in the last twenty years in co...

Hide-Course overview
Information and communications technologies (ICTs) create new potential to enhance learning, education and human development through adaptive, blended and personalised learning environments. Innovations in the last twenty years in computer technology enable us to design educational experiences that are potentially more engaging and effective.

NUI Galway’s Structured Ph.D. in the Learning Sciences is the first denominated and structured doctoral programme of its kind in Europe. The aim of the programme is to educate highly-skilled graduates who can draw on a range of research and development skills to conceptualise, design, deploy and evaluate information and communications technologies (ICTs) to enhance learning in different educational contexts and settings.

Students will be selected by a Course Committee comprising the course Directors, prospective research supervisor and Head of School of Psychology or Education. Entrants will be expected to have no less than an upper second class honours degree in education, psychology or a discipline related to educational technologies (e.g. information technology, computer science, business information systems). If students do not have this basic qualification they must have demonstrated high ability by some other means (e.g. through publications or achievement in a higher degree).

Expand+Areas of interest
ICT in education – Web 2.0, adaptive, virtual and blended learning, vitalisation, mobile learning, ubiquitous computing, haptics and embodied technologies

Design-based research and educational innovation

Philosophy of techno...

Hide-Areas of interest
ICT in education – Web 2.0, adaptive, virtual and blended learning, vitalisation, mobile learning, ubiquitous computing, haptics and embodied technologies

Design-based research and educational innovation

Philosophy of technology-enhanced learning

Digital creativity, digital storytelling and new media

Innovative, technology-enhanced contexts for development and learning

New technologies in informal and non-formal learning settings

Reinforcement and Extinction in digital learning contexts

Engagement and learning

Dynamic properties of learning in digital contexts

Cognitive aspects of learning

Design and impact of psychometric assessments in learning

Critical thinking and critical thinking technology

Systems thinking and systems thinking technology

Creativity and mindfulness

Problem-focused and solution-focused thinking

Cognitive interventions for older adults

Learning and skill development

Development of computer-based protocols for training language and cognitive skills

Relational Frame Theory and Behaviour Analysis and their applications in education and psychotherapy

Online cognitive testing