Hi hassenman,
Yes you can use it; the difference between the module and the photo transistor is that the module will give a lot more output. Instead of taking the output from the connection between V+ and the transistor, just take it from the output of the module, and tie the V+ connection on the module to 5v+. You should check the data sheet, though, as some modules call for a small capacitance between out and Vss.
No, leotim, it isn't an optocoupler, or a photo transistor with base connection. It is an IR module, and they are quite common.
Best wishes,
Robert