There is much confusion regarding what digital
pedagogy is. To put it as simply as possible, digital pedagogy is not the same
as online teaching. Online teaching is basically going online, doing activities
and interacting digitally (Can only be done on electronically devices like
computers or tablets). Pedagogy refers to the method teachers use to facilitate
learning. Digital pedagogy, then, refers to tools teachers use to educate
learners. These tools can be a variety of things, from watching a movie that
corresponds with a book that is being handled in class, to doing research on a
specific topic/subject. To my understanding, digital pedagogy is using tools
that are available to support effective teaching and learning. Coming back to
the movie, it is important to understand that everyone does not learn the same.
Exposing them to the movie, might help them to grasp the main theme of the book
that is being dealt with.
In its essence, the term pedagogue means to
lead a child. @slumteacher makes the statement that all teachers are not
digital pedagogues and I completely agree with him. Think about the teacher you
had in high school. The one who gives answers immediately after asking
questions, convincing you that this is all you need for the exams. That is not
leading a child (learner) to become critical thinkers and it certainly does not
encourage the learner to engage. To lead, in a sense, means to give directions and also make tool accessible for learners to
figure things out on their own or to make the learning process as easy as
possible, but also sustainable. Teachers need to get on the same level as the
learners and explore with them, the many ways of learning.
Of course, digital pedagogy is not only limited
to the classroom. Digital pedagogy can
be used in online teaching. Remember the days when internet was not invented
yet? Can you tell me that some of those teachers were not digital pedagogues? Of
course they were. Papers, pens and textbooks were once “new technology”.
To us it this is not strange, because it became
our way of life. The same can be said for generations to follow. What is new to
us will eventually become their way of life. Therefore, new methods of learning
have to come forward and it looks like the bar is set. Digital pedagogy does
now mean, incorporating the latest technology to facilitate learning for next
generation, on a level that they understand.
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