Thoughts on digital pedagogy

18 February 2016

Thoughts on Digital Pedagogy

Before coming to university I had nothing to do with a digital pedagogy. I didn’t even know that the concept or practice existed. The high school I attended used the very traditional method of instruction, rarely relying on anything digital, except maybe for a cd player used for a listening comprehension. I myself am not big on digital devices or social media, which made the transition into a sort of digital pedagogy on undergrad level a little difficult, and now with PGCE even harder. I struggle with it quite frankly…

However, I do recognize and acknowledge the need and gap for a digital pedagogy in classrooms up until university level in this day and age. We have to move with the times and as teachers and future teachers we have to teach our learners with tools, and use methods that are applicable and relevant to their educational, technological and social context.

The use of digital devices in the classroom can be used to engage, motivate and interest learners into wanting to learn more and do more and to ultimately be more creative with their devices. Children are using these devices from a much earlier age these days. I believe that the use of these devices improves their overall language competences as they learn how to read and write (text) at a much earlier age. It also improves their communication and social skills, as they learn to engage and interact on these digital platforms.

Digital pedagogy can be used in combination with the traditional methods of teaching as to not lose the “humanity” of teaching and learning. Digital devices do not necessarily have to replace traditional methods or the traditional role of the teacher, but can be used as a teaching aid to make learning exciting and to keep learners/ students actively involved in the teaching and learning process. These learners are already spending so much time on digital devices, as their teacher you may as well utilise the practice and turn it into something educational.

Digital pedagogy doesn’t necessarily have to involve a digital device. It just has to be a tool which enable learners to learn in a direct manner. So here it also challenges the teacher’s creativity. I think that the best way to engage and keep learners engaged in the classroom is to enlighten, inform and teach them about concepts in a fresh, creative and entertaining manner and this can be done with a digital pedagogy.