Not a path through the woods, but a compass

I must say pedagogy is still a word that I struggle to pronounce. I think I have it and then it runs away from me again. The same goes for its meaning, you think you have a grasp of it and then new information comes to light. But I think that, that in essence is what pedagogy is, especially digital pedagogy. It is an ever changing, ever adapting concept. No single sentence can fully explain it but instead it is something that you need to take the time and gather understanding on it. This is done through reading and experience.

I think the best quote to me that described digital pedagogy was this:

“Digital Pedagogy is not a path through the woods. Its a compass”

These two articles, or well one article with two parts, was very informative and really challenged your thinking. Not challenge as in “I don’t agree with you” but rather got you to think about the aspects that you already knew about but hadn’t managed to find the words to explain. And the best part was, it was more about the pedagogues than the pedagogy.

It’s so difficult to single out a few sentences or things that were said due to the fact that there was so much that I agreed with. This probably is the reason why I thoroughly enjoyed the article. The main thing that stuck out for me was this: yes online learning has its restrictions but only if you are just an online educator/teacher. But if you are a digital pedagogue, well then being online is full of limitless possibilities. There is such a difference between a pedagogue and a teacher. The one is earned through years of experience and relentless playing around and experimenting while the other is just a qualification followed by the job of relaying information to others. Not all teachers are pedagogues (even though they should be) but the amazing thing is that you do not need to be a teacher to be a pedagogue. Pedagogy is where learning takes place through new and interesting styles and ways. So by this, a pedagogue is someone who facilitates the learning of content through these fun, alternative tools/ways. Learning can occur between a student and a teacher, or a student and a student, or anyone for that matter. Pedagogy and being a pedagogue is not limited to teaching in a classroom, but rather allows the freedom to explore many different ways to ensure that learning takes place. And with digital pedagogy, the only limit is your imagination. The options and opportunities are limitless!

That’s my say, short and quick…if you want a full on detailed essay on all my thoughts for this article then just drop a comment, but Im sure no one is that bored…yet.

Remember! Keep your eyes on the board!