Digital pedagogy

Firstly, I thought that I need to explain- the three main concepts that I came across in the article.

The first concept that I will be looking at is pedagogy. Now what is pedagogy? Well it is seen as the method and practice of teaching, specifically as an academic subject or theoretical concept. The second concept is digital pedagogy: It is seen as the use of electronic elements to enhance or to change to the experience of education. Then there is the term LMS (Learning Management System), this refers to a software application or web-based technology used to plan, implement, and assess a specific learning process. Usually a LMS provides an instructor with a way to create and deliver comment, monitor student’s participation and assess student performance.

LMS has changed the meaning of digital pedagogy for me. It has taken digital pedagogy to the next level. Now I am not a fan of the LMS. There is some pro’s and some con’s to the LMS. Some of the positive aspects of the LMS is that a student can do his/her work in the comfort of their home. It makes travel easier because you can do your work on the road you just need internet access and a computer. Some of the negative parts of LMS is low motivation, bad study habits, no routine of class, internet that is not working properly and there is no support of teachers. That is just some of the negative parts of LMS that I can think of and I am sure there is many more….

Even though the LMS sound good in theory I would say that in an ideal world it would work. If you think about our country not all the learners will be able to make use of the LMS because not all of the learners have access to a computer or the internet. Then there is also the reality of load shedding that comes into play. Another thing that I am concerned with is the discipline of the learner if there is no discipline then the learner will struggle to keep up with the work and this will lead to a drop in the passing rate.

I am all for the technology and the use of the internet but when it comes to teaching I am old school. I believe a learner will get the best education in a classroom setting with as much one on one attention as possible (if it is possible), the teacher is also there not just to provide the learner with the work but to assist the learner through the work. Besides why do I have these 13 subjects now if I then only need 1 which is computer use to teach the learners of the future?!?!?