Keep things interesting

“Pedagogy has at its core timeliness, mindfulness and improvisation.”

So. There I find myself again contemplating the concept of digital pedagogy. Not only is it a strange word to pronounce but it gets even stranger when trying to identify what it means. Digital obviously has to do with technology and Pedagogy well that’s just a weird word right? Wrong. Digital pedagogy is not simply the use of technology is classrooms. Nor does it refer to teaching online (and I’m sure a few of us thought it did) or posting class notes online. So what is digital pedagogy? Well that’s a really good question.

Digital pedagogy is a way of living (yes I said it). It’s not strictly about the tools you use, the way you speak or going online. Pedagogy is a concept that forms part of who you are as a teacher. I know this sounds weird so let me explain further. First let’s drop the “digital” for a moment. According to @slamteacher pedagogy is present wherever learning is taking place. Pedagogy is about engagement between people that enables learning. Pedagogy is about innovation. Reinventing the way you teach when the situation demands it. It aims to create a passion for learning that doesn’t simply disappear when the exams are done (as most of our “knowledge” disappeared during school).

Pedagogy at its core refers to innovation and improvisation. So what does this mean? It simply means that a pedagogue (yes that it a word) always looks at what they are teaching and think, how can I improve this? How can I change what I am doing to make this a worthwhile experience for my learners?

Now for the “digital” part. Digital (pedagogy) is about adapting to the technological revolution our generation is experiencing. However (if you read my previous post, plus thank you for doing so) it’s not about bombarding your learners with technological tools in the class room. It means you don’t need to be afraid of it. According to @jessifer you as a teachers should teach your tools not simply let your tools teach you. Use the computer if you want but don’t let technology replace who you are as a teacher. Then you’re not a pedagogue and definitely not a digital one. So use the tools (don’t be one). And discover new things along the way. There’s no shame in stumbling around in the dark because how else are we supposed to find something new and interesting if we don’t go look for it in unknown places?

So no, digital pedagogy is not about teaching online (I hope we established this), nor is it simply about going “digital”. Pedagogy is a way of thinking and it’s a way of being teachers. It’s about seeing how thing are and what is being done and thinking how can I improve this. So be pedagogical (I really didn’t know this was a word but I guess it is!) and reinvent the way you teach. Take your learners outside to inspire them to write a descriptive essay, play monopoly to help them to understand money (I am not a math teacher so try this at your own risk). Screw around with different techniques (yes this material has some very dubious chose of words) and keep learning new things and play around with how you teach. Do something different and keep learning how to establish new ways of teaching and keep things interesting.

Going Nude (It's not what you expect)

We are all aware of how prominent technology is in our lives. I mean, list the few places where technology isn't used or important? I bet you can name them on one hand. So if technology is so paramount in our daily lives should we shy away from it in schools? Yes I know when people think about technology in schools we all relive that horrific PowerPoint presentation that basically put you into hibernation. But is that all technology can be used for at school? As a tool that is used to ram information down leaner's throats? (No students were harmed in the writing of this post).

Technology is being used to revolutionize the world but when it comes to classrooms everyone hits a blank. Yes we have the YouTube video's and the projector but is that using technology to benefit the learners or as a tool to make the teachers life easier? That is why the idea of teaching naked (it's not what you think) is such an intriguing idea. Strip away the technology in the classroom. Leave the YouTube videos and the PowerPoints and get down to the nitty gritty of what it is we want to do as teachers. We want to TEACH and to do that we need to engage. And learners don't need to engage with a YouTube video. They need to engage with you (the teacher - just to clarify) and with others in the class. (I bet you are wondering what happened to the "technology is revolutionary" line I had going but just stay with me). The intention of Teaching Naked is ripping away the technology in the classroom. It's about stepping out behind the computer and peaking from behind the projection screen and actually engaging with the budding young minds sitting in front of you. Just you and them. Keep it simple.

Now comes the "viva la technology" I promised. The concept of Teaching Naked does not exclude the use of technology (I know right? What??). It just argues against using technology as a barrier to prevent you from engaging with the learners. Now where does technology fit in with school education? Well why don't we let the learners use it for their school work at home? Assign then educational podcast to listen to at home. Have them blog about ideas or topics you give them in class. Have them engage with each other and with topics on Twitter. Social media has become platforms of discussion from political to social to personal. Why not use those platforms to help them engage with the world while discovering their own voice?

Bottom line is: Don't be afraid of Technology and don't shy away from it. Just use it to help the learners develop their own ideas and then engage with them without any distractions. So keep it Naked ;)

Talana Cilliers