Another interesting article I read this week was a blog post entitled Why today is my last day teaching online

Despite being somewhat of an expert in digital technology in the classroom, the author is quite adamant that it is the learning experience that is paramount, above and beyond the learning outcome. In the China setting this attitude seems whimsical, where rote learning and memorisation is the method of choice for the gaokao, a national standardised test.

Differentiation and personalised learning are the essential components of a forward-thinking education system, according to the author, and the subject matter, or indeed, the learner’s needs are the key drivers of instructional strategy, rather than technology. Being pro-f2f, does not mean one must be anti-technology. In fact, a harmonious balance between education and technology can be envisaged, and it’s name is Blended Learning. The pre-requisite being the desire and competence to use digital technology as and when it is needed.

In this way, we come back to training again, teacher training. Teacher self-awareness of one’s own abilities, and the desire to stretch or renew them. That said, for some, rebirth, reinvigoration, renewal of knowledge and ideas, comes naturally. Indeed, I participate regularly in webinars, extensively take notes, and always seek to better myself. If teaching is a business, and the students our customers, then in order to provide the best product/service, it is up to the individual teacher to adapt their specific learning environment to the student’s needs.

But does digitial technology make life easier? Is teaching or learning easier? I feel that we are in a constant state of flux, where new technologies are continuously introduced, and, on the surface they seem to be at once completely original and able to wholly replace and improve on what came before. But with each new interpretation, the imperfections slowly but surely emerge. With technology comes responsibility. With communicative privilege comes the need to control. Especially when young learners are involved. Everything new comes with new rules, new guidelines. I agree with the article’s author when he states, “When we can harness technology to reach and engage students that haven’t historically done well in traditional classrooms, then we truly will have arrived in a technology revolution in education”. This is what I am aiming for.

So for me it is a desire to up-skill in the first instance – using technology to teach, and applying those skills wisely- using technology to enhance & extend the learning experience.

Why today is my last day teaching online… – The Edublogger. 2014. Why today is my last day teaching online… – The Edublogger. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.theedublogger.com/2013/07/23/moocs-and-online-teaching/#.Ue89fCMdkns.twitter. [Accessed 05 October 2014].