e-Learning Ecologies MOOC’s Updates

Ubiquitous learning: the need for faces

So technology is a neutral tool and not the peadagogy itself; one cannot help but ask 'What is the role of the teacher then, if not simply to be the aide managing a pre-formulated module?' 

In this time of homeschooling, many teachers are throwing together resources which students may be able to access with listed websites, powerpoints (as proxy for teacher exposition and modelling). Some are available at timetabled moments, expecting students to conference call, in their uniforms, parents eating toast nearby, a colleague muting them as necessary. Students upload written work, which teachers mark and return. It's school, with its failings, but with a human face.

As a teacher coach, I have a persistent philosohpy that the best teachers are reading the room, they know their students and they note asides, make interventions and give hints based on an expertise for their subject and a passion for their students interests and engagement:

"Over the course of just one lesson a teacher might make dozens of similarly quick, real-time decisions designed to build their class’s understanding. They may not make the right decisions all the time, but it would at least seem worthwhile to think about what they are trying to achieve and the nature of their expertise."

Christodoulou, Daisy. Teachers vs Tech?: The case for an ed tech revolution (p. 151). OUP Oxford. Kindle Edition.

In my view learning is about relationship, so for the teacher to provide ubiuitous learning, "we've gotta reform the whole ball of wax, or none of it" [Gee J. P., Society or School: What Determines Educational Outcomes?]

  • Heather Ruth Pack
  • Lily Hou