New Learning MOOC’s Updates
Being an Educator in "Interesting Times"
This Learning Module analyzes three pedagogical paradigms which we call "didactic", "authentic" and "transformative". It traces the ideas outlined in Chapters 1, 2 and 8 of New Learning, by Mary Kalantzis and Bill Cope.
Understanding these educational traditions matters as they are woven into everyday classroom practices. Many classrooms use a variety of these approaches. Educators should know the power of each, its historical and cultural purposes, when to deploy it, how it works when it does, and when it fails learners and society.
Video Mini-Lectures
Supporting Material
- Peters on the Knowledge Economy
- Political Leaders, Speaking of Education [Nelson Mandela, The First President of Post-Apartheid South Africa]
- Political Leaders, Speaking of Education [Aung San Suu Kyi, Burmese Opposition Leader and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate]
- Political Leaders, Speaking of Education [Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of Liberia and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate]
- Political Leaders, Speaking of Education [Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan]
Comment: Mention a stand-out idea, or new thought prompted by this material. Use @Name to speak with others about their thoughts.
Make an Update: Find a contemporary text of political rhetoric or public policy that sets social objectives for education (a video, a quote from a written text etc.). Comment on the substance (or lack thereof!) in this text.
I found a relevant contemporary text on education policy: DepEd’s MATATAG Agenda (2023), which aims to improve foundational learning, teacher support, and inclusivity in education. The policy outlines four key commitments, including curriculum reforms and improved teacher welfare. While the objectives are ambitious, some educators argue that there is still a gap in teacher training and resource allocation, making implementation challenging.
Here’s a related resource: DepEd’s MATATAG Agenda. What do you think—does this policy provide concrete solutions, or does it lack the necessary groundwork for real impact?
Le rôle de l'éducation dans le développement du savoir-faire à l'ère de la technologie
L'éducation joue un rôle fondamental dans la transmission des connaissances et des compétences nécessaires pour s'adapter aux évolutions du monde. Avec le développement rapide de la technologie, son rôle s'est élargi : il ne s'agit plus seulement d'acquérir des savoirs théoriques, mais aussi de développer un savoir-faire capable de répondre aux défis d'un monde numérique et connecté.
Titre: L'éducation vers le savoir.
L'éducation est la base de tout apprentissage confondu. Elle peut prendre plusieurs formes dans l'éducation formelle; des méthodes traditionnelles telles que la dictature ou la neuropsychologie vers la digitalisation ou les transformations technologiques comme les LLM. Cependant, elle œuvre toujours dans un but particulier et fondamental: celui de former l'apprenti(e) suffisamment à déployer ses propres ailes et de le ou la contribuer à acquérir n'importe quelle connaissance. Autrement dit, elle est la clé permettant d'ouvrir la porte du savoir.
title:The Impact of Digital Technology on Education: Challenges and Opportunities
Over the years, education has undergone a profound transformation, largely as a result of technological advances and new pedagogical approaches. As a teacher, I have witnessed this evolution, particularly with the increasing integration of digital technology into learning.
One of the most striking changes I've experienced is the shift from face-to-face courses to hybrid or fully online formats, a transition accelerated by the pandemic. This change has imposed new teaching methods, making digital tools unavoidable. At first, the adaptation was a challenge: capturing students' attention through a screen, assessing their understanding without direct interaction, and maintaining effective pedagogical follow-up. But the experience also revealed unsuspected advantages, such as the flexibility of the courses and the wealth of resources available online.
A concrete example of this development can be seen in my approach to introducing students to research. Rather than limiting myself to lectures, I have encouraged collaborative work at a distance, using tools such as Google Drive and Mendeley. As a result, students have learned to write scientific articles by exploiting the advantages of collaborative platforms, enabling them to develop essential skills for their academic and professional future.
However, this transformation also raises questions about student motivation, the importance of human contact and the impact of screens on learning. I believe it is essential to strike a balance between traditional approaches and digital innovations in order to preserve the human dimension of education, while exploiting the potential of digital technology.
Your reflection on the impact of digital technology in education is insightful and resonates with the experiences of many educators. I appreciate how you highlight both the challenges and opportunities brought by this transformation. The shift to hybrid and online learning has indeed reshaped teaching strategies, requiring adaptability from both teachers and students.
Your approach to integrating collaborative tools like Google Drive and Mendeley is particularly commendable, as it not only enhances research skills but also prepares students for a digitally-driven academic and professional environment. I agree that while technology offers flexibility and access to vast resources, maintaining student engagement and preserving the human connection in education remain crucial.
Striking the right balance between traditional and digital methods is key, and your perspective on this is well-articulated. Thank you for sharing your experiences and insights! @Nadia, how do you see the future of digital learning evolving, and what strategies do you think can further enhance student motivation in this new landscape?
@Idrissi Zouggari Nadia Nadia,
Your reflection on the impact of digital technology on education highlights both its transformative potential and the challenges it presents. The shift to hybrid and online learning, accelerated by the pandemic, has indeed reshaped teaching methods, offering flexibility and access to vast resources while also requiring adaptation in engagement strategies.
I find your approach to teaching research particularly insightful—integrating collaborative tools like Google Drive and Mendeley not only enhances accessibility but also equips students with essential skills for their future academic and professional endeavors. However, as you rightly pointed out, maintaining student motivation and preserving the human aspect of education remain crucial concerns.
Finding the right balance between digital innovation and traditional pedagogical methods is key. How do you think educators can best maintain student engagement and interaction in a digital-first learning environment?
Title: Technology in Education: Transforming the Role of Educators
Update:
The role of technology in education has drastically evolved, reshaping not just how students learn but also how educators teach. As an educator, I’ve witnessed firsthand how tools like Learning Management Systems (LMS), AI-driven platforms, and collaborative tools like Google Workspace have transformed classrooms into dynamic, interactive environments.
For instance, in my course AI in Decision-Making and Digital Transformation, I’ve leveraged AI-based platforms to provide tailored feedback and real-time analytics on student progress. This not only enhances the learning experience but also allows me to focus on mentoring students individually, a task that was previously challenging with larger class sizes.
One key realization is that technology is no longer just a supplementary tool—it’s a critical enabler of education. Educators are now required to adapt, not just as teachers but also as facilitators, technologists, and mentors. While this shift opens up incredible opportunities, it also demands continuous professional development to stay updated with emerging trends and tools.
Your insights on the evolving role of technology in education are truly inspiring! It’s fascinating to see how tools like LMS, AI-driven platforms, and collaborative technologies have transformed the learning experience, making classrooms more interactive and engaging.
Your use of AI-based platforms in your AI in Decision-Making and Digital Transformation course is particularly commendable. Providing tailored feedback and real-time analytics not only enhances student learning but also allows for more personalized mentorship—something that can be challenging in larger class settings.
I completely agree that technology is no longer just an add-on but a fundamental component of modern education. The shift from traditional teaching to a more facilitative and technology-driven role is exciting yet demands continuous learning from educators. Your emphasis on professional development is crucial, as staying updated with emerging tools ensures that educators can maximize the benefits of technology while maintaining a human-centered approach to teaching.
Thank you for sharing your experience! , what strategies do you find most effective in ensuring that technology enhances—not replaces—the human connection in education?@Deekshitha Prashanth Deekshtiha,
Your interpretation clearly mentions the evolution of the technology over the years. Tehnology became an extension of the education, a necessity in modern teaching and learning.
Your analysis perfectly illustrates the evolving role of technology in education. I completely agree with you: technological tools, such as AI platforms and learning management systems, are redefining the way we teach and support students. As you so aptly pointed out, this transformation places educators in an expanded role as facilitator-technologists, which requires continuous skill development. This not only makes learning more personalized but also allows for more effective use of time to provide individualized support to students while ensuring these tools are adapted to the specific context and educational objectives of each subject.
In your opinion, what approaches or initiatives could foster continuous professional development for educators in this ever-changing environment?
Update: My Experience with Recent Changes in Education
Context: As a student and former teacher, I have noticed significant changes in the nature of education, particularly in the shift towards technology and online learning.
One standout change I’ve personally experienced as a student is the increased reliance on digital platforms and virtual classrooms. For example, during my Master’s program, many of my classes transitioned to online platforms due to the pandemic. This shift allowed for more flexible learning but also highlighted the importance of digital literacy and self-discipline. I’ve seen firsthand how these tools can foster collaboration across borders, but they also come with challenges such as engagement and the digital divide.
From my perspective as a former teacher, I’ve witnessed how technology has reshaped the classroom experience. When I was a Kindergarten Principal, we began integrating more technology into our curriculum, and while it sparked excitement among students, it also created tension among some teachers who were less comfortable with the tech. I believe that while technology can enhance learning, its implementation needs to be paired with adequate teacher training and support to prevent inequity.
Prompted Thought:
I often wonder about the balance between innovation and tradition in education. While technology offers exciting possibilities, it can’t replace the human touch that traditional methods provide. What do you think—can we find a way to blend the two?
As a recent teacher, I can relate to that changement. Technology became necessary to student's knowledge and curriculum. And the funnier part is sometimes, we think our students understand technology better than us. However, while it can make significant changes such as improving quality of work and fostering skills, they do not replace human interactions. Technology should rather be an assistant.
What stands out to me from this module is how Socrates, Plato, and Confucius taught in ways that were precursors to education. For example, Confucius taught a circle of disciples under a tree who later wrote his teachings down to be passed onto later generations, founding Confucianism as a religion. Another thing that stands out to me is that education is the science of sciences. In other words, you can only learn about chemistry, geology, psychology, and other sciences with education. And a third thing that stands out to me is how there are three types of pedagogy that educators use a combination of to effectively teach students so that they learn and succeed in their academics and professions.
@Anila Dj, I remember being taught about Nelson Mandela in high school. He rebelled against taxes because he thought the taxes on salt were unfair. Plus, I remember being taught about Montessori Learning, which is what came to mind when you mentioned child - centered learning.
Comment: It's interesting that the three Political Leaders had a slightly different vision of education coming from their personal experiences and the needs of their communities. Queen Rania's comment was oriented towards the job-market whereas Mandela and Suu Kyi were more people-centered. Liberia may move toward education that is more student-centered, project based and experiential learning to develop these skills for the global order. However, I personally believe, if institutions are trained to adapt a reflexive, transformative pedagogy too it could be very empowering for the country. Liberians can learn to critically assess not only their local challenges but also the global structures and histories that have influenced their context. Maybe it is the need of the hour to cultivate students' abilities to think critically about external influences, question economic and social models, and identify paths that align with indigenous heritage and values.
Update: Coming up!
A notable example of political rhetoric around education policy that touches on cognitive diversity—including conditions like ADHD and varied cognitive styles, such as those identified by frameworks like Myers-Briggs—is the inclusive education policy outlined by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Their stance highlights the importance of educational environments that cater to diverse learning styles and cognitive needs. Although the rhetoric promotes an inclusive system, practical implementation often lags behind, lacking specific frameworks to address unique cognitive styles and neurodiversity.
The OECD’s call for inclusion broadly aims to create learning spaces where students with ADHD or those with different cognitive perceptions (such as those with an INTP vs. an ISFJ learning style) can thrive. However, the lack of concrete implementation measures, such as trained educators and flexible curriculum structures, often leaves these intentions unfulfilled. Students with ADHD, for instance, may struggle without targeted support for executive functioning and attention, while students with varied Myers-Briggs types may not have access to personalized learning experiences that resonate with their unique cognitive preferences.
While these policies aspire to support neurodiversity by promoting inclusive practices, they tend to overlook detailed accommodations for specific cognitive styles or personality-based needs. Effective support for ADHD, MBTI-type diversity, and other neurodiverse groups requires both policy rhetoric and actionable commitments—such as individualized learning plans, flexible classroom environments, and professional development for educators on neurodiversity.
Source:
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1205559.pdf
https://academic.oup.com/book/24517/chapter-abstract/187645336?redirectedFrom=fulltext&login=false
https://academic.oup.com/book/26151/chapter-abstract/194229835?redirectedFrom=fulltext&login=false