To digitize pedagogy or not to digitize pedagogy- That is the question

A question has educators up in arms- to incorporate technology or to go back to basics. Fyfe (2011) highlights many negative schools of thought on the matter; however, I cannot say I agree with them.

When I think back to my own time at school, we had limited amount of technology available. Since then social media and technology such as tablets, and smartphones have exploded. Educators now have the challenge of incorporating all of the aforementioned into their lessons, if they dare. 

Many educators, stuck in their ways, will insist that technology should be left out of the classroom. It is seen as a distraction and a hindrance. I think that this can hold true, if not used correctly.

However, with the world becoming more digitized, online and high-tech, learners who do not experience technology in all its forms will fall behind. In real world situations, it is vital to have a deep understanding of technology. This is becoming more true as CV’s are taking the form of ePortfolios, university courses and degrees can be obtained online, and communication occurs via countless platforms that discard the need for people to actually interact.

It is for these reasons that I see the inclusion of digital pedagogy into education as imperative. The exclusion of such would be to strip learners of many opportunities. In fact, I feel that it is better to teach learners how to engage effectively with such technologies so that they do not use it negatively. Instead of digital pedagogy being a interference in the classroom, correct implementation rather can allow students to perform optimally and to use it to enhance their education.

Technology is making the world smaller and opportunities greater.