Final Thoughts on Pedagogy

Hi,

Just a few final thoughts on "Pedagogy" as it pertains to Technology instruction:

1. Pedagogy encompasses instructional methods, learner needs and preferences, and
the learning environment. It is complex and fascinating. It always involves some types
of technology...even back to the "old days" of only using media such as books or scrolls for
information or teaching resources.

2. Technology can be utilized in many methods as part of pedagogical approaches to
learning, the question is how is it BEST utilized for the learner, content, and intended
learning goals/outcomes. This varies depending on availability, complexity, developmental
appropriateness, philosophy, individual learning style, and of course time and money/resources
required for implementation. To assess this, a resources vs. outcome assessment has to be
made including all of the options available and how well they will improve instruction or
align with the pedagogical approach.

3. The matrix format is quite helpful in evaluating and assessing the technological use in
any one area. However, I urge caution in that ultimately the "flow" should go from:
Educational Philosophy/Values to Pedagogical practices to Technological instructional choice...
The major source of angst in teachers, administration, students, and parents seems to happen
when this flow is disrupted or placed "out of order". So, I suggest a hierarchy: Start with your
roots (Philosophy/Mission), follow up the tree (Pedagogy), and select the branches and leaves
(technologies and instructional strategies) that will ultimately produce the most blooms (student learning) and eventually bear the best fruit (greater achievement). In this way, the education
"tree" grows at the proper rate and acts to disseminate resources at the sites that will best
allow it to flourish and grow in the future. Nuture your tree and respect it, technology may
only be the latest form of "fertilizer" to aid in acceleration of growth or greater proliferation
of larger fruit.

Like my allegorical technology metaphor?

Enjoy.

Tim