Blog Post #2: Exploring Pedagogy and Networked Learning

What Does Pedagogy Mean to Me?

Pedagogy to me represents the theory and practice of teaching, it is how knowledge is delivered and received by others. It may seem simple but it is not pedagogy focused on how teachers can best help students learn. This is done by implementing strategies used by teachers to help students absorb information. It is not just about the information that is given but it is about how it is given and what teachers can do to improve on that. In my academic journey, I have had many different teachers with a wide range of ideologies on how they should be teaching. Some I have liked and some that I have not, But for me I have always worked best for most classes when teachers are open to allow you to do your own learning and have your own opinion on a given topic. On the other hand if I am in a class like STATS I would much rather prefer the teacher to tell and teach me every aspect of the course leaving nothing for me to imagine or have to learn on my own. I believe that teaching is all about what and who you are trying to teach and finding the right balance.

Networked Pedagogy in Action

Networked pedagogy is an approach to teaching that emphasizes the connections between people, resources, and ideas through digital networks. It allows learners to interact with a diverse range of perspectives, access resources beyond traditional textbooks, and engage in collaborative problem-solving. It is used to leverage tools such as social media to enhance conversation about given topic’s. “It challenges traditional, top-down models of education by encouraging students to take an active role in their learning and engage with a broader community” (Joshua Hotchin). I believe that it is extremely beneficial to the learning of all students to implement these strategies, allowing students to get a wider range of view on whatever topic they are passionate about. For me this has been extremely beneficial to my learning, I can not count how many times I have gone online or used social media to gain more information on a topic that I either needed help with or was passionate about and that is what I think is most beneficial about Networked pedagogy.

Learning Theories in Practice

There are 5 different Learning theories that we learn about in this course being Behaviourism, Constructivism, Cognitivism, Social Learning Theory, and Connectivism. All of them are achieved in different ways and serve different purposes within the grand scheme of learning. Behaviourism, focuses on observing behaviours on an individual or group to see how they are influenced by the environment they are in. Constructivism, Reflects on how learners gain knowledge Suggesting that learners create their own understanding of the knowledge they are taught through experiences and reflection on their own lives. Cognitivism, is the role of mental processes such as memory, and problem-solving questions and equations. It works on learning about the brain and how knowledge is stored within it. Social Learning Theory: Highlights the importance of social interactions, communication and observation in learning. It is about how  People can learn by watching others and matching their behaviors based on what they have seen. It is the “Learn by example” approach that you have definitely heard of. Connectivism: Is a newer theory than the others that focuses on “learning as a way of connecting specialized information sources and forming networks” (Joshua Hotchin). It is particularly relevant now in the digital age, where more information than ever is accessible in abundance. This allows for more learning to take place making this area of learning that much more important.  

Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses among the various learning theories. For me the one I struggle with the most is cognitive. I have a problem with my working memory so when I have to do cognitive learning it can sometimes be extremely confusing for me. So my preference has always been to use the other forms of learning. Out of all the learning theories, connectivism combines with me most. This theory emphasizes the importance of digital learning and the ability to learn at your own pace which is extremely beneficial for me. As a student, there is great value in creating my own digital learning environment, selecting resources, and engaging with experts and peers to refine my understanding on a given topic.

The Role of the Instructor in an Online Course 

In an online course, the instructor’s role extends beyond traditional lecturing to that of a facilitator, support giver, and opportunity creator within the learning process. Effective online instructors demonstrate clear communication, accessible outlets, and adaptability for students’ needs. In my experience, to be a good instructor online I believe they need to foster engagement by creating interactive content, encouraging discussions, and providing timely feedback on graded assignments. The most impactful online instructors have been those who actively participate in discussions, offer multiple forms of content delivery whether it be videos, readings, podcasts, and create a supportive learning environment for all of their students.

Exploring Digital Spaces

Digital learning spaces offer numerous advantages, such as flexibility, accessibility, and the ability to engage in global communication. In today’s world Information is all around us, some of it true, some of it false. But the Internet is a place where you can learn just about anything you want to as long as you are looking in the right place. We are all learning new things every day and that is thanks to digital spaces.”Exploring digital spaces involves understanding the different types of online environments and how they can be used for learning and personal development” (Joshua Hotchin). Even with such a powerful tool it is vital to learn how to use it, as I said before there is a lot of false information online as it is the readers job to be able to decipher what is real and what is not. Overall, If used correctly and effectively Digital Spaces are the most powerful tool we have to learn about anything we want.