“The term pedagogy has been in use since the early 16th century to describe ‘the art and science of teaching’ (amongst other definitions) particularly focusing upon the teacher’s role in a young person’s learning. More recently of course, it has formed part of the ongoing cry ‘it’s not the technology, it’s the pedagogy…’ which is raised at every conference, at every turn.
Andragogy, on the other hand, only became well used in 1913 after Malcolm Knowles developed a theory of it to describe adult learning – specifically focusing upon how children and adults learn differently (and as such require different forms of teaching).
One of the key differences is the description of the learner.”
Author: Dan Sutch, Flux Blog, 16th April 2008
Full article available here.
April 17, 2008 at 9:55 am
A new handbook from Futurelab shows how learners can play a key role in the design of educational technology, and so help tackle growing inequalities in education. Funded by CfBT Education Trust and launched today by Baroness Estelle Morris, ‘Designing Educational Technologies for Social Justice’ explores the role that digital technologies can play in reducing inequality in education and offers guidance on designing educational resources that benefit disadvantaged learners.
A key message from the handbook to developers, teachers and other education practitioners such as community groups is that, in order to design educational technology and projects to reduce inequality, you have to involve those using it throughout the design process. A tokenistic gesture – user testing an idea once development is under way or complete – will not suffice. Designers are also urged to avoid simply reusing technologies and projects that have worked in the past – what works in one place and with one group of people may not work well in a new environment.
Author: FutureLab, 2nd April 2008
Full article available here.
April 4, 2008 at 10:55 am
