Technology in Facilitating Learning

Technology provides tools for active learning, among others— it is a means, not an end. Integrating technology into our pedagogy conjures reflection on our part as educators about moving away from the ways things have been done, to imagining the ways things ought to be done. When you go to the hardware store to buy a drill, you don’t actually want a drill, you want a hole, they don’t sell holes at the hardware store, but they do sell drills, which are the technology used to make holes.

As Fletcher said, we must not lose sight that technology for the most part is a tool and it should be used in applications which address educational concerns.Technology can support and enhance your teaching and student learning in three central ways: it can expand the scope of classroom learning beyond the physical boundaries of the classroom (and also beyond inclusion of only teacher and students); it can expand accessibility of, and engagement with, content and information; it can expand the ways students can demonstrate what they have learned.

There are many resources on campus that can help you use technology in the classroom or online to increase student engagement and administer your course. But, do not forget, innovations in technology do not necessarily lead to innovation in teaching when not driven by sound pedagogy. The teacher has the power to instruct students how technology like social media be used as an aid of learning. In general, technology is just a tool, it is still in the hand one who use it.

*****

The author is Teacher III at Sabanilla Elementary School, Mexico South District

The country’s Education department is asking its personnel, as well as public school officials and educators, to be extra cautious in using social media and online communication platforms.

There is a need to improve service delivery, efficiency, and productivity especially in this time of a health crisis – but without sacrificing one’s integrity, especially online.

Being wary of what educators post on social media also means protecting the name of DepEd.

DepEd employees, as civil servants, are bound to use social media responsibly, aligned with the provision of RA 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards of Public Officials and Employees.

Educators should be more conscious of their sphere of influence and only engage in online discussions if they can add value to the discourse, DepEd sai d.

DepEd personnel have also been encouraged to promote online posts that dignify other people or entities rather than engaging in libelous remarks which are violative of the existing law.

Social media should be used in moderation so as not to interfere with official work and duties.

Observe basic and responsible acts in using social media such as factchecking / verification of information sourced from online platforms, ensuring online post would promote respect and trust to the department, and ensuring that online posts will not directly tarnish the image of the department, its personnel, and the civil service in general, the DepEd said.

***

The author is Teacher II at Pampanga High School