My philosophy on the use of digital technologies

Philosophy

It is important as an educator to know one's philosophy, Kanuka (2008) states that the decision to use e-learning technology relates to our philosophical views on education and technology; and underlying these "views is our interpretation of the world and our actions within it" (p.93).

Furthermore, Kanuka (2008) states that the integration and use of e-learning technology can be "conducted more effectively if basic philosophical differences were understood" (p.93).

My philosophical orientation to education has been shaped by my belief system, values and educational experiences (both as a learner and educator). My secondary school education reflects the liberal/perennial orientation with an emphasis on the “facilitation of rigorous intellectual training that begins with knowledge of grammar and rhetoric; extends to the national sciences, history, and literature; and ends with a study of logic and philosophy” (Kanuka, 2008, p.102). Although, I enjoyed aspects of this orientation, such as learning about natural sciences and history, I must agree with what Kanuka (2008) states as a weakness of this orientation being its “elitist basis” and failure to address “vocational education and life-related subjects”.

For the past 8 years I have facilitated programmes which aim to improve people’s lives and to bring about better opportunities for them to improve their standards of living. On reflection of my experiences, my philosophy as an educator corresponds to the Progressive orientation, Kanuka (2008) declares that the aim here is “personal growth, maintenance, and promotion of a better society” (p.103). Furthermore, I agree with this orientation as I believe in “democratic cooperation” and “personal enlightenment” (p.103). This orientation according to Kanuka (2008) aligns most closely with uses determination; here the aspects of collaboration and cooperation are pivotal to an effective learning environment. In my experience in online learning, an important feature is the ability to interact with fellow students, and teacher.

Kanuka (2008) tell us that the primary aim of the Humanist orientation is to support “individual growth and self-actualisation” (p.106). This relates closely to the progressive orientation, and I would see the instructional methods being closely aligned with what I currently deliver, for example the use of mentors, and motivational guest speakers. I view myself as a facilitator rather than a teacher, so with this orientation there is an emphasis when using online learning that the role of the educator is one of a facilitator “The role of the teacher is that of facilitator, helper, and partner...he or she must create the conditions within which learning can take place” (p.107). Learning with technology in the Humanist orientation aligns most closely with uses determinism, and provides flexible and open access to the growing needs of individual students.

Lastly, recent postgraduate study on theoretical underpinnings in critical literacy has made me aware of the Radical orientation, and how this philosophical orientation is inherent in my belief system. In my profession I seek to invoke change, Kanuka (2008) states the overarching aim of the radical perspective is to invoke change in “political, economic, and social order in society via the intersection of education and political action” (p.108). 

Reference

Kanuka, H. (2008). Understanding E-Learning Technologies-In-Practice. The theory and practice of online learning, 91.

In T. Anderson (Ed.), Theory and practice of online learning (pp. 91-118). Edmonton, Canada: AU Press



What constitutes effective e-learning practices in Education, and in partcular the Adult Education sector?

To answer the statement "What constitutes effective e-learning practices in Education, and in particular the Adult Education sector" lets look at a study conducted in Austria, which centred around student expectations and experiences in e-learning Paechter, Maier & Macher (2009) found that there were two aspects which contributed strongly to learning achievement and course satisfaction were student achievement goals and the Instructor. Furthermore,  Paechter et al. (2009) found that the the instructor takes up the role as a counsellor and facilitator in learning and importantly the "instructor does not become less important in e-learning" (p.7). Thus, the Instructor is very important according to learners in this study for enabling the acquisition of "knowledge, skills, and competencies and for course satisfaction" (p.7).





Retrieved April 24, 2013 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6FvJ6jMGHU Daphne Koller, What we're learning from online education


Daphne Koller, (listed in the 2013 Times 100: The world's most influential people) here explains her vision and direction as a co-founder of Coursera, an online course centre which shares the 'best content from the best universities for free'. The methodology of the coursera delivery, coorelates with research on what constitutes effective e-learning practices. She explains that there are ample opportuities for  learners to engage in communities of practice, virtually online or learners can organise group face to face meetings. The courses also prompt learners to engage with the content, by presenting questions at intervals which contrast with the traditional lecture model at universities, which may be less interactive.

References

Paechter, M., et al. Students' expectations of, and experiences in e-learning: Their relation to learning achievements and course satisfaction. Computers & Education (2009), doi: 101.1016/j.compedu.2009.08.005

Pflichter, F. (2006). Weiterentwicklung Im blended learning-Bereich aus Sicht des bm:bwk. In ForumNeueMedien Austria (Ed.), (italics) Usability im learning & eLearning Strategien (pp. 112-115). St. Poelten: Verlag Forum Neue Median

How can I utilize e-learning to maximize students' academic writing output?