Feature Photo by Maya Maceka on Unsplash

To me, pedagogy is how teachers impart knowledge or concepts effectively to their students. Learning should be enjoyable. I learned and absorbed the most when my teachers or instructors go beyond delivering the content or  information. Good instructors engage their students and make the information applicable and relatable in real-world situations.  When students are involved in hands-on projects, group discussions, and self-directed learning, their level of understanding will deepen. A strong pedagogy allows students to be lifelong learners which can contribute to a vibrant and healthy society.

Networked pedagogy focuses on the interconnected nature of learning through the use of technological tools. This will enable collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and interaction beyond just the traditional walled classrooms between teachers and students. To me, this is the “smart way” of learning by providing access to diverse perspectives and resources. In education, sometimes  more is better. More minds will expand our own understanding about the world around us. In some courses I took, participating in online discussions with other students, attending webinars, study groups, and open educational resources (OERs) had definitely deepened and enriched my learning experience. Zoom is a convenient and effective way in facilitating real-time and asynchronous communication which supports different learning styles. Thanks to the advances of digital technologies, we now have a networked pedagogy that  has provided a more interactive, collaborative, and engaging learning environment.

 The learning theory that resonates with me is constructivism. It is a learning theory that emphasizes learners actively constructing their own knowledge through experiences, reflection, and engagement. I retained and learned best when the information is something that I had experienced before and can relate to. Moreover, constructivism encourages collaboration, reflection, and self-paced learning. Thus, I find this theory resonates with my learning approach, as it promotes critical thinking and meaningful engagement over rote memorization. As a teacher, I  would design activities that encourage exploration, collaboration, and personal reflection, which can foster a dynamic and empowering learning environment. 

The role of an online instructor goes beyond delivering the lesson content. The process itself is also important  to facilitate learning, fostering engagement, and creating a supportive virtual community. Key qualities of an online instructor is being able to communicate clearly across to the different learning styles of students and how he/she is able to respond to their questions. Moreover, their ability to use digital tools will increase the students’ level of engagement in the lessons. Instructors should also provide timely feedback, promote interaction, and be flexible to meet the unique challenges of online learners. Reflecting on my own personal experience, the ability to communicate promptly after the lessons ended is something that online instructors should be made aware of. Their responsibilities do not end when the online lesson concludes. I came across a question while I was doing an assignment and I had to email my instructor with my query. Unfortunately, I had to wait two days before he replied to my email. That was a frustrating experience.

Like everything in life, there are always pros and cons, online learning included. For me, I prefer face-to-face instruction because the deep sense of community and social intimacy cannot be duplicated in digital spaces or  on a computer screen. However, levels of flexibility and interactivity are the positives of online learning- flexible learning schedules, access to diverse resources, global collaboration, and the ability to learn at one’s own pace. However, there are the negatives of online digital space learning, such as feelings of isolation, digital distractions, technical issues, and delayed feedback from instructors that are not present in a face to face learning environment. 

To positively contribute to digital communities, it’s important to engage actively, communicate respectfully, share knowledge, follow digital etiquette, and provide constructive feedback. This proactive and respectful participation helps create a collaborative, supportive environment that enhances the overall learning experience.