My opinion on technology-mediated self-directed distance

I, and I’m sure most of us, are used to the conventional way of learning…that is going to school for 12 years and listening to what the teacher has to say. I do not remember instances where we could teach ourselves anything in class. The mind-set that we had was to keep quiet and pay attention to the teacher. Actually being a sponge where I just had to absorb knowledge.

Technology was not allowed in our school – cell phones were unacceptable and our computer labs blocked various social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

My experience with teachers are that they believe everything they do is right and are generally not open for any change. But as the saying goes: “change is good, but not too much’ I do not particularly like change either but for our education system and country to find itself in a better position – change is necessary. Throwing the word pedagogy around without actually enforcing it will not result in any change!

Information and Communication Technology (ITC) is a very important aspect of teaching and essentially digital pedagogy. However these ITC standards are limited and are therefore limiting. Making use of ITC will create numerous possibilities across the country and the world for people to have the opportunity of an education. Technology in the classroom is thus very important! We are all so conformed to not letting our opinion or voice be heard that we accept the silence we find ourselves in – both teachers and students.

We need to realize that teaching does not have to take place in a classroom and via one-way communication (original teaching style). So much knowledge can be acquired by doing research and allowing for communication between people.

We are all part of the global digital community. This is evident in today’s life as very few people aren’t using some form of digital technology. When I refer to ‘we’ I mean the majority of academics, teachers and learners. A challenge however is computer as well as internet access is problematic – especially in South Africa. People making use of ITC also have to be computer literate and have basic understanding of technology.

I feel that distance learning a something that should be considered more and if would make one’s life a little easier if you don’t have to drive on the R44 to Stellenbosch every-single-morning. The amount of time one can save with distance learning will make it worthwhile.

Technology is an absolutely wonderful resource to have and together with the internet you can do anything. Often I learn best by teaching myself something and therefore I think that technology-mediated self-directed distance learning is definitely something that should prevail more in the future.