Pedagogy

Pedagogy can be defined as a combination of knowledge and skills required for effective teaching. Online learning requires a different approach to pedagogy, also known as virtual pedagogy or e-pedagogy.

The University of Adelaide believes that education should drive technology, not the other way round. Will technology such as online learning environments assist in the acquisition of knowledge and skills? Will it enhance the learning? These questions should always be asked before considering the use of online technologies in the curriculum.

In the rush to take up online learning, the emphasis has often been 'online' and not 'learning'. The quality of the learning experience is critical in higher education and needs to include social aspects, which are often disregarded. Knowledge about how adults learn has often been ignored. The study of adult learning is referred to as 'androgogy' . Knowles' Adult Learner is a further resource.

More recently there has been a school of thought which considers that we are product of the environment and that our experiences and the environment around us shape how we think, behave and act which can further impact on how we best learn. Today's generations can be described as matures (1900-1946), baby boomers (1946-1964), generation x (1965-1982) and net generation (1982-1991). Net Geners (also known as 'millennials') have had high exposure to technology and this needs to be considered in learning and teaching, including online learning. For further details on educating the Net Generation refer to Educating the Net Generation .

Online learning pedagogical frameworks are still evolving however there is growing evidence that online learning environments can enhance graduate attributes and the development of higher order learning and critical thought. This is achieved through reflective and collaborative work and assessments using online tools such as groups, asynchronous discussion boards and synchronous communications such as virtual classrooms and conference rooms.

One framework for the application of online learning in higher education that has been adopted at the University of Adelaide is Garrison and Anderson's Community of Inquiry Framework where the three key elements to be considered when planning and delivering online learning are teaching, social and cognitive presence.

The following links explore the issue of pedagogy and online learning:

• Analysing the effectiveness of online learning communities
• E-learning: Trends and Issues Alert 40
• Breaking the Barriers of Time and Space- More Effective Teaching Using e-Pedagogy