My Digital Learning Philosophy

I believe that technology is merely a tool to enhance education, but it is a critical one in a disembodied learning environment. Technology cannot replace an instructor. Sometimes I may sound a little too old-fashioned, but while I was raised in Mexico, I have learned some of the best lessons from my teachers who were using “chalk and talk.” Although when I use technology, I always keep in mind that not everyone has equal access to all the various benefits technology brings as many people are still not in the position to own a computer. In social work, I need to advocate for equal access for everyone and ensure that all my students have the same condition in completing their work that might include additional knowledge of technology.  Many times, I noticed people often get carried away with the notion of using technology and forget that technology can both increase our learning and create a “digital divide” between a variety of societal groups. The use of technology can also be harmful to society, such as new problems that were created through the use of technology: cyber-bullying, online gambling, and online child offensive.

    Teachers approach their teaching differently in terms of the implementation of ideas, beliefs, techniques, methods, and approaches digital teaching. That is why I keep my philosophy of teaching in the disembodied learning environment very simple; technology is a tool and each tool when in use, can produce both positive and negative results. As an educator, my goal is to promote students learning using a variety of digital tools that are best suited and help to develop the best possible outcomes given all the pre-existing conditions. To engage online is to challenge and make learning accessible. To get my students involved, I employ interactivity, use various media, and encourage every student to connect to create and model safe, brave, and supportive classroom environment. I want my students to think about the class after they have logged off because online students must shoulder more responsibilities than they accustomed to in the traditional in-person environment. In an online course, the usual modes of contact are gone. The instructor and students are responsible for creating an environment in which all of us want to do the work and want to help each other in ways we have not done so in the past. 

Work Cited

    Hamilton, B. (2018). Integrating Technology in the classroom: Tools to meet the needs of every student. International Society for Technology in Education.

    Miller, Mat. Ditch That Textbook, 17 May 2022, https://ditchthattextbook.com/