Scholarship of Learning & Teaching

Highlight  how  you  incorporate  technology  into  your  teaching.  Provide  examples  of  technological tools and methods used to enhance learning and engagement in your courses 

Introduction to Technology Integration 

o  Commitment  to  Technology:  Describe  your  dedication  to  leveraging  digital  tools  and technologies  to  enhance  teaching  and  prepare  students  for  the  Fourth  Industrial Revolution (4IR). 

o  Philosophy:  Emphasize  your  belief  in  technology’s  role  in  fostering  innovative  thinking about development, social inclusion, empowerment, and equity. 

Blended Learning Approach

o Definition  and  Benefits:  Explain  the  concept  of  blended  learning,  combining  face-to-face instruction  with  online  components  to  cater  to  diverse  learning  styles  and  create  a  flexible educational experience. 

o  Bloom's  E-Learning  Taxonomy:  Illustrate  how  you  design  online  modules  that  elevate students'  learning  experiences  to  the  "Apply"  level,  using  Bloom’s  e-learning  taxonomy  as  a guide. 

Creation of Virtual Learning Environments 

o  Virtual  Spaces:  Discuss  how  you  create  immersive  virtual  learning  environments  that transcend physical constraints, allowing for seamless resource access and collaboration. 

o  Alignment  with  Mezirow:  Describe  how  these  virtual  spaces  facilitate  critical  reflection  and transformative experiences, in line with Mezirow's transformative learning theory. 

Empowerment through Technology 

o  Freire’s  Pedagogy  of  Liberation:  Explain  how  your  digital  initiatives,  such  as  educational  apps and online platforms, align with Freire’s vision of education as a liberating force. 

o  Examples  of  Tools:  Provide  specific  examples  of  technologies  used,  including  WhatsApp, Google  Jamboard,  Google  Sites,  Google  Meet,  Big  Blue  Button,  Zoom,  ChatGPT,  Turnitin, Wikis, and TikTok. 

o  Open  Access  Literature:  Mention  your  use  of  Open  Access  e-literature  and  electronically available resources through the UWC library to support student success.

Technology Challenges

o Access  Disparities:  Address  issues  like  unequal  access  to  digital  devices,  high-speed  internet, and digital literacy skills. 

o  Connectivity  Issues:  Discuss  how  inconsistent  connectivity  and  data  costs  can  impede  online learning and engagement. 

o  Digital  Fatigue:  Highlight  challenges  related  to  isolation  and  digital  fatigue  from  extended periods of online learning. 

Strategies to Address Technology Challenges 

o  Flexible  Content  Delivery:  Describe  your  approach  to  ensuring  learning  materials  are accessible  via  iKamva,  allowing  students  to  use  VPN  logins  to  save  data  costs  and accommodate varying connectivity and device capabilities. 

o  Blended  Learning  and  Recordings:  Explain  how  recorded  live  sessions  enhance  academic performance by allowing students to revisit lectures at their convenience. 

o  Multiple  Communication  Channels:  Detail  your  use  of  various  communication  methods, such  as  email,  discussion  forums,  and  WhatsApp,  to  accommodate  different  connectivity preferences and ensure effective communication. 

o  Digital  Literacy  Training:  Mention  the  importance  of  digital  literacy  training  provided  by CIECT to help students navigate digital tools and platforms. 

o  Regular  Check-ins:  Highlight  your  practice  of  conducting  regular  check-ins  with  students  to address any challenges and provide personalized support. 

Supporting Documentation 

o  Examples  of  Digital  Tools:  Upload  examples  demonstrating  the  use  of  digital  tools  and technologies in your teaching. 

o  Technology  Challenges  and  Solutions:  Provide  examples  or  case  studies  that  illustrate  how you have addressed technology challenges and implemented your strategies. 

Summary and Reflection 

o  Overall  Approach:  Summarize  how  your  integration  of  technology  enhances  the  learning experience and supports students in overcoming challenges. 

o  Impact  on  Students:  Reflect  on  how  these  practices  contribute  to  a  more  inclusive,  engaging, and  effective  educational  environment,  preparing  students  for  future  technological landscapes.