A growing number of people are starting to talk and write about PedTech – a new approach to thinking about digital technology in education that Fiona Aubrey-Smith and I introduce and explain in our recent book - From EdTech to PedTech: Changing the way we think about digital technology. However, it is becoming clear that many of them have some misconceptions about the PedTech approach. This post aims to correct some of these mis-understandings. ...continue reading "PedTech Misconceptions"
Category: Explanation
SOLO 2.0
The Structure of Observed Learning Outcomes (SOLO) taxonomy was developed by John Biggs and Kevin Collis (1982) to support the assessment of learning, by identifying the sophistication of the learner’s understanding (mental model). This post suggests a couple of shortcomings of the taxonomy and a revised taxonomy (SOLO2.0) which helps to address them. ...continue reading "SOLO 2.0"
Introducing nano-credentials
We are familiar with micro credentials - things like digital badges. One of the claimed advantages of micro-credentials is that they enable you to assess competences (knowledge, skills and dispositions) that cannot easily be assessed or captured using traditional metrics (e.g. exams, essays). Assessing competences (e.g. leadership; resilience) often involves looking at what people do, looking at their practice, at their ability to apply 'knowledge' in particular contexts. This creates a problem, which nano-credentials will help to overcome. ...continue reading "Introducing nano-credentials"
Rethinking assessment – from grades to micro-credentials
Currently our education system is dominated by a grades-based approach to assessment - but is this the best approach (from an educational perspective)? ...continue reading "Rethinking assessment – from grades to micro-credentials"
The Funnels of Influence (Part 2)
...continued from part 1
The Funnel of Influence from The Context
We know that there are many different influences affecting a Context. For example, if we think ‘big picture’ we can recognise the effects of Culture, Politics, Global Shifts, Economics, Media, Law and ...continue reading "The Funnels of Influence (Part 2)"
The Funnels of Influence (Part 1)
This article is a short informal summary of an extensive literature review undertaken as part of a recently published EdD thesis. Aubrey-Smith, F., (2020) An exploration of the relationship between teachers’ pedagogical stance and the use of ICT in their classroom practice. EdD Thesis. The Open University.
As teachers, what we say, what we intend to do, what we live out through our actions, and what we implicitly believe, are often subtly different (Tannen, 2015). Each of these are a result of many different influences. ...continue reading "The Funnels of Influence (Part 1)"
Models of provision v2
In a previous post I set out five models of provision spanning face to face to fully online (and well designed) courses. That failed to fully capture at least one 'blended' model. I have reconceptualised the models - resulting in this new 'framework'. ...continue reading "Models of provision v2"
Teachers as researchers
In previous posts I have talked about the characteristics of effective CPD and have argued that practitioner research is the best form of CPD. In this post I extend the argument to suggest that schools need to become research invested. ...continue reading "Teachers as researchers"
Do you need an ATAR to get into Uni?
There seems to be a widespread belief that you need an ATAR to get into an Australian university. Indeed, based on their research with students and teachers, O’Shea & Groves (2020) identified that ...continue reading "Do you need an ATAR to get into Uni?"
Characteristics of effective summative assessment
We know that summative assessment drives practice in schools. We also know that current forms of summative assessment inhibit both curriculum and pedagogical innovation because of their focus on 'knowledge' (as viewed in a knowledge based curriculum). The challenge is to find new forms of summative assessment which satisfy the criteria against which they will be judged. Those criteria should include: ...continue reading "Characteristics of effective summative assessment"