The innovative integration of digital technology into pedagogy of the 21st century

Abstract

Technology and pedagogy have been the subject of academic analysis for the last decade. However, since technology is evolving so fast, research studies on the impact of new digital technologies on pedagogy are still limited. It is a challenge for pedagogy to keep up with the requirements of the 21 st century. This study explores the concept of "Digital Technology" by focusing on topics such as Edutainment, the learner of Generation Y, learning environments and future technologies. The concept of "Innovation in pedagogy" focuses on the Learning (R)evolution, innovative teaching and creative learning and, finally, on how to train "Digital Immigrant" educators to become innovative educators. The study also tries to visualise a prediction of future education. Using a qualitative approach, this study investigated the situation by collecting data through in depth interviews with experts in the field from four different countries: Malta, Belgium, The Netherlands and the U.K. The study emphasises that there was no "learning revolution" since learners still learn in the same way. Related to digital technology, there is nevertheless no empirical evidence to show that making learning more "fun" through "edutainment", will result automatically in improved learning. Learning environments, which are not associated with personalised learning, have organisational advantages, but arc not being used effectively by both learners and educators. A 24/7 mobile learning environment has a lot of potential but learners and educators arc no '24/7 machines'. Mobile technology, Augmented Reality, Open Cloud applications and Remote Life Teaching are considered as the most promising educational technologies of the near future. Related to innovation in pedagogy, this research highlights the importance of coaching educators within a particular structure, to design innovative and valuable educational methodologies, as expected by "Digital Natives" in the near future. Innovative educators, who are associated with respected educators, have control over a broad didactical repertoire, technological or non technological, to create a stimulating learning environment.