2020-1-BG01-KA229-079264
E-PEDAGOGY FOR DISTANCE
LEARNING AND FOR THE CLASSROOM
TOOL KIT
INCLUSIVE EDUCATION
FROM TEACHERS TO TEACHERS
ERASMUS+ PROJECT: INCLUSIVE EDUCATION AND DISTANCE LEARNING IN DIGITAL ERA
This project is funded with support from the European Commission. This document reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any of us which may be made of the information contained therein.
Education have the key role for the future success of todays pupils The Europe 2020 Strategy calls for efforts to reduce number of school drop outs. According to Eurostat (2011), pupils with disabilities in the European Union were nearly three times as likely to leave education early. In Education 2030 Framework, Goal 4 aims to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all” The Inclusive education is already part of educational policy in EU. The idea of its philosophy is to orient the education to the individual needs of the student, and not vice versa - the student to adjust to school. Inclusive education allows students of all backgrounds, general and with special needs, to learn and grow side by side, in the same classroom, to the benefit of all. But are we, today's General Education Teachers, prepared to face Inclusion in the classroom? Last years, with the outbreak of Coronavirus being declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation, people worldwide are facing a major challenge. The schools in EU were closed The education sector was responding to quarantine with a sudden shift to online learning. But are we, both teachers and students, ready for that shift? Just as students are new to distance learning, most teachers have been also novices in being distance coaches
This Erasmus+ project aims the increasing of quality and the efficiency of teaching and learning by giving equal opportunities to all type of students, in mixed classes, implementing Inclusive education, eLearning and ICT. At least, we the project partners, applying for the project wanted to find some solution in collaboration with partners from other EU countries
Participants in this project are teachers and 13-18 years old students from five secondary schools in Bulgaria, Estonia, Portugal, Italy and Serbia. One of the project's added value was reaching pupils from special needs/disadvantaged groups in our schools and in other schools in our countries.
The project objectives were:
1)To give teachers the opportunities to collaborate and share methods to create guidelines and materials for Inclusive Education Framework, to apply it into daily teaching;
2) To give teachers opportunity to collaborate to create guidelines and materials for eLearning at school;
3) To train 5 teams of students to understand how e-platform and e-tools can differentiate learning process To can identify and share similarities & differences in the practices of our countries in Inclusive education;
4) To develop digital skills for both students and teachers, to create digital related content by using ICT
In summary, e-pedagogy represents an evolving approach to education that harnesses the potential of digital technologies to enhance teaching and learning experiences, whether in distance learning scenarios or traditional classrooms It requires thoughtful integration, continuous professional development, and a focus on creating meaningful, interactive, and inclusive learning environments.nts and teachers, to create digital related content by using ICT Here are some key aspects and considerations:
1.
Definition of E-Pedagogy:
E-Pedagogy, short for electronic pedagogy, involves the use of digital tools, resources, and technologies to plan, deliver, and assess educational activities It encompasses the broader concept of pedagogy, emphasizing how technology can be purposefully integrated into teaching methodologies.
2.
Adaptability to Different Learning Environments:
E-Pedagogy is versatile and can be adapted to various learning environments, including traditional face-to-face classrooms, blended learning models, and fully online or distance learning setups. It recognizes the need for flexible approaches to accommodate different contexts
3.
Technology Integration:
In the context of e-pedagogy, technology serves as a facilitator for teaching and learning. This may include the use of learning management systems, multimedia resources, collaborative online platforms, educational apps, and other digital tools that enhance the educational experience
4.
Interactive and Engaging Learning:
E-Pedagogy emphasizes creating interactive and engaging learning experiences
Through the use of multimedia elements, interactive simulations, virtual labs, and collaborative projects, educators can cater to diverse learning styles and keep students actively involved in the learning process
5.
Facilitation of Distance Learning:
One significant application of e-pedagogy is in distance learning or online education. E-pedagogy helps educators design and deliver effective online courses, ensuring that students in remote locations have access to quality educational content, resources, and support
6.
Individualized Learning and Differentiation:
E-Pedagogy allows for individualized learning experiences by incorporating adaptive learning technologies and personalized learning pathways Educators can tailor instruction to meet the unique needs and pace of each learner
7. Digital Literacy and 21st-Century Skills:
Integrating e-pedagogy encourages the development of digital literacy skills among students. It prepares them for the digital demands of the 21st century, fostering skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and information literacy.
8. Continuous Professional Development for Educators:
E-Pedagogy requires educators to undergo continuous professional development to stay abreast of emerging technologies and effective pedagogical practices. This ongoing training ensures that educators are equipped to leverage technology for improved learning outcomes.
9. Assessment and Feedback:
E-Pedagogy extends to the realm of assessment and feedback. Digital tools can be used for formative and summative assessments, and real-time feedback mechanisms can enhance the assessment process in both distance and classroom settings.
10. Accessibility and Inclusivity:
E-Pedagogy should be designed with considerations for accessibility and inclusivity. This involves ensuring that digital resources and learning platforms are accessible to all students, including those with diverse learning needs.
11. Cybersecurity and Ethical Use:
As e-pedagogy involves the use of digital tools and platforms, educators must address cybersecurity concerns and promote ethical use of technology. This includes educating students about responsible digital citizenship.
ONLINE TOOLS FOR ASSESSMENT AND GETING FEEDBACK AT SCHOOL
There are various online tools available for assessment and gathering feedback in educational settings. These tools offer diverse features, ranging from formative assessments to surveys and quizzes.
But before using any online tool, it's important to consider factors such as data privacy, age appropriateness, and accessibility for all students. Additionally, educators should align the choice of tools with their specific teaching goals and the needs of their students.
Here are some popular online tools that can be used for assessment and feedback in schools:
Google Forms: 1
Features: Create surveys, quizzes, and forms with various question types. Collect responses in real-time, and analyze results using built-in charts and graphs.
Use Cases: Formative assessments, quizzes, feedback surveys.
https://www.google.com/forms/
Kahoot!:2.
Features: Gamified learning platform for creating and playing quizzes. Students can participate in live quizzes or complete them individually.
Use Cases: Interactive quizzes, formative assessments, engagement.
https://kahoot.com/
Quizizz:3.
Features: Similar to Kahoot!, Quizizz allows for the creation of interactive quizzes. It offers options for self-paced learning and asynchronous assessments.
Use Cases: Self-paced assessments, quizzes, gamified learning.
https://quizizz.com/
Mentimeter: 4
Features: Interactive presentation tool with live polling, quizzes, and openended questions. Results are displayed in real-time.
Use Cases: Live polls, quizzes, audience engagement.
https://www.mentimeter.com/
5. TPadlet:
Features: Virtual bulletin board where students and teachers can post content. It supports collaborative activities, discussions, and multimedia sharing.
Use Cases: Collaborative projects, brainstorming, discussions.
6. Socrative:
Features: Classroom response system for quizzes, polls, and exit tickets. Teachers receive real-time feedback on student understanding.
Use Cases: Formative assessments, quick polls, exit tickets.
7. Poll Everywhere:
Features: Audience response system for live polls, surveys, and openended questions. Participants can respond via web, app, or text messaging.
Use Cases: Live polls, surveys, interactive presentations.
8. Microsoft Forms:
Features: Create surveys, quizzes, and polls with Microsoft Forms. Integration with Microsoft 365 allows for seamless collaboration and data analysis.
Use Cases: Formative assessments, surveys, quizzes.
9. Nearpod:
Features: Interactive presentation platform with features like quizzes, polls, and collaborative activities. Teachers can control the pace of the lesson. Use Cases: Interactive lessons, formative assessments, engagement.
10. Flipgrid:
Features: Video discussion platform where students and teachers can share short video responses. Supports asynchronous communication. Use Cases: Video reflections, discussions, project sharing.
11. Edpuzzle:
Features: Interactive video platform where teachers can embed quizzes, questions, and discussions within videos. Allows for tracking student progress.
Use Cases: Video-based assessments, flipped classrooms.
12. Formative:
Features: Real-time formative assessment platform with options for quizzes, open-ended questions, and drawing responses.
Use Cases: Formative assessments, quizzes, instant feedback.
CYBERSECURITY IN E-PEDAGOGY
Ensuring cybersecurity and promoting ethical use of e-pedagogy tools in schools is crucial to protect sensitive information, maintain a safe online environment, and foster responsible digital citizenship. Here are key considerations and strategies for addressing cybersecurity and ethical concerns in e-pedagogy:
1
Secure Platforms:
Choose e-pedagogy platforms and tools that prioritize security. Ensure that the platforms comply with data protection regulations and use encryption to safeguard information.
2.
User Authentication:
Implement strong user authentication mechanisms. Encourage the use of secure passwords and, when applicable, enable multi-factor authentication to enhance account security.
3.
Data Encryption:
Employ encryption protocols for data transmission and storage. This prevents unauthorized access to sensitive information during communication and storage.
4
Regular Updates:
Keep all software, applications, and systems up to date. Regular updates often include security patches that address vulnerabilities and enhance overall system security.
5.
Data Backups:
Regularly backup essential data to prevent data loss in case of cybersecurity incidents. Ensure that backup systems are secure and easily recoverable.
6
Educate Users:
Educate teachers, students, and administrators about cybersecurity best practices. Promote awareness of phishing attacks, the importance of strong passwords, and the potential risks of sharing sensitive information online.
7.
Privacy Policies:
Review and understand the privacy policies of e-pedagogy platforms. Choose tools that are transparent about how they handle and protect user data.
8.
Firewall and Antivirus Software:
Implement and regularly update firewall and antivirus software on school networks and devices. This provides an additional layer of protection against malware and cyber threats.
ETHICAL USE OF E-PEDAGOGY
By prioritizing cybersecurity and ethical considerations in e-pedagogy, schools can create a safe and responsible digital learning environment that enhances educational experiences while protecting the well-being of students and educators. Regular training and awareness programs are essential to reinforce these principles throughout the school community.
1.
Digital Citizenship Education:
Integrate digital citizenship education into the curriculum. Teach students about responsible online behavior, respect for others' privacy, and the consequences of cyberbullying.
Respect for Intellectual Property: 2
Emphasize the importance of respecting intellectual property rights. Teach students about proper citation, fair use, and the implications of plagiarism in the digital realm.
3.
Online Etiquette:
Promote positive online etiquette and respectful communication. Teach students to engage in constructive discussions and to be mindful of their digital footprint.
4.
Internet Safety:
Provide guidance on internet safety. Teach students about the risks associated with sharing personal information online and the importance of verifying the credibility of online sources.
Copyright Compliance: 5
Ensure that teachers and students are aware of copyright laws and regulations. Encourage the ethical use of digital resources and the proper attribution of content.
Inclusive Practices: 6.
Ensure that e-pedagogy tools and content are inclusive and do not perpetuate biases or stereotypes. Foster an inclusive digital learning environment that respects diversity.
Monitoring and Reporting: 7.
Implement monitoring mechanisms to detect unethical behavior. Encourage students to report any instances of cyberbullying, inappropriate content, or other ethical concerns.
Policy Development: 8
Develop and communicate clear policies regarding the ethical use of epedagogy tools. Ensure that all stakeholders are aware of the expectations and consequences related to ethical breaches.
