What is Digital Pedagogy?

In this first episode of Digital Pedagogy in Practice, we explore what digital pedagogy really means — and why today’s educators need more than just technology in the classroom. We unpack how technology transforms teaching, learning, and student engagement, and why developing a digital pedagogy is key to preparing students for the future. Whether you’re new to teaching with technology or looking to refine your approach, this episode sets the stage for building your confidence in digital teaching practice. 

Music by amado zapana from Pixabay

Transcript

"Hi everyone, and welcome to this first episode in our podcast series all about digital pedagogy — what it is, why it matters, and how you can use it to create rich learning experiences in your classroom.

Over the coming episodes, we’re going to unpack key ideas and practical strategies to help you teach with confidence in today’s digital world. Whether you’re just starting your journey as an educator, or looking to refine your practice — this series will support you to develop a strong digital pedagogy.

So let’s start with the big question — what is digital pedagogy?

If you’ve been studying education for a while, you’ll already be familiar with the term pedagogy — the study and practice of teaching. It’s the foundation of what we do. And you probably already have ideas about what effective pedagogy looks like for the phase of learning or subject you want to specialise in.

But when we’re teaching in today’s tech-rich classrooms, it’s worth asking — is using technology simply about adding computers or iPads to a lesson? Or is it something deeper?

Research shows that when we use technology, we actually learn differently. It changes what we teach, how we teach — and how students engage with knowledge. New learning theories like constructivism, constructionism, and connectivism reflect these shifts.

And of course, technology has transformed the role of the educator. We’re no longer the ‘all-knowing expert’ at the front of the room. Instead, we create learning environments where students explore, create, and lead their own learning.

But simply adding technology doesn’t guarantee effective learning. A laptop on a desk won’t magically produce engagement.

That’s why educators need a digital pedagogy — a way of thinking and planning teaching with technology that enhances learning.

In simple terms: a digital pedagogy is the study of how to teach using digital technologies in ways that engage and empower students to become active, independent learners. It’s about knowing which technologies to use, when to use them — and most importantly, why.

Today’s students — Generation Alpha — were born into a world saturated with technology. They’ve never known life without smartphones, social media, or streaming content. They expect their learning to reflect the digital world they live in.

But being ‘tech-savvy’ in everyday life doesn’t automatically mean they’re digitally fluent in educational contexts. Digital fluency is more than knowing how to use devices — it’s understanding behaviours, ethics, and the critical thinking needed to navigate the digital world responsibly.

That’s where critical digital pedagogy and digital citizenship come in — helping students reflect on technology’s impacts, and act ethically and safely online.

And it’s not just students — parents, employers and the wider community all expect students to develop strong digital skills. They assume schools are embedding technology into teaching and learning.

At the same time, many educators feel digital pressure. Technology changes so fast — and with BYOD programs, new apps, augmented reality tools — it can feel hard to keep up.

That’s where developing a digital pedagogy helps. It gives you the knowledge and skills to evaluate technologies and make informed choices that benefit your students.

And that’s what this series is here for — to help you do just that.

In our next episodes, we’ll explore how digital pedagogy connects with learning theory, how to select technologies that support your goals, and how to build the digital capabilities of your students.

So — welcome again to the series! I’m excited to have you on this learning journey — and I look forward to exploring these ideas with you.

Until next time — thanks for listening!"