DIGITAL TEACHERS IN THE VIRTUAL EPOCH
THE Covid-19 pandemic brought numerous changes in the education sector particularly in the delivery of alternative learning modalities among learners. The sudden shift from the traditional learning to distance learning has transitioned the culture of physical setup to the so-called virtual epoch.
Coupled with the paradigm shift is the integration of digital tools and novel technologies in the teaching-learning process. In the present century, the widespread utilization of technological methods or procedures by numerous educators is very evident.
With the application of various forms of technology comes forth the “digital teachers.”
But what does digital teaching mean? Why is there a need to be one?
An institution fostering digital teaching pointed out the definition of digital teaching and the functions of a digital teacher.
“Do not be afraid to innovate and discover new things so as to fully integrate digital technology into your teaching. You need to stay up-to-date, be adaptive to enlisting your learners to guide them some control of the learning process.”
It has been noted that digital teachers work in a world that is rapidly changing and media saturated. A digital teacher needs to cope with these changes and to employ these changes in the delivery of his/her learning instruction. On the other hand, learners should be adaptive to such a mode to be competent in this fast-paced era and seize the opportunities attached to it.
Digital teachers nowadays work collaboratively to facilitate, alleviate, integrate, coordinate, contribute, investigate, advocate and illuminate.
A paradigm shift should be made by teachers in such a way that the previous sage-of-the-stage role of educators would eventually become guide-on-the side. This only means that teachers of today should align their instructional pedagogies and materials with the students’ learning styles. This is possible by using digital innovations and ideas suited to the learners’ needs.
Another shift in teaching should be made on how learners should think about learning. Teachers have the influence in motivating and inspiring the students to be better than who they currently are.
With the use of varied media, the teacher could instill curiosity and creativity, engage them in the activities, and encourage the learners to solve the problems of their generation. Students would think of learning as developing their mental, social, psychological and emotional well-being and, at the same time, feel enjoyment and not think of it as a mind-numbing activity.
Being a digital teacher necessitates utmost resiliency and ingenuity. It entails much effort, sacrifice, creativity, patience and wisdom. However challenging this role may be, this would be worthy for the end result of developing holistic learners as well as strengthening digital literacy in this digitally-driven era.