Fueling a Third Paradigm of Education: The Pedagogical Implications of Digital, Social and Mobile Media

Abstract

Emerging technologies are fueling a third paradigm of education. Digital, networked and mobile media are enabling a disruptive transformation of the teaching and learning process. This paradigm challenges traditional assumptions that have long characterized educational institutions and processes, including basic notions of space, time, content, and learning outcomes. Innovative educators have an opportunity to blend face-to-face and digital learning models to advance an engaged, effective, efficient and affordable model of learning in the 21st century. This emerging paradigm includes changes in at least five key teaching and learning dimensions, including the direction of communication, the level of interactivity, the media of communication, the constraints on the educational process, and the learning outcomes. Recommendations for implementing new teaching and learning techniques are offered.