Examining digital learning that requires pedagogical change

You can watch this seminar online. Click here to attend the seminar digitally.

Since the 1970s with the introduction of computers in k-12 schools there has been the perception that technology will revolutionise teaching and learning. This has not been the case with evidence suggesting that teachers use technology to replicate established ways of working in the classroom.

However, the advent of two distinct digital learning systems may hold the key to unlocking the transformative potential of digital technologies. The first, is the shift to online and the design of more flexible, choice drive learning pathways. These include hybrid multi-space, multi-site student engagement using virtual and asynchronous tools. The second, is the influence of GenAI which repositions the power of both teaching and learning within the student’s hands. These digital learning systems are redefining the teacher-student relationship and reshaping teaching roles and pedagogical practices. Most of all, at the centre of this on-going transformation are core epistemological beliefs which ‘come to’ inform new ways of working. 

This presentation will explore pedagogical beliefs and reasoning processes teachers’ experience as they shift to ‘transform’ their pedagogical practice to fully harness these new digital systems.

About Professor Sarah Prestridge

Professor Sarah Prestridge has been a primary school teacher, school leader, education adviser and academic researcher in the field of education for over 30 years. Her principal research contributions are in the field of digital technologies around pedagogical beliefs, professional development and learning. These areas synergise to focus on how teachers adopt, adapt and transform with technologies. Over the years, her research has mainly focused on teachers in K-12 schooling investigating transformative professional development; longitudinal use of computer games as pedagogical tools; pedagogical belief formation and reformation; pedagogies for wholly online and at a distance; defining pedagogies for three-dimensional virtual worlds and the adoption of distributed teaching models. More recently, her research has turned to investigating teachers’ pedagogical beliefs in relation to the integration of Generative AI in educational contexts

In recognition of her ground-breaking research efforts, she has been acknowledged as the top scholarly researcher in the field of Teaching and Teacher Education in Australia for 2025, 2021 and 2020. More detailed information about Professor Prestidge can be found at:

https://experts.griffith.edu.au/9530-sarah-prestridge