“A View to a Skill” – Empowering Higher Education Educators in Developing Nations

A Digital Pedagogies Perspective for Sustainable Development

Authors

  • Michelle Stewart-McKoy
  • Lora Pilgrim

Keywords:

Digital pedagogies, UN SDG 4 Target 4C, sustainable development, higher education, developing countries

Abstract

In today’s dynamic and ever-evolving educational landscape, the integration of digital pedagogies, particularly in higher education (HE), has emerged as a critical imperative. This paper seeks to contribute to the ongoing digital pedagogy discourse by exploring the role of digital pedagogies through the lens of an online digital pedagogies for sustainable development conference, which focused on advancing the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) with a particular focus on Target 4C. The UN SDG 4 aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promotes lifelong learning opportunities for all, and Target 4C addresses increasing the supply of qualified teachers in developing countries. The 2023 Digital Pedagogies for Sustainable Development Conference served as a catalyst for innovative approaches to faculty development, leveraging digital tools and platforms to transcend geographical barriers and foster inclusive pedagogical practices. This paper explores the key insights and outcomes gleaned from the conference, shedding light on its contribution to advancing the UN SDG 4 Target 4C objectives. The paper concludes by proposing an IDEA framework (Implementation, Development, Embracing, Adapting) as a structured approach for institutions to support the adoption of digital pedagogies for sustainable development.

Author Biographies

  • Michelle Stewart-McKoy

    MICHELLE STEWART-MCKOY is the Faculty/Educational Developer with responsibility for educational technologies in the Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus. Her research and engagements include developing learner and faculty profiles, game-based learning, and gamification and teaching with digital technologies. She is passionate about enhancing student learning and supporting faculty in adopting effective digital pedagogical approaches.

  • Lora Pilgrim

    LORA PILGRIM is an experienced educator whose focus has been on implementing online learning from the classroom to institutional initiatives. She earned her PhD from the University of Toronto, is a certified project manager and has done consultancy work for numerous agencies. Her interests include quality and leadership in online learning, and project management in higher education.

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Published

2024-12-30

Issue

No. 28 (2024): Higher Education and Sustainability

Section

Articles