Week 1: Digital: Epistemology and the Purpose of Education

Understanding what is knowledge, what is education and what is the purpose of education?

Knowledge is …

Being able to develop the skills to question, problem-solve and think critically. The ability to sieve through, and take, what information applies.

Education is …

an environment that facilitates learning and provides multiple pathways to gain and pursue knowledge in order to gain qualification.

The purpose of education is …

Equip, empower and encourage students to be motivated and self-directed. To expose them to multiple ways of learning through experiences and learning opportunities.


So, how is the purpose of education evident in my classroom? 

• I provide a range of different learning materials to my children to support their learning and the way in which they learn, whether it be through technology and the use of iPads, whiteboards, visual dsiplays or through oral language opportunities
• Children monitor their own learning and learn how to develop independence qualities such as responsilibilty and ownership of their own learning
• Expectations and learning goals and tasks are clear to the student. They are openly discussed, praised and feed-foward opportunities are always provided so they they are aware of what their learning shows and where they are going to next
• Multiple learning opportunities inside and outside the classroom are provided so that the children get a sense of the 'real world'