As AI, Open AI, and especially ChatGPT exponentially emerge, I also play around with the tools. I have been working on a topic recently on Critical Digital Pedagogy. I have two main prompts for the AI tool to work in assisting me.

Prompt #1: Please explain critical and digital pedagogy

Critical pedagogy is an educational philosophy and approach that emphasizes the development of critical consciousness and social justice through education. It involves a critical examination of the power dynamics and inequalities that exist in society and aims to empower students to become agents of change. Critical pedagogy encourages students to question and challenge dominant social norms and values and to develop a critical awareness of their own social and political contexts. It emphasizes the importance of dialogue, participation, and collaboration in the learning process and encourages the development of a democratic classroom environment.

Digital pedagogy is a term used to describe the use of digital technologies in teaching and learning. It involves the use of technology to enhance and transform the teaching and learning process, including the use of digital tools and resources, online learning environments, and multimedia materials. Digital pedagogy emphasizes the importance of student-centered learning, active engagement, and collaboration, and it encourages the development of critical digital literacy skills, such as the ability to evaluate and analyze digital information and media.

Critical digital pedagogy combines these two approaches and focuses on the intersection between technology, education, and social justice. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and challenging the social and political implications of digital technologies, as well as the need for digital literacy and critical thinking skills in navigating the complex digital landscape. Critical digital pedagogy aims to empower students to become critical and responsible digital citizens who can use technology in ways that promote social justice and equity.

After this, I specify the concept to some potential ideas of the topic in the Asian context.

Prompt #2: Suggest some ideas on critical digital pedagogy for research in the Asian context

Critical digital pedagogy emphasizes the intersection of technology and social justice, and it requires a nuanced understanding of how technology can reinforce or challenge existing power structures. Here are some ideas for applying critical digital pedagogy to research in an Asian context:

1. Decolonize the curriculum: In many Asian countries, the education system is still structured around colonial-era curricula that center Western knowledge and values. Critical digital pedagogy can help to challenge this by incorporating local knowledge and perspectives into research and teaching, and by making space for alternative ways of knowing.
2. Foster digital literacy: Digital literacy is essential for navigating the digital landscape and for critically engaging with technology. Research can focus on the development of digital literacy skills in Asian contexts, and on how technology can be used to support learning and critical thinking.
3. Address the digital divide: In many Asian countries, there is a significant digital divide between urban and rural areas, as well as between socioeconomic groups. Research can explore how to address this divide, and how to ensure that all students have equal access to technology and digital resources.
4. Challenge the neoliberal agenda of edtech: Edtech is often promoted as a solution to educational inequalities, but it is often driven by a neoliberal agenda that prioritizes efficiency, productivity, and individual achievement over social justice and collective well-being. Research can explore alternative models of edtech that prioritize equity, social justice, and community building.
5. Incorporate open education practices: Open education practices, such as open educational resources and open pedagogy, can help to challenge the proprietary and profit-driven nature of much of the edtech industry. Research can explore how open education practices can be integrated into Asian contexts, and how they can be used to support critical digital pedagogy.

I guess, for helping to get a clearer picture of something, ChatGPT can be one way. From these responses, a clearer picture of the concept is provided. Reading more concepts and theories on this from books and empirical studies from available database really help. A critical understanding and judgment will still be needed.

@mhsantosa (2023)