An Emerging Issue during the Joint PAMI-PAMTCI round table discussion: The Pedagogy over Technology in MET

Prof. Mike Barnett,the Associate Director (Academic Development), Warsash Maritime Academy, UK explored on the topic “PEDAGOGY ABOVE TECHNOLOGY IN MARITIME EDUCATION AND TRAINING” with PAMTCI President Ms. Merle J. San Pedro as the Moderator during the MET round table discussion for the joint PAMTCI–PAMI RTD PROJECT during the IMO DIPLOMATIC CONFENCE with the theme “Emerging Issues and Best Practices in Maritime Education and Training”.

The presentation started with the definition of pedagogy, andragogy and the types of technology available in maritime education and training.

Pedagogy, according to Barnett, is the science of teaching, andragogy is adult learning and technology is the technical means in a particular field. It also covers about teacher centered versus student centered learning strategies, and surface versus deep learning.

The presentation also emphasized the use of technology in support of the delivery of these ideas to satisfy the strategy. The conclusion of the presentation suggested that technology is a valuable tool in the armoury of the teacher, but should always be the servant of pedagogy and not its master.

The one hour cerebral discussions were not enough for the participants to further elucidate in detail the various concerns, beliefs and issues on pedagogy and technology in MET. It is interesting to note that from the various philosophical views both from the reactors and participating delegates, each and everyone, had presented their point of views based on their perceptions and experiences which are logical and authentic as there are no right and wrong opinions. Personally, I had the pleasure listening to the presentation of the good professor as well as the impressions provided by the reactors (facilitators, educators/researchers/trainers and maritime professionals) but what interest me most are the exceptional point of views of the maritime professional reactors that technology could in some instances be above pedagogy as far as maritime education and training (MET) is concerned which is a reality because of the uniqueness and distinctiveness of the maritime profession.

The flow of the discussions of the ideas, concerns and issues raised and discussed on the topic “Pedagogy Above Technology in MET?” have been summarized in this article which might be of interest to all concerned not present in the discussions particulalry researchers who would like to conduct further studies on the topic pedagogy over technology in MET . As a result of diversity on the various ideas presented, a MET Research Agenda based on the discussions has also been proposed as an offshoot or a by product of the RTD project.

Next issue, we will discuss one-by-one the reactions of the invited guests. ?