The term „educational“ is a broad and inclusive term that encompasses both „didactic“ and „pedagogical“ aspects of teaching and learning. Here's how they relate:
1. Didactic:
As mentioned earlier, „didactic“ primarily relates to the methods and materials used for teaching and the presentation of information to students.
Didactic approaches are a subset of educational approaches that focus on the transfer of knowledge from instructor to student.
2. Pedagogical:
„Pedagogical“ is another subset of educational approaches, but it is broader than didactic. It encompasses not only the methods of teaching but also the overall design of the learning experience, including student engagement, interaction, and active learning strategies.
Pedagogical approaches are student-centered and often involve more interactive and collaborative learning experiences.
3. Educational:
„Educational“ is the most general term and encompasses all aspects of teaching and learning, including didactic and pedagogical elements.
When you refer to something as „educational,“ you are considering it in the context of its contribution to the broader educational process, which can include content delivery, instructional methods, curriculum design, assessment, and more.
So, in summary, „educational“ is a broader term that encompasses both „didactic“ and „pedagogical“ elements of teaching and learning. When discussing the „educational use“ or „educational functions“ of a learning management system or any educational tool, you are considering its role in supporting various aspects of teaching and learning, including content delivery and pedagogical approaches.