Digital learning

Digital learning is learning that is supported by technology. It encompasses any type of learning that is accompanied by technology or by instructional practice that makes effective use of technology. It includes a wide array of practices, including blended and virtual learning.

A variety of names began to be used to denote education conducted using various technologies; these include online learning and e-learning. As an example of how confusing this had become Singh and Thurman (2019) identified 46 definitions for online learning. The name 'digital learning' has gained popularity as a way to encompasses the aforementioned concepts and others.

The scope of Digital learning is wide, including any teaching strategy or resource that involves technology.

Online learning

Online learning involves learning using the internet. Commonplace is for learners to learn using a Learning Management System, which provides teaching resources online. A number of companies provide such systems for educational institutes to use allowing learners to study online. A number of private companies offer online teaching provision including coursera and udemy

Implications of COVID-19 on digital learning

Although Covid-19 is often discussed in reference to its negative effects on society, some would argue that it acted as a catalyst for the digital transformations in education. On the other hand, other researchers argue that the investments directed towards acceleration of digitalization during the pandemic were obsolete for the digital transition in education, with the existence of some exceptions.

Nevertheless, some sources argue that learning digitally from home created some positive trends. The presence of new learning technologies may have contributed to a diminished spreading spread of the virus. Outside of health related effects, e-learning enabled students to continue their studies even in unprecedented global conditions.

It is important to note that while some state that the level of knowledge increased during the pandemic, others state that students did not necessarily comprehend the subjects taught online.

Developments of AI in context of digital learning

In November 2022, OpenAI launched ChatGPT, and since then competitors have followed with similar tools which have affected education and learning in several ways. Along with being easily accessible and always available, they are capable of answering specific questions beyond the capabilities of previous search engines, making learning more personalized. Hence, many argue that in some ways interactive tools can contribute positively to overall learning. On the other hand, critics claim it may lead to an overreliance on AI, since students may be tempted to rely solely on the answers of AI, rather than applying their own critical thinking. Additionally, the quality of the information provided by AI chatbots has been criticized. AI has been shown to vary in answer reliability, which highlights the need to verify information obtained through such platforms.

mLearning

mLearning or M-learning is where education is provided via a mobile phone device. The advantages are that learners can learn while on-the-go. However, the material that can be presented is limited and this format is considered best for short targeted learning. Through the use of mobile technologies, learning while travelling is possible.

Webinars and Video-conferencing

During the COVID-19 pandemic much teaching was done online using video-conferencing technology such as Zoom (software). Such technology allows the provision of teaching virtually, with learners able to watch educators.

Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality allows students to undertake virtual field trips and make educational experiences that would not otherwise be possible.

Pedagogies that incorporate digital learning

Digital learning is meant to enhance the learning experience rather than replace traditional methods altogether. Listed below are common pedagogies, or practices of teaching, that combine technology and learning:

• Blended/hybrid learning
• Online learning
• Flipped learning
• 1:1 learning
• Differentiated learning
• Individualized learning
• Personalized learning
• Gamification
• Understanding by Design (UBD)

Pros of digital learning

• Digital learning has many beneficial outcomes, one of which is the student’s ability to work at his/her own pace. With assignments being online students can decide when they want to complete them. If they work best in the morning, they can do them in the morning. On the other hand, if they work best in the evening, they can complete the assignments in the evening. Without having the stress and time limitations of being in a classroom, they can take as long or as little time as they need. This allows them to understand the concept and retain the knowledge fully.
• Digital learning offers many environmental benefits. Online education relies strictly on digital documents, therefore reducing paper waste and the amount of trees cut down. Studies show that using ebooks as opposed to traditional textbooks would save more than 28,000 trees per million books. Another environmental benefit of digital learning is that it reduces transportation. Completing assignments online as opposed to commuting to class reduces carbon dioxide emissions in the environment by about 148 pounds each semester.  

See also

• Educational technology
• Education and Technology
• Online learning in higher education
• Online credentials for learning
• Digital credential
• Distance education
• MOOC
• Open educational resources
• Educational technology in sub-Saharan Africa