Digital learning

Digital learning is any type of learning that is accompanied by technology or by instructional practice that makes effective use of technology. It encompasses the application of a wide spectrum of practices, including blended and virtual learning. Digital learning is sometimes confused with online learning or e-learning; digital learning encompasses the aforementioned concepts.

Digital learning has become widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Overview

A digital learning strategy may include any of or a combination of any of the following:

• adaptive learning
• badging and gamification
• blended learning
• classroom technologies
• e-textbooks
• learning analytics
• learning objects
• mobile learning, e.g. mobile phones, tablet computers, laptops, computers.
• personalised learning
• online learning (or e-learning)
• open educational resources (OERs)
• technology-enhanced teaching and learning
• virtual reality
• augmented reality

Through the use of mobile technologies, learning while travelling is 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