Digital learning can get defined as getting education via electronic media or devices. With the change in technology use, more people are embracing the use of technology even in schools. One may access the learning materials through their phones, tablets, or even computers. Today’s technology enables one to get information about anything right at our fingertips. Learning content meant for students comprises well-arranged details on a particular topic geared to train, engage and educate students. All ages can use digital learning, from young children in kindergarten to university-level students.
There are many advantages related to digital learning. One is that the tutor only needs to work on one class project that so many students will use and can be distributed all over the country. To add to that, the information gets saved, ensuring no data is lost, and that way, the same learning information can get used to teaching other students in the future.
Another advantage of using digital learning is that it’s more student intensive. The student is the one who puts more effort into knowledge and understanding. On the other hand, teachers are relieved of much stress as compared to one on one teaching. Most of the work is done by the student, and the teacher only chips if a student is facing any difficulty. More to that, students nowadays are familiar with the technology. Most families introduce their children to technology at a very young age, and that way, students find it easy to maneuver the learning devices. Students can comfortably learn on their own with minimal assistance.
Digital learning has come in handy in terms of flexibility and saving on time. First, students can access the learning materials anywhere in the world as long as they get connected to the internet. Learning gets therefore made more fun as you can be traveling, and while at it, you are looking at learning slides sent to you by your tutor. More that it is not a must for one to attend a class but can learn from the comfort of your home or workplace. The fact that the learning information gets saved allows one to learn at their convenient time and keep referring to the notes later.
Digital learning has come in handy for slow learners. The student can learn at their own pace because the information is sent to their gadgets individually. Also, the tutor can learn each student’s ability, which gives them time to focus on the weaker students and help them improve on the problematic areas. If the student does not understand a particular topic, they can go back at their own time and re-learn.
The learning materials get presented so that they gets organized and look presentable to the learner. The tutor may include colorful diagrams, changes in theme, and other creative means to pass the information. In this way, the learner’s concentration is able to be prolonged because it is exciting and enjoyable. The learner is less likely to get bored. Also, since the topic is simplified, the learner can understand faster, stay motivated, and retain more information.
Despite the many pros, digital learning many cons as well. One is that technology is upgrading now. In the fore years, there were fewer technological advancements. Therefore, people are slowly learning and adjusting to this concept. It may take a lot of time before we can say that learning gets solely provided via online platforms.
Another thing is that technology keeps changing and is therefore tasking to update the apps to fit the current requirements. The tutor has to make sure that the learning materials are user-friendly and accessed through any device. Also, the tutors have to keep on updating their notes according to the new researches coming up.
As much as digital learning is a new trend, it may be news to most people who don’t access it. Digital learning is only applicable in developed countries or areas where access to the internet and digital devices is not a big challenge. In most developing countries, most people may not possess the gadgets required for learning. What is more, digital learning requires electricity and internet connection which are both very expensive.
Digital learning may not be appropriate for easily distracted students in that they can quickly lose focus. Also, in most cases, the tutor has limited control over the students’ behavior, and therefore some students take that advantage and do other things. Since the gadgets get connected to the internet, students may access other non-educational sites, which will be detrimental to their studies.
Digital learning also reduces the tutor-learner contact making it hard for students who need one on one teaching. It’s hard to teach specific subjects such as mathematics or those that require practical exercises such as physics with digital learning. The student has to work through a process with the tutor’s guidance in a lab so that they can understand, take measurements and see the results. It can be challenging for students who have challenges and difficulties in a specific subject and need close monitoring from a tutor.
Digital learning also limits the student from learning other skills other than education, especially for learners who study at home with minimal interaction. Most younger students in kindergarten require to be in a class setting to learn specific skills. Learning should be a social activity, and the tutor helps the learner gain skills such as listening and self-expression.
In conclusion, digital learning is coming to be in the near future, and most people will be required to adapt to it. The process to incorporate it into the system may be tedious, capital intensive, and the learner may not learn as many skills as in a class setting. However, if done correctly, putting all aspects into consideration, it is more fruitful. It saves on time, fewer classroom spaces needed, less paperwork, the students can learn at their own pace and time, and the students get more involved in the learning process.
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