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Digital learning, sometimes used interchangeably with online learning and e-learning, encompasses the use of digital technologies to learn educational content. It includes various methods like digital tools and resources using computers, tablets, phones and the internet.
Some examples of digital learning platforms in India:
Free online platforms: Many e-learning platforms offer free courses, educational videos, and resources. Websites like Coursera, Udemy, YouTube.
Government initiatives: The government has launched initiatives such as SWAYAM (Study Webs of Active-Learning for Young Aspiring Minds) and the National Digital Library of India offers a vast collection of free academic resources.
Open educational resources (OER) and Digital libraries: OER are freely available educational materials that include textbooks, lecture notes, and multimedia content, like in the National Repository of Open Educational Resources (NROER) and the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) website. Many public libraries and educational institutions also provide access to digital libraries.
MOOCs: Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are offered by various platforms. While some courses have a fee, many allow free access to course materials and lectures.
Online study groups: Utilise social media platforms or forums to join online study groups. These groups share resources, study materials, and support one another in their learning journeys.
By using these resources, anyone can access high-quality educational content without significant financial cost, allowing anyone to pursue learning goals effectively.
Why use digital learning?
It gives students flexibility to access educational materials and participate in learning remotely, often at their own pace and schedule. It gives students access to content which was unimaginable in the past, and with open access and free content easily available, it greatly reduces the cost of education, if properly utilised. Digital learning also enhances productivity and reduces the amount of physical interaction between the student and the educator. The concept of open/distance education is linked with digital learning. It can also include support content which provides resources and information to help learners apply knowledge and skills in the real world.
Challenges:
The biggest challenge to digital learning is access to technology. This hurdle, if removed, will prove to be a game-changer in providing digital learning tools to students of all backgrounds.
The challenge of digital literacy can easily be overcome with early access and training of technology to students across all upper primary and secondary level education.
Inclusion and equity in digital learning is another challenge which can be managed by giving equal opportunities to students irrespective of economic backgrounds. This would however require extensive private and government support to be successful. Students with disabilities also would require special tools and support to overcome this challenge.
But even after all these challenges can be overcome, the biggest issue is that of engagement and motivation, in which students are affected after the initial introduction and implementation of digital learning. Overcoming this would require a more hands-on approach especially by the educators and educational institutions as well as by parents and guardians.
After overcoming most of these challenges, the effective use of digital learning can be achieved by adopting some to the following suggestions:
Familiarisation with the tools: Take time to explore and understand the digital learning tools available. Read user guides, watch tutorials, and attend training sessions to ensure you have a good understanding of how to use them effectively. This will be helpful for both the student and the educator.
Align tools with learning objectives: Identify the learning objectives and choose digital learning tools that connect with those objectives. Consider the specific features and functionalities of each tool and how they can support teaching goals. For example, using audio-visual tools for evaluation and feedback in a public speaking course.
Providing and seeking clear instructions: When using digital learning tools, it is important to have clear and precise instructions. Clear communication on how the tools should be used, what tasks are needed to complete, and any specific guidelines or expectations have to be provided.
Promote collaboration and interaction: Digital learning tools often offer features that facilitate collaboration and interaction among students. Students should engage with each other through discussion boards, group projects, or virtual classrooms. This promotes active learning and peer-to-peer interaction. Teamwork is key.
Personalized learning experience: Using the flexibility of digital learning tools to personalize the learning experience for each student. Using adaptive learning technologies or individualized assignments to cater to different learning styles and abilities. This can greatly enhance the learning experience and also provide a more human touch to a technology driven learning platform.
Monitored progress and constant feedback: Digital learning tools often provide data and analytics that can help monitor student progress. Utilizing this information can help to track performance and also allow timely feedback between the educator and student. This allows identification of areas where students may need additional support or intervention.
Staying updated with new tools and trends: The field of digital learning is constantly evolving with new tools and technologies emerging regularly. Staying updated with the latest trends and advancements in digital learning to ensure the use of the latest available tools and providing the best learning as well as teaching experience.
Effective use of digital learning requires a thoughtful approach that aligns the teaching goals of the educator and the educational needs of the students. To put it simply, the educator and student must work together in using digital learning tools and systems for the best outcome.
Mantre Passah
Lecturer
Department of Political Science
Nongtalang College
Meghalaya