This is a digital age and technology is being utilized to teach students. Digital learning has been defined as the use of teaching methodologies that utilize technology to teach pupils and improve the experience they get while learning.
The digital learning methodology helps the pupil to fully understand the concepts by himself rather than being helped by the teacher/instructor. The interactive applications used are normally pupil friendly and impact significantly on their learning.
The following are the positive effects that digital learning has had on schools and education:
Learners can Choose Their Style
Pupils and students can choose styles that best suit them. The pupil can either go for theory or shift to interactive programs that can make him understand the concept well. Unlike the traditional learning methods which were rigid and structured, this one is quite flexible.
Flexible Learning Hours
Learning is no longer restricted to classrooms and other designated study places. Neither are learning days and hours structured unlike under the traditional learning methods. The internet and the technology used have made it possible for the pupils to have access to the study materials from anywhere any time they deem convenient to them. It could be at night or during winter.
Improves Grades
Learners who have been exposed and used the digital learning methods are likely to perform well at the end of period papers. If the learning methods are well utilized, the overall grades of the pupil are likely to rise.
The improved grades are as a result of the tools used in learning. These learning tools will make the concepts easy to understand and comprehend. The pupil is also able to learn at his own pace.
Creativity is Enhanced
Not all pupils are academically gifted. They have talents that need nurturing and development. This cannot be achieved if course books are solely relied on. Digital learning has modules that make it possible for a pupil to utilize his talent by being creative.
The learners are engaged continuously because the digital learning methods have made this possible. Unlike traditional learning methods which tend to be teacher-centered, digital learning methods are not strict.
The digital learning methods have the following disadvantages:
Too Many Distractions
The presence of an instructor in a class will likely make the learner concentrate. When the digital learning methods are used, the pupil is likely to spend a lot of time on things that are unnecessary hence missing on the crucial stuff.
The bond that teacher creates in a classroom is important in learning. The teacher can identify the weaknesses of his pupils and help them improve. Secondly, there are some aspects of education that need teacher-pupil interaction.
There is also a possibility of the pupil visiting websites that are not relevant to his learning. For example betting and pornography sites.
Too Expensive
The digital learning methods are normally expensive to procure. Mostly, electronics used can cost an arm and a leg. The laptops used have to come with certain specifications.
In conclusion, it is highly recommended that digital learning is used to complement traditional methods of teaching.