Making learning a regular part of our lives is becoming increasingly important for individuals and organizations and digital technology can help enhance this opportunity. Digital learning can take place in and outside of school, in the workplace, through social networks or through self-directed problem solving and exploration. How we design and create innovative technological learning environments is a complicated decision with profound implications on the formation of mindsets that will influence how people think about learning for the rest of their lives.
The digital age has increased access to information and enabled an improved approach to education. Students can search through a variety of educational material through online resources and adaptive technology allows them to progress at their own pace to address any gaps in understanding and challenging advanced learners. This flexibility is an essential component of the connectivism learning theory, which emphasizes collaborative inquiry-based learning, facilitated by digital platforms and tools.
However, these new possibilities raise crucial questions about what is being taught and how it is learned and who is actually doing the learning. Digital learning also presents new issues, including security as well as data privacy. There is also the potential for excessive screen time that could cause digital fatigue and adversely impact physical health.
Digital learning is a driving factor in the development of alternative models in education, skills and signaling on global labor markets. From bootcamps to digital badges and from microcredentials to records of learning and employment (LERs) Many public, private, and nonprofit initiatives are trying out innovative ways to provide education and training.