Running head: HOW IS DIGITAL LEARNIG GOING TO CHANGE SCHOOLS AND

EDUCATORS?

How is Digital Learning Going to Change Schools and Educators?

Norah.F.Alsubaie
Wright State University

Abstract:

HOW IS DIGITAL LEARNIG GOING TO CHANGE SCHOOLS AND EDUCATORS?

This study will examine how digital learning will change the role of
education for schools and educators. Today the majority of schools around the
world use technological tools such as Minecraft and PowerPoint since these digital
tools play a significant role in the use of technology in education. Most students
and teachers are familiar with the use of computers and other technological tools.
Professional development courses are available to teachers who need to improve
computer or technological skills. As an educational technology major, it is vital to
understand the various technology tools that are available for teachers as well as
the impact technology has on the education of students.
For this reason, this action research study will explain the definition as well
as the advantages and disadvantages of using digital learning for both teachers and
students. In addition, this study will reflect the reasons digital learning will
continue to be a tool used in the classroom. Finally, statistics will be presented that
reflect the changes in the use of over a course of 2013.

Introduction:

HOW IS DIGITAL LEARNIG GOING TO CHANGE SCHOOLS AND EDUCATORS?

Digital learning is an important part of todays educational environment.

With our world, it is more than ensuring that students are supplied with computers.
It involves providing students the opportunity to learn in ways that are easier, faster
and that in the end will produce confident students who are prepared for the future.
Traditional methods of education included lecturing; however, in todays
society, students utilize technology for many everyday tasks and educational
methods must evolve to fit those needs. Teachers who utilize technological tools
are able to achieve creative results when teaching their students. In addition to
using computer apps such as video lessons and PowerPoint they can also use the
flip classroom method of teaching. Using technology does not mean teachers are
limited in their use of assessments for students. Many programs offer quizzes,
tests, and other tools to assist students in their learning process. It is clear that
technology plays a major role in the world today and it is necessary for teachers to
understand how crucial technology is in the educational environment and unless
they are willing to update those skills and meet the needs of the students. they will
be left behind.

Definition of digital learning

HOW IS DIGITAL LEARNIG GOING TO CHANGE SCHOOLS AND EDUCATORS?

In the past few years, the concept of learning has changed and it will
continue to change. Digital learning focuses on using technology in the classroom
which in turn ensures students have freedom of learning outside of the traditional
classroom setting. In short, according to digital learning day organization (n.d),
Digital learning is any instructional practice that is effectively using technology to
strengthen the student learning experience(Para1). Additionally, the governor's
office of student achievement rescue (n.d) pointed out that, Digital Learning is
learning facilitated by technology that gives students some element of control over
time, place, path and/or pace" (Para1). Due to the flexibility of technology,
students will be to learn in various platforms outside the traditional classroom
setting. Another advantage of digital learning is that students can quickly access
information using the Internet. As mentioned earlier, digital learning is more than
allowing students to use a laptop. It involves high-quality academic material
delivered through technology that helps students understand concepts in an
environment that is easily obtainable and relatable for them. Digital technology
allows for more innovative, fresher ways and possibilities beyond the imagination
in order to provide students with opportunities to learn in and outside of the
classroom. By utilizing digital technology, student educational outcomes are
increased with that being said, digital learning has both advantages and
disadvantages for both students and teachers.

HOW IS DIGITAL LEARNIG GOING TO CHANGE SCHOOLS AND EDUCATORS?

Advantages of using digital learning for students:

The first advantage of using digital learning is that it gives students the
opportunity to study and learn independently. The Internet provides a wealth of
resources of information. Sometimes although students encounter issues of
credibility when researching sources and data, it has still proven to be a great tool
to help students seek various educational resources. Also, electronic books and
websites are updated in each time.
The second advantage is that it provides students with skills for the future.
Since the future is projected to be technological based, students must learn not only
to use technology but also to collaborate and communicate as early.
Finally, digital learning can increase students performance levels. Students
who are using technology as an education tool are more engaged. According to
Steinberg (2013),research has demonstrated that interactive solutions boost
retention rates and test scores, being far more engaging and memorable than
voluminous textbooks or one-sided lectures (Para 8). By utilizing digital learning
students test scores and educational experience is increased.

Disadvantages of using digital learning for students:

HOW IS DIGITAL LEARNIG GOING TO CHANGE SCHOOLS AND EDUCATORS?

In addition to the advantages to using digital learning, there are also

disadvantages. One of the disadvantages is that digital learning allows students to
become lax when it comes to studying. Technology allows students to obtain
answers to questions at a faster pace than traditional methods of research,
therefore, students develop poor research, and study habits.
The second disadvantage of using digital learning is that it tends to disregard
traditional methods of studying. With the use of chrome books and other digital
tools, many students rarely use books because they are readily available in digital
format.
Another disadvantage is the difficulty of avoiding cheating. While students
have easy access to technology, such as cell phones. it has become more difficult to
alleviate the issue of cheating on exams.
A major disadvantage of digital learning is technical issues. Students who
utilize technology for online learning often experience technical problems, which
can hinder their learning progress. Pearson (n.d) found, students who do not set
up proper security settings on personal computers used for college education might
be victims of identify theft ( Para 2).

Advantages of using digital learning for teachers:

HOW IS DIGITAL LEARNIG GOING TO CHANGE SCHOOLS AND EDUCATORS?

Digital learning also has advantages for teachers. The first advantage is that
it saves them time. One time saving tool are the applications available for lesson
planning.
Teachers also find utilizing the cloud to be a useful tool as it is accessible
from any device. In addition, it allows them to collaborate, provide links to
information and share lessons with their students. They are able to add resources,
such as, files, websites, and other useful multimedia that wildly assist students in
completion of their projects
Disadvantages of using digital learning for teachers:
There are several disadvantages for teachers who utilize technology tools.
One disadvantage is that some of the educators who are asked to integrate new
technologies into their classrooms are unprepared or unable to understand new
technology tools. In addition, to be unprepared, many of the resources available
are expensive and teachers find it difficult to find free resources.
Why digital learning is here to stay?
Despite the disadvantages to both students and teachers, digital learning is a
permanent part of the learning process for several reasons. The first reason is that
technology is a part of students lives. They use many types of technology in order
to stay in touch with the world around them. In order for teachers to be effective,
they must be able to adapt to their students way of learning.

HOW IS DIGITAL LEARNIG GOING TO CHANGE SCHOOLS AND EDUCATORS?

1- 21st century jobs need technology tools.

Being able to use technological tools will help students to be prepared for the 21st
century jobs that require knowledge and use of technology. As Snitker
(2014),pointed out, By 2020, employment in all computer occupations is expected
to increase by 22%.
2- Equity of learning and using technology tools.
With the world not only becoming a global society that utilizes technology,
it is schools have access to digital tools to bridge the divide and provide equal
access to all students.
3- Digital learning brings endless possibilities
When tablets and mobile media devices are combined with curriculum and
learning management systems, it provides more opportunities for the future of
technology in education. According to Snitker (2014), Data learning analytics
may allow teachers to figure out how likely a student is to do well on an
assessment given his past work. Gesturing technology may help determine how
well students understand a lesson depending on their keystrokes (Para 9).

The statistic:

HOW IS DIGITAL LEARNIG GOING TO CHANGE SCHOOLS AND EDUCATORS?

There were many statistics about using digital learning in classroom.10 Major
Technology Trends in Education showed the impact of using digital learning for
teachers and students. The chart above shows the many ways students are using
technology in academics.

HOW IS DIGITAL LEARNIG GOING TO CHANGE SCHOOLS AND EDUCATORS?

10

The above chart show the percentage of students who are aware of their digital
footprint and the affect it has on this
Conclusion
It is clear that digital learning has evolved and is changing the way schools
and educators are learning and teaching. The disadvantages do not outweigh the
advantages of using digital learning. Teachers must be willing to adapt to the new
method of teaching in order to prepare students for the skills neeeded for 21st
century jobs. Since it is clear that the digital tools are here to stay, it is essential
that education is in line with technology.

HOW IS DIGITAL LEARNIG GOING TO CHANGE SCHOOLS AND EDUCATORS?

11

References
Pearson, A. (n.d.). The Disadvantages of Computers in Education. Retrieved from
http://education.seattlepi.com/disadvantages-computers-education1390.html
Riedel, C. (2014, February 03). 10 Major Technology Trends in Education.
Retrieved from https://thejournal.com/articles/2014/02/03/10-majortechnology-trends-in-education.aspx
Steinberg, S. (2013, March 08). Technology for Schools and Teachers: 5 Reasons
Digital Learning Matters. Retrieved from
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/scott-steinberg/technology-for-schoolsan_b_2805201.html
Snitker, J. (2014, February 18). Why Digital Learning Is Here To Stay. Retrieved
from https://elearningindustry.com/why-digital-learning-is-here-to-stay
What do we mean by digital learning? (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://digitallearningday.org/about-dlday/
What is Digital Learning? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://gosa.georgia.gov/whatdigital-learning