What is Digital Learning?

By the 2010's a diverse and varied body of terminology had developed to describe the many different ways in which technology was being used in education: technology enhanced learning, e-learning, online learning, blended learning, distance learning, hybrid learning.......Many authors have provided definitions for these. As new methods came to prominence old terms were adapted, or new names invented. But this has simply created muddle and confusion about what exactly each one is (Kumar Basak et al. 2018; Johnson et al. 2022). Often names and definitions were used interchangeably, sometimes in the wrong context (Moore et al. 2011). 

The varied and confusing use of the various terms meant there is a need for a general term to encompass all aspects of technology use in education. As an example of how confusing the topic had become, in a recent literature review Singh and Thurman (2019) identified 46 different definitions for 'online learning'. What is needed is a single well defined name to encompass all the ways in which technology is involved in education.

Thus the names 'Digital Learning' and 'Digital Education' began being used, with both becoming common from the 2010's onwards. Both Digital Learning and Digital Education have been used fairly equally. However, generally the name Digital Learning has gained more widespread acceptance. Actually, it could be argued that Digital Education would be a better choice as it could be seen as encompassing both the provision provided by the educator, and the learning done by the student. The name Digital Learning conveys only the impression of considering the learning done by the student.

Digital Learning can be defined simply as:

'learning that is supported by technology.'

Put simply Digital Learning is used as an all encompassing name to include all forms of learning involving computers, the Internet, mobile phones, and any other form of technology. It encompasses an array of various other topics including eLearning, virtual learning, online learning, and mLearning. The differentiation between all these is somewhat ambiguous. But by considering them all under a single name, this is not important.

Digital Learning includes:

-Traditional face-to-face education, supplemented with technology.

-Education delivered via computer, mobile phone, or Internet accessible device; this is often done remotely, thus as distance learning.

-Blended learning; where there is a mix of traditional and computer based learning.

-Use of online information sources; including databases, and information gained though personal study and research.

Digital Learning is far more than simply digitizing existing education content. It should be seen as an entirely new way of teaching and learning. The use of technology enhances the teaching experience, providing new possibilities, and meaning a greater diversity of methods can be used. The blend of methods that works best in each situation needs to be discovered and worked out.

The scope of Digital Learning has increased considerably due to technological progress. New inventions and developments have opened up new possibilities to use technology in education and the classroom. Thus, initially the range of tools that could be used was rather narrow. But today there is a broad palette of possibilities. 

This is an extract from:

Walker, MD. 2024. Digital Learning: How modern technology is changing education. Sicklebrook publishing, Sheffield UK.

​This can be purchased from Amazon, or the rest of the chapter can be read at researchgate.

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