We are using the Teacher Digital Learning Guide as a reference point in this unit’s analysis of digital learning to learn more about it and how leaders in the public and private sectors of education see it being implemented or developed in the current educational system. You got the chance to evaluate this guide and point out any aspects that stand out and prove to be useful, as well as any that might be troublesome. You also had the chance to talk with your peers about this guide and identify any flaws that would prevent equity and inclusion from occurring.
- In your comment, highlight the advantages of embracing digital learning that you have learned about.
- Compose a similar answer, but this time pay particular attention to the flaws you have seen and provide suggestions for how to fix them.
Disadvantages I have seen are that not every family can afford internet or a computer at home. This can be solved with maybe creating a school program that allows low-income families to borrow a device for the school year like it was done during COVID. Additionally, there are families that don’t know ho to use a digital device which is difficult for the student to do the work without guidance. After-school programs can be created for parents and students to learn how to use technology the proper way and fix any simple technical issues.
Some of the advantages are that it promotes accessibility. Some applications allow translation for bilingual students and there’s tools such as text-to-speech that assist students with disabilities. Also, it promotes inclusive learning because students can find different ways to learn a lesson.
The advantage of embracing digital learning is that it is engaging and fun. When we give students paper assignments and take home worksheets, it might bore them; however, digital learning is interactive and entertaining, and it can motivate the child to continue doing extra learning activities even at home and learn more.
The disadvantage of digital learning is the distraction. Some educational websites provided by the teachers to do assignments might have other irrelevant games that may seem more fun to the child. Such as Kahoot, because anyone other than teachers can create games that are published publicly, which are not always related to education and this might be a distraction to the kids.
Some advantages of embracing digital learning would be that it helps students stay engaged by using fun activities like games and videos. It allows students to access information anytime and anywhere, making learning more flexible. Using digital tools also helps students develop important technology skills that they will use in the future.
Digital learning can lead to distractions, as students might use technology for things other than schoolwork. Not all students have equal access to devices or the internet, which can create learning gaps. Additionally, too much screen time can cause health issues, and the lack of face-to-face interaction may limit social skills development.
Embracing digital learning offers flexibility and accessibility, allowing students to learn at their own pace and from anywhere, which is particularly beneficial for those with busy schedules. It also provides personalized learning experiences through adaptive platforms and access to diverse resources like videos, podcasts, and interactive content, making education more engaging. Additionally, digital learning promotes self-discipline, equips students with valuable tech skills, all of which contribute to a more inclusive education system.
Two common flaws of digital learning are the lack of face-to-face interaction and the digital divide. The absence of in-person communication can lead to feelings of isolation, reducing the opportunity for social learning and immediate support. This can be addressed by incorporating more virtual collaboration tools, live sessions, and group discussions to foster community and engagement.The digital divide, where some students don’t have access to the right technology or reliable internet, makes it harder for them to learn effectively. This can be solved by providing affordable or loaned devices, improving internet connections in areas with limited access, and offering offline learning materials for students who can’t always go online.
Some advantages of embracing digital learning would be education being more accessible and flexible for students by allowing them to learn anytime and anywhere. This permits students to meet their needs through supported personalized learning as well as enhances engagement through interactive tools. Such advantages of digital learning allow for connections through any means like virtual, hybrid, or an in-person learning environment. For teachers, digital learning offers continuous professional development, which enables them to refine their strategies for using technology effectively.
While digital learning has its advantages, it also has its disadvantages, such as students not having access to technology, a suggestion to fix this would be to provide access to said students. Another example would be one’s digital footprint and how serious it is, this can be solved by warning both students and teachers about how important ensuring one’s privacy is. Also teaching digital citizenship and safety is essential for students as it teaches them to use technology responsibly and to understand the risks involved.
Digital learning has opened up so many opportunities for students. It gives people the flexibility to learn at their own pace, access materials from anywhere, and engage with interactive resources that make learning more dynamic. It also encourages self-discipline and independence, which are valuable skills in today’s tech-driven world. Whether it’s watching video lessons, participating in online discussions, or using digital tools to enhance understanding, technology has made education more accessible than ever.
But while digital learning has a lot of perks, it’s not perfect. One big challenge is the lack of personal interaction—without face-to-face conversations, students can sometimes feel isolated. To fix this, educators can incorporate more live discussions, group projects, and virtual study groups to create a sense of connection. Another issue is screen fatigue and shorter attention spans from spending too much time staring at a device. A good way to tackle this is by mixing online learning with offline activities, adding regular breaks, and making lessons more interactive to keep students engaged.
And then there’s the digital divide—not everyone has access to reliable technology or the internet. This creates an unfair gap in learning opportunities. Schools and institutions should focus on providing affordable devices, improving internet access, and offering offline alternatives so that all students, regardless of their situation, have a fair shot at learning.
Digital learning has so much potential, but it works best when we address its flaws and make sure it benefits everyone.
Based on the teacher learning guide, there are many advantages to digital learning. The way lessons can be taught through a variety of engaging programs and allowing children who learn at a different pace to engage with the lessons differently. There are even options for children who have disabilities and ways to connect with parents and have them involved in their child’s education. The other bigger advantage is that technology is everywhere now and students will have a variety of options of digital devices that they can use to personalize their learning experience at home and school.
The disadvantages of digital learning are that not many teachers and parents are tech-savvy and it’s often difficult for them to learn about new programs and teaching strategies. There is also the expectation for teachers to be able to teach a variety of things to students in a short amount of time while dealing with many disruptions. There is also the issue of not having enough limitations on devices for students and parents not properly monitoring what their children are accessing at home. In theory digital learning seems amazing but there are still many issues that teachers, students, and, parents are navigating daily that make it hard to enjoy with the main issue being a lack of knowledge of the programs being used.
Everything comes with advantages and disadvantages. Some of the advantages of embracing Digital learning are the ability to personalize leaning based on the needs of all students. Not all students have the same needs some students may require that thing be read to them, some students may need things read to them in a different language, some students may need things in a larger font, or in a different color in order to be able to see it. When student’s needs are met the are able to engage in activities because they are able to access the activity according to their personal need. When students are able to actively engage in activities there is more of a chance that students will learn from the activity and they are more likely to retain information and be able to connect the activity to something else that is not directly connected (students will be able to make connections). When children are able to access necessary information according to their personalized needs this will allow for students to develop a sense of agency and self-direction because students will be able to access necessary information to get their work done on their own and in a timely fashion. Digital learning also allows for easier collaboration between student to student, student to teacher, teacher and parent, and parent to teacher and student. As long as clear expectations for all parties using these digital items have been set as to what is acceptable and unacceptable while using digital tools and digital platforms before items are actually introduced and used, and certain scenarios have been discussed so that everyone using the digital items knows what to do in hard/ difficult situations digital learning should be fun and accessible to all.
Some of the disadvantages of Digital learning are lack of human connection, distractions, extended screen time. With using Digital Learning, it changes the way students communicate and interact with one another. Digital learning does not allow for people to work together face to face, people have to communicate via email, internet chats, and typed messages. Using Digital Learning there is really no way to limit distractions. When students are using Digital Learning if certain websites aren’t blocked that is the only sure way that students will stay on assignment but if websites are not blocked there is nothing to go off of except if the device being used is monitored by someone using a computer that can monitor what is being done on that specific device, checking a person’s computer browsing history, or by monitoring the student while they use digital learning tools in real time. Using digital learning tools will also extend the amount of time students spend using screen time. The problem with too much screen time is that screens are addictive and people are easily engrossed in the things they see on their screens which leads to hours in front of the screen. Also the effects on screen time usage and the damage it does to people’s eyes are still being studied. Students can also become dependent on using digital learning tools to get work done that they loose the ability to get things done using their own thoughts, and being able to think and process ideas on their own and, use their own manual skills.
1: One advantage of enhancing digital learning is its flexibility, allowing students to learn at their own pace anytime and anywhere. It also fosters collaboration among students, professors, and peers, and encourages creativity by offering multiple means of learning.
2: However, the flaw of digital learning is that technology can be a source of distraction. It reduces face-to-face interactions leading some students to spend more time on social media and isolated from the rest of the world. Additionally, not all students have access to the internet or technology devices. To address these problems, families should be educated on how to effectively use technology and monitor usage. Ensuring that all students, especially those from low-income families, have access to technology and the Internet. Finally, making digital tools user-friendly can support more effective learning experiences.
The advantages of embracing digital learning:
Digital learning offers multiple advantages that can transform education in today’s system. One of the key benefits is flexibility, students can access learning materials, assignments, and resources anytime, from anywhere, and from whatever device. This makes education more inclusive, especially for students who may not have the ability to attend in-person classes regularly. In addition, digital learning fosters personalized education by allowing students to learn at their own pace, catering to different learning styles and needs.
The engagement factor is also crucial, digital platforms enable the use of interactive multimedia, such as videos, quizzes, and simulations, making lessons more engaging and motivating for students. Additionally, digital learning encourages collaboration, as students can work together on projects through virtual platforms, and teachers can provide real time feedback. The cost-effectiveness of digital learning is another major advantage, as schools can save on physical resources like textbooks while offering students a wide range of educational content.
In general, the Teacher Digital Learning Guide explains how these tools can not only improve student engagement and learning outcomes but also create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment. Additionally, it promotes student independence and maximizes time by bridging gaps in access to quality education.
Addressing the Flaws and Suggestions for Improvement
While the Teacher Digital Learning Guide presents a strong case for digital learning, there are a few flaws that could hinder its successful implementation, particularly concerning equity and inclusion. One significant issue is the digital divide, many students from low income backgrounds or rural areas still lack access to reliable internet and digital devices, which puts them at a disadvantage. To address this, the guide should propose partnerships between schools and local governments or private companies to provide students with the necessary technology, such as loaned laptops, tablets or mobile hotspots.
Another area of concern is teacher training. Many educators may feel unprepared to incorporate digital learning effectively. The guide should emphasize the importance of ongoing professional development and offer resources for teachers to gain confidence in using digital tools. This would ensure that teachers not only implement digital learning strategies but also do so in ways that are engaging and accessible to all students.
Lastly, there is a need for differentiated instruction within digital learning environments. While personalized learning is mentioned, the guide should provide more detailed strategies on how to adapt digital resources for students with disabilities or those who are English language learners. Incorporating Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles can help create an environment where all students, regardless of their abilities, can fully participate and benefit from digital learning.
By addressing these flaws, we can make digital learning more equitable and accessible for all students. Embracing digital learning allows us to provide a more inclusive, accessible, and effective learning process for students.
Even though I am a little skeptical about technology, I learned that students could access learning materials anytime and anywhere, allowing them to learn at their own pace. This is particularly beneficial for those with busy schedules or needing to balance education with other commitments (flexibility). Another advantage I learned is that Interactive and adaptive software allows students to learn in their style, making learning personal and engaging. New learning technologies provide real-time data that gives teachers the information they need to adjust instruction to meet each student’s unique needs. In addition, digital learning helps students with different learning styles. Based on my ten years of experience teaching Pre-K to 5th grade, I can say that not all students learn and retain information in the same way or at the same speed. Digital Learning is an opportunity for teachers to differentiate instruction and modify information for our students’ appropriate learning capabilities.
As a special education teacher, I understand the pivotal role of assessments in personalizing learning. Assessments not only provide crucial data about student progress but also empower our students by supporting goal-setting and self-regulation. They also help to reveal equity imbalances within our classroom, a crucial aspect of education. Assessments become even more critical during school closures as our daily observation data is minimized. While virtual learning presents new challenges for student assessment, the use of digital learning technologies opens new possibilities for assessments. As we develop our assessment plan, it’s important to consider how we will use the information from those assessments to address equity issues, thereby leveraging technology to create a more equitable learning environment.
As I read the guidelines, I noticed the significant impact of digital learning (DL) on traditional education. The rise of digital technologies has brought both opportunities and challenges. Despite infrastructure constraints, many teachers are actively using digital technologies to enrich learning experiences and prepare students for a digitally interconnected world. However, one area that seems to be overlooked is the lack of information or preparation for students to deal with technology. Schools invest a lot of time and resources in solving teachers’ challenges to tech implementation, but not as much focus is put on student challenges. As educators, we need to ask ourselves: What struggles are students facing? What assumptions do we make about student familiarity with tech tools? And how can school leaders be better attuned to these problems and work to solve them? Therefore, I strongly believe that as technology advances, teachers need to incorporate new tools into the learning environment. Modern technology can help educate students on best practices and how to use technology. Teaching our students how to use computers should be our priority and engaging them in the digital learning process. There are an increasing number of ways to enhance student engagement. While it can be expensive to integrate technology into schools, computer-based technology has become more affordable, and it can be combined with a wide variety of free or low-cost online resources.
Even though I am a little skeptical about technology, I learned that students could access learning materials anytime and anywhere, allowing them to learn at their own pace. This is particularly beneficial for those with busy schedules or needing to balance education with other commitments (flexibility). Another advantage I learned is that Interactive and adaptive software allows students to learn in their style, making learning personal and engaging. New learning technologies provide real-time data that gives teachers the information they need to adjust instruction to meet each student’s unique needs. In addition, digital learning helps students with different learning styles. Based on my ten years of experience teaching Pre-K to 5th grade, I can say that not all students learn and retain information in the same way or at the same speed. Digital Learning is an opportunity for teachers to differentiate instruction and modify information for our students’ appropriate learning capabilities.
As a special education teacher, I understand the pivotal role of assessments in personalizing learning. Assessments not only provide crucial data about student progress but also empower our students by supporting goal-setting and self-regulation. They also help to reveal equity imbalances within our classroom, a crucial aspect of education. Assessments become even more critical during school closures as our daily observation data is minimized. While virtual learning presents new challenges for student assessment, the use of digital learning technologies opens new possibilities for assessments. As we develop our assessment plan, it’s important to consider how we will use the information from those assessments to address equity issues, thereby leveraging technology to create a more equitable learning environment.
As I read the guidelines, I noticed the significant impact of digital learning (DL) on traditional education. The rise of digital technologies has brought both opportunities and challenges. Despite infrastructure constraints, many teachers are actively using digital technologies to enrich learning experiences and prepare students for a digitally interconnected world. However, one area that seems to be overlooked is the lack of information or preparation for students to deal with technology. Schools invest a lot of time and resources in solving teachers’ challenges to tech implementation, but not as much focus is put on student challenges. As educators, we need to ask ourselves: What struggles are students facing? What assumptions do we make about student familiarity with tech tools? And how can school leaders be better attuned to these problems and work to solve them? Therefore, I strongly believe that as technology advances, teachers need to incorporate new tools into the learning environment. Modern technology can help educate students on best practices and how to use technology. Teaching our students how to use computers should be our priority and engaging them in the digital learning process. There are an increasing number of ways to enhance student engagement. While it can be expensive to integrate technology into schools, computer-based technology has become more affordable, and it can be combined with a wide variety of free or low-cost online resources.
The advantages of embracing digital learning that I will focus on are increased student engagement and increased collaboration between teachers, students, and their parents/guardians. These are critical. The more students are engaged, the more they experience true learning. The text shared that a way to personalize students’ learning is to tailor make their assignments to meet their needs. Digital learning is a great tool to provide tailor made assignments. Increased collaboration is also an advantage of digital learning. Teachers can provide more timely feedback to their students. Students can reach out to their teachers virtually outside of class time for support. Last but not least, teachers can partner with their students’ parents/guardians virtually and more frequently in order to ensure that their students/children have the best support.
The disadvantages of embracing digital learning that I will focus on are digital distractions and lack of digital access at students’ homes. When students are using a digital tool to engage in learning sometimes they become distracted by going on websites that have nothing to do with their assignment. One suggestion on how to fix this disadvantage is to teach students digital citizenship which is how to use technology respectfully and responsibly. In regard to lack of digital access in students’ homes, one suggestion to fix this is for schools to provide their students with laptops or tablets to use at home as well as access to the internet.
Advantages of Embracing Digital Learning
Flaws and Suggestions for Improvement:
1- Digital Divide: Many students from lower-income families or rural areas lack access to reliable internet and devices, limiting their ability to fully engage with digital learning.
2- Accessibility for Students with Disabilities: Some digital platforms may not accommodate students with disabilities due to poor design or lack of adaptive technology.
Advantages of Embracing Digital Learning
The ability of digital learning to be tailored is one of its primary advantages, as the guide points out. Students can take charge of their education, go at their own speed, and access materials from anywhere. This flexibility is vital for fulfilling the diverse requirements of students, particularly in asynchronous contexts, where individuals with varying learning speeds and styles can thrive. Furthermore, real-time data from digital tools gives teachers the ability to immediately identify and assist students who might want extra assistance. Beyond the classroom, digital learning can foster collaboration by enabling students to participate in online group projects or discussions with their peers. Digital learning makes knowledge more accessible and engaging by including multimedia and interactive features, which improves students’ understanding and recall of difficult subjects.
Addressing the Flaws in Digital Learning
Even if the guide lists a lot of advantages for digital learning, there are still several important aspects that need to be improved, namely inclusion and equity. A digital divide exists when certain students are disadvantaged due to unreliable access to the internet or devices. In order to guarantee fair access, the guide could address this by providing tactics for low-tech substitutes or collaborations with community resources. Furthermore, not all students or teachers have a high level of digital literacy, which might make it difficult to use these tools effectively. More tools for professional development should be included in the guide to help teachers become more adept at utilizing digital platforms and customizing lessons for every student. In order to maintain students’ motivation and focus, the guide might offer advice on how to strike a balance between screen time and in-person activities, as student engagement can be more difficult in a digital setting.
Digital learning offers incredible benefits for both teachers and students:
While digital learning has many advantages, it also comes with challenges that need to be addressed:
I think we can make digital learning more fair, safe, and effective for everyone. This will help both students and teachers succeed and feel confident
Advantages of Embracing Digital Learning: I like how the guide shows the benefits of digital learning, especially for personalizing education for our various learner profiles. Emphasis on tools that adapt to each student’s pace, can help everyone stay engaged and learn better. Engagement is also a driving force for education, especially in elementary and middle schools. I also appreciate the emphasis on collaboration through digital platforms, which prepares students for teamwork in the future. Overall, digital learning can make classrooms more inclusive and dynamic.
Suggestions for Improvement: While the guide has many good points, I see some issues that could affect equity in digital learning. One big problem is access to technology and internet for all students, a problem we face often. If we don’t address this, we risk leaving some students behind. I suggest ways for schools to work with the community to provide resources. Also, more examples of diverse and culturally relevant digital content would help all students feel included in their learning and create a better environment for all students.
Advantages and Disadvantages of digital learning can be considered by reflecting on learning that occurred during covid. When it looked like the world was beginning to shut down, schools jumped on the opportunity to learn digitally. The biggest advantage of this sudden switch to remote was the realization that students could in fact be provided access to a range of digital technology. Even underfunded schools had ipads and laptops to give. Once provided with the appropriate technology, the benefits were evident. Students were able to submit assignments it in a variety of ways and others like the option of viewing/working assignments ahead of time. Others really benefited of the ability to access work from anywhere. Through the use of digital tools, teachers could differentiate work for particular students. Because there is responsibility that comes with using technology, digital learning became a great way to teach students about digital citizenship and privacy and protection.
The disadvantage will always be internet access and parent involvement. Digital learning when it comes to younger students, relies heavily on adult support. While students can be taught the algorithm to logging in and navigating certain programs, it becomes an issue when digital learning is extended into the home. It was evident during covid that not many families had the time nor the knowledge needed for the accessing material online. Giving access to children who are not yet understanding of digital citizenship posses a threat to online privacy.
Advantages of Embracing Digital Learning:
Some of the advantages of digital learning are that it provides opportunities for students to understand content by using various supportive technology or digital tools. It allows learning to be done remotely, extending the amount of time that students can work on assignments outside the school day. It also provides personalized learning via opportunities for online translation and accessibility tools. Many EdTech tools provide adaptive technologies which can be helpful for students who are at different math or English levels. Digital learning can also help students develop agency and self-directed learning.
Flaws Observed and How to Fix Them:
Some of the disadvantages to digital learning include the need to address key considerations such as digital safety, as well as privacy and security. According to page 7 of the Teacher Digital Learning Guide, many students “may not yet have developed the awareness, dispositions, or skills to be responsible and ethical digital citizens.” It is crucial that students are taught how to navigate online interactions in a way that is safe, responsible, and shows an understanding of digital citizenship principles.
Protection of one’s digital identity, and prevention of online bullying is very important to teach students. The digital tools being utilized need to be properly vetted to ensure student privacy. (This aligns with FERPA to ensure that personally identifiable information is not disclosed without consent.) Guidance on screen time is also important and such information should be shared with guardians as well as with students.
It is important to make sure that students and their families have access to tools to support their digital learning at home. Some students may not have the appropriate technology or internet connection to be able to access work. Planning must be done to ensure this. Further, students must be taught how to use the new digital tools, and they should also know how to access support if they are having trouble.
Pros and cons of digital learning
There are many advantages to digital learning, particularly expanding the horizons of learning. Digital learning is a way to reach the masses anywhere in the world. You can be across the planet and still be able to learn synchronous or asynchronous. You can learn at your own pace and be able to get feedback from your peers, and professors. Another advantage is the add-on of a learning modality of learning. We are very different from each other and learn in many different ways. like stated in the Teacher Learning Guide, there are demands to be met. Every student must have the opportunity to access and leverage their learning. As educators, it is our job to help students find their full potential and foster engagement, and help students find their strengths and weaknesses.
On the other hand, and contrary to the greatness of digital learning there are disadvantages and somewhat unequal opportunities for all. So in a just world, digital learning is not fully there yet. In many parts of the country and the world, having access to a computer, laptop, tablet, or mobile device is not easy and sometimes impossible. So what are the implications of this? How can we as a society create a digital learning environment where all the necessary tools are the same for all? Many rural areas lack internet broadband. Many learning tools cost money too, and many districts are not willing or able to afford them. As an educator how am I being just if half of my class can’t do an assignment due to lack of resources? Lastly, humans need physical contact. We are not machines with a storage drive. As a society we must connect in person, and the digital world is making this a little harder every day.
–There are a lot of advantages to embracing digital learning that I learned about for example teachers can differentiate lesson plans for students with special needs or accessibility. Students are motivated a little better and have many resources to use for extra help. It teaches students how to have good digital citizenship and educators a new way of teaching.
–Some flaws that I would like to change would be access to the internet at home, this will help students be able to do their tasks on digital learning. Also if students do not learn how to save online they will not be able to navigate online. Another thing would be giving parents resources to limit screen time. Parents need more support in the technology world.
–There are a lot of advantages to embracing digital learning that I learned about for example teachers can differentiate lesson plans for students with special needs or accessibility. Students are motivated a little better and have many resources to use for extra help. It teaches students how to have good digital citizenship and educators a new way of teaching.
–Some flaws that I would like to change would be access to the internet at home, this will help students be able to do their tasks on digital learning. Also if students do not learn how to save online they will not be able to navigate online. Another thing would be giving parents resources to limit screen time. Parents need more support in the technology world.
There can be many advantages to incorporating digital learning into our daily instruction. Digital learning and be engaging and exciting for students to participate in. It also allows for the possibility for teaching outside of the classroom. Students can access the material from anywhere and it can be more personalized because the personalization is a little bit easier when using digital learning.
Disadvantages can be that not every student has access to devices or even stable internet connection at home. There can always be glitches with technology as well. We also saw during COVID how using this online platform and being not in person led to a lot of mental health difficulties and if we were to completely go to digital learning it would not benefit students. Social interaction, including in person engagement is important for all of us as a society.
In our evolving world, there are more advantages to digital learning as we continue to discover its true benefits and appropriate use. The idea of empowering the individual learner to me plays a key role. By taking into account each individual student’s abilities and needs, digital learning allows us to provide learners with tailored instruction geared toward academic and social-emotional success. It fosters students’ engagement and motivation which in return helps them to develop critical thinking skills by allowing them to express their knowledge in various ways. Another advantage with digital learning is collaboration. Providing support to learners, colleagues and families with the use technology is a great way to bring our communities together in order to reach a common goal of successful partnership among the key players of our community of learners, educators, and families.
If we talk about disadvantages we can consider things such as lack of social interactions, dependency on the digital world, and distractions. In that sense, setting expectations from the beginning would be a great way to instruct students in order to achieve high levels of performance in a given environment. Explicit models or scenarios promoting active student learning can help create a positive and meaningful learning environment. Another major disadvantage is the disparity of access to technology. To create equity all of our learners should have access to technology, and the ability to use, explore and grow.
To embrace the advantages of our new journey in digital learning is that it can provide many people with resources that may be learning about or just need information. Considering this digital learning it may have lots of benefits to many families that are unable to leave their homes and be able to attend school or work on a device.
The flaws can be many but one in particular is that many families do not have access to a device. They may not have a device or they do not have the wifi to get online. There are ways to fix these flaws where the school and government would supply these families with devices or money to get one.
Digital learning offers a variety of benefits that enhance the educational experience. One of the most important advantages is flexibility, allowing students to learn at their own pace and schedule, adapting different learning styles and needs. Additionally, digital learning provides access to a wide range of resources and materials from anywhere in the world, breaking down distance barriers and leveling education. Interactive and multimedia content, such as videos, simulations, and quizzes, can make learning more engaging and effective. Digital platforms also promote collaboration and communication among students and teachers through online discussions, forums, and group projects. Furthermore, data analytics in digital learning can track student progress, identify areas for improvement, and customize learning experiences to better meet individual needs.
Despite its advantages, digital learning also has several flaws that need to be addressed. One major issue is the digital divide, where students from low-income families may lack access to the necessary technology and reliable internet, intensifying educational injustices. To address this, schools and governments could provide financial assistance for purchasing devices and internet access, and establish community centers equipped with necessary technology.
Another significant flaw is the lack of face-to-face interaction, which can impact students’ social skills and lead to feelings of isolation. To mitigate this, incorporating more parallel activities such as live video classes, virtual study groups, and interactive sessions can help foster a sense of community and enable real-time interaction.
Additionally, students may face distractions and find it challenging to maintain discipline in a digital learning environment. To help students stay focused, educators can implement structured schedules, regular check-ins, and clear, achievable goals. Providing guidance on time management and creating a balanced digital learning routine can also be beneficial.
Lastly, there is the concern of diverse content quality and the potential for misinformation. Ensuring that digital learning materials are accurate, reliable, and aligned with educational standards is crucial. Educators and institutions should adopt thorough evaluation processes for content and provide continuous professional development for teachers to enhance their digital instruction skills.
The advantages of digital learning are many. It provides a sense of control and empowerment once the student understands the new material. Technology can make a boring topic a little more exciting than straight forward book explanation.
What I didn’t seeing in this article was how the parent is supporting their child when they have a language barrier. I felt that the article could have given ideas for the parents to use and implement at home.
Embracing digital learning has many advantages that can improve the educational experience. First, it offers great accessibility, allowing students to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule, which is especially beneficial for those with busy lifestyles or other commitments. Secondly, digital learning offers a wide range of resources and interactive tools that can cater to different learning styles, making education more engaging and effective. Additionally, it encourages the development of essential modern skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy, which are crucial in today’s tech-driven world. Overall, digital learning not only makes education more flexible and inclusive but also better prepares students for future career challenges.
While digital learning offers many benefits, there are also several flaws that need to be spoken of.One significant issue is the digital divide, where not all students have equal access to technology and the internet, leading to inequalities in learning opportunities. To fix this, it is important to invest in a system and provide affordable or free access to necessary technology and high-speed internet for all students. Another challenge is maintaining student engagement and motivation in a virtual environment, which can be reduced by incorporating more interactive and collaborative elements into digital platforms. Additionally, educators need proper training to effectively use digital tools and create engaging content. By addressing these issues, we can enhance the potential of digital learning and ensure it benefits all students equally.
Based on the information provided in the document, it does not explicitly mention whether these methods take equity and inclusion into account or encourage it. However, some possible flaws can be identified:
Overall, while the document guides various aspects of digital learning, it does not explicitly address equity and inclusion in these contexts. It would be important for educators to consider these issues and seek additional resources and guidance to ensure that their digital learning practices are equitable and inclusive.
There are many advantages of embracing digital learning that I have learned about:
Personalize Learning for Students: when students have access to digital learning, they are more empowered and engaged. Many digital learning tools allow teachers to focus on student strengths and tailor the learning to them. It also gives teachers and other educators the chance to give real-time assessments that they can turn into real-time feedback and coaching. It helps with engagement because there is room for them to collab together. Opportunities to Collaborate with Parents and Families to Support Students: many of the tech sites used have a place where parents can register and sync to their students’ work so they can see in real time what their child has mastered and what they are still working on.citation learning from: Teacher-Digital-Learning-Guide
The advantage of digital learning I’ve learned about throughout our studies is that digital learning helps to offer a personalized learning experience to its users. It enables you to learn and connect with peers without being in the same space together. It incorporates learning technologies that tailor the material to each individual learning pace and style, providing a deeper level of understanding of the subject at hand. Digital learning can enhance the overall learning experience and improve retention while fostering creativity, innovation, and improved technological skills.
On the contrary, Digital Learning can have its disadvantages. For starters not everyone can access a reliable internet connection, nor do they have digital devices that enable the ability to access the educational material. Technology can sometimes provide more issues than solutions which leave students and teachers feeling flustered, and lastly, the lack of social interaction these digital platforms instill can all be seen as negative aspects of digital learning. Solutions for these flaws can be as follows.
1. Ensure that educational institutions are well equipped to provide devices and internet access for all their students. Involving local politicians, partnering with neighborhood / private businesses, and outsourcing to secure the necessary funding.
2. As per the tech issues, it would be best to have onsite tech support or quick access to one yet that may not always be possible. The best solution would be to provide staff with tech training, have visual material with steps on troubleshooting devices, and have one designated tech person on campus. Technology will always have glitches yet the preparation to overcome and continue the lesson plan without interruptions to both teacher and student is the goal.
3. In terms of social isolation, the lesson plans, activities, and or projects being taught digitally can ensure the incorporation of synchronous opportunities for students to work together and understand that digital learning is an extension of the classroom. This will foster community, collaboration, and a sense of belonging. The students are all a puzzle piece, and everyone’s work is important and necessary to complete the lesson. Students will learn how to partner with peers in different ways, collaborate, and produce work for a common goal while being in different spaces. Incorporating hybrid lessons will help mitigate the potential issue.
Digital learning has many advantages, but there can also be some flaws. When our group discussed some of these during the last class, one of the biggest flaws brought up was privacy. While there are many resources available online, they are not all safe. Sometimes personal information is at risk if you are required to register or sign in for use of a site. A solution to address this is to check the sites before you use it, see if it’s endorsed for students.
Based on what we’ve discussed about digital learning and what I’ve read in the Teacher Digital Learning Guide, it is my belief that there are many advantages to embracing digital learning when applied correctly and when all stake holders are involved in the planning. When I think of the advantages to embracing digital learning, I’m reminded of the goals that have been set forth in the Teacher Digital Learning Guide. I refer to these goals because they identify who the stake holders are as well as provide guidance on how to involve all stakeholders in how digital learning can empower students with developing the necessary mindsets and skills needed to use devices meaningfully, safely, and securely engage in digital learning with the hopes of meeting individual students’ needs through personalized learning, while collaborating with parents as full partners in their child’s success and lastly building pathways for educators to continually learn and refine strategies for using technology to its fullest potential in their pedagogical development.
While the Teacher Digital Learning Guide provides a guideline for how digital learning can be made accessible to all stakeholders, when I think of schools who did not have access to digital hardware and/or lack of access to digital technology during one of the world’s most devastating crisis, I’m led to wonder how to troubleshoot this challenge moving forward. I believe this time identified a great deal of flaws in digital learning starting from access to professional development. I think one of the greatest challenges is school leaders identifying how to best support their entire school staff by providing quality training for every stakeholder to ensure that they are prepared to engage in digital learning with students and/or families.
The advantages of embracing digital learning can be effective in the classroom as it allows for flexibility. The lessons can be differentiated to allow for accessibility and personalization. Many students’ needs and abilities must be considered so that they can all engage with the content.
Many schools may not have the physical texts; therefore, technology can allow the sharing of one device for all students to follow along. Digital learning also tailors to the different learning styles as educators can use interactive content, such as: Multimedia, simulations, and games to make learning enjoyable. Students can also progress at their own pace and interact with peers during discussion tasks as they acquire new information and skills to understand the material.
When it comes to the advantages there are disadvantages as well associated with digital learning. Students may become distracted, there are less face-to-face interactions during discussions. There may also be technical issues resulting in wifi connectivity issues that disrupts the learning process. For the older students, there is the possibility of plagiarism. To address these issues, educators can allow students to participate in live video sessions, provide clear guidelines and suggest time management of lessons and personal time. Educators can offer technical support or provide resources to assist students with internet connection or help access a reliable device.
Based on what I’ve learned about digital learning is that it is awesome and has many advantages. Digital learning is flexible, fosters students engagement, collaborations, empowering students to learn and accessibility. In digital learning students have access to all the resources and information that they need. Students are motivated to learn because of the engaging content that the teacher provides. The flexibility of learning at our own time. Teachers are able to access students work through educational apps such as blackboard. It’s also convenient.
Along with advantages of digital learning, there are also flaws in it. Flaws including students having limited access to resources. Some student don’t have access to digital tools such as computers or WiFi. Technical difficulties can occur. For example, internet connectivity issues or issues with the computer, making it hard to access classes or resources.
Digital learning is a way of life in our educational journey, that is here to stay. There used to be a time when one would take out a pen a pad to jot down an idea or go to a hard copy book for information. Now less and less people do those things. Information is now literally at your fingers tips. One can use their cell phone, a digital technology tool that is smart, and can do everything that a larger computer can do, sometimes even faster.
In the classroom where a Smart Board is utilized students are able to engage in multiple ways of learning. Teachers can assess students and students get instant feedback through online Digital learning tools like Kahoot and Edpuzle. This is a benefit that saves time and gives students flexibility and accountability. Digital learning offers a range of options for educators in teaching all subjects, tutoring, research, reading, writing, and assessment.
The advantages of implementing Digital learning in Education are great with great Educators. Educators that are equipped to manage the type of digital content necessary to be engaging, while ensuring that the information is safe, accurate and that students privacy is not compromised.
Digital learning has changed how we learn and how we teach. A major advantage of Digital leaning is the students become active learners engaged in their own multiple learning paths, that fit their learning style. While collaboration is an important aspect in our diverse Education system, the flexibility of Digital learning is a major factor when determining when, where and how you learn best.
On the other hand Digital learning has some drawbacks as well. Although, Digital learning offers flexibility, students will need to be disciplined enough to follow through. I f we as Educators are taught how to guide students step by step through to process of Digital learning from topics like, What is a Computer, How to be a good Digital Citizen and Ways to determine truth and accuracy. Being able to decipher what is good and what is not good content is a daunting task. However students must be taught how to use tools to determine truth, accuracy appropriateness, and how your privacy is handled. Ensuring that all students have access to Digital Technology is a must in order to ensure that all Students have access to equal Education.
Advantages of digital learning are personalized learning, assessments and on demand feedback within assignments using various tools. tools that provide on demand feedback are google classroom, Edpuzzles, neapods and amplify. As a 6th grade science teacher I utilize amplify to not only grade all assignments but provide on demand feedback for my students to see on each assignment. This allows for revision and communication outside of school hours. Digital learning allows flexibility for students to complete assignments and revise assignments within a teachers time frame. Digital learning teaches students how to pace themselves, set goals for assignments, try new things and attend to their learning needs.
Flaws that come with digital learning are computer access at home. Students who do not know how to troubleshoot, turn in assignments and feel connected to the lesson. This results for in person learning, hands on learning and whole group instruction.What I mean by feeling connected to the lesson is the engagement. We have to make sure that the tools we use draw to all learners because many students will check out without a teachers model. It is important that we differentiate accordingly.
In order to get past these barriers educators must strategically group, scaffold, provide visual aids like audio, pictures, videos , set office hours and provide a tool that can be accessible for all learners. This is help students stay connected inside and outside of the classroom.
Some advantages of embracing Digital Learning are accessibility,flexibility,personalization,engagement, and diverse learning resources. For example, digital learning provides access to education anytime, anywhere as long as learners have and internet connection. This eliminates geographical barriers and allows individuals to pursue their learning further. Flexibility refers to pace and schedule. Learners can pace themselves. Most importantly the digital learning platforms often incorporate adaptive learning. Epic Reading is a library through which students can search for books by age, genre, or reading level. The app ensures students remain engaged by provided interactive videos and quizzes on the topics of their interest. Learners are also able to earn badges which serves as an incentive when working toward milestones.
Some flaws of digital learning include, the lack of face to face interaction, technical issues and limitations, self discipline and motivation, and limited hands on experiences. To combat these flaws some solutions would be live virtual classes, and video conferencing. Technical issues often lead to frustration, however some ways to mitigate these challenges, institutions can invest in reliable technology as well as offer offline/downloadable resources for areas with limited internet access. In order to supprt lack of self discipline and motivation, provide clear guidelines, goals, and offer feedback to ensure you are fostering a supportive online learning community.
You did a great job of giving a comprehensive summary of both the advantages and disadvantages. When you discuss the disadvantages, it reminds me of the deficits we saw when the students first came after COVID.
I love how we have a new timeline to refer to (post pandemic). We can all agree that times are changing and that we need to create new boundaries for how much is too much and many of those guidelines will depend on age of the user.
Digital learning has many advantages. One major advantage is the flexibility it provides to learners. Students can access educational material anytime, anywhere. Students can also access content and resources using a wide variety of tools. This allows for self-paced learning. This eliminates the constraints of fixed schedules, making education accessible to a wider range of learners. Another advantage to DL is access to more personalized and adaptive technologies. My school has been using i-Ready for a number of years. This program really dives deep into a child’s strength’s and weaknesses using the standards on each grade level. You can also assign Spanish Math diagnostics to students who speak Spanish and are new to the school. After a student takes the diagnostic, a teacher can analyze the data to form groups, based on the students needs. Then the students can continue using individualized instruction when completing lessons.
One disadvantage to DL is the cost of devices and access to internet. Not all students have equal access to technology and the internet. This can create inequalities and disparities in learning outcomes. One way to overcome internet access is for companies to work with Government agencies to design affordable plans for low-income families and hard to reach rural areas. Reaching out to our local community centers in different areas, see if the community center and libraries has a computer lab and internet access for families who need assistance. We need a community based solution to engage with local community organizations and local government to advocate for internet and device access initiatives. We can raise awareness of the issue to encourage more affordable options in the future.
I really resonated with the disadvantages that you mentioned. So many of our students especially during remote learning. I saw so many students struggling sharing devices or unable to access given devices due to knowledge or glitches. It put our students in a greater disadvantage with technology. We absolutely do need to bridge the gap and offer better solutions!
I also do agree that technology has many amazing advantages and can give our students who come from a low income household exposure to a wealth of knowledge. It has a way of making tasks to be completed with ease at times and in less time. I like the that you pointed out how it can facilitate learning in different languages for students that are learning English and help them feel more connected to the class content.
Digital learning comes with advantages. Two advantages are creating personalized learning for students and collaborating with parents and families to support students in their learning. Personalizing learning for students provides an individual approach to education. It is tailored to support each student and their strengths, interests and learning styles. Therefore the student becomes the driver of their own learning. Collaboration with parents and families will support students’ learning. When parents and families are involved in education, students are more engaged. A stronger partnership will develop and grow between student and parent.
Digital learning comes with disadvantages. To participate in digital learning students need digital tools. Digital tools are not free. Once a student has a digital tool it must be kept well maintained in order for it to work. A Wifi connection must be available for students to work on their digital tool. Also the connection between student and parent for the collaboration of digital learning may not be available due to work schedules or just availability of the parent. Once a student is using a digital tool for learning the amount of screen time must be taken into consideration. Too much is just not good. There has to be a happy balance of screen time and no screen time.
Balance of screen time is key, even for adults. Most of the new apps and programs are designed to be addictive. Honestly we need to take this approach with the way look at most things. Sometimes too much of a good thing makes it not so good anymore.
Two of the biggest advantages of embracing digital learning are personalized learning and formative assessments that can provide immediate feedback. Today’s EdTech allows students to learn at their own level while receiving targeted support and feedback. For example, ELA programs such as i-Ready and Quill begin by giving students a diagnostic to assess their levels of proficiency across multiple language arts skills. Students then receive targeted lessons based on their specific needs. Additionally, when a student enters an incorrect answer during a lesson, they are given immediate feedback and the opportunity to correct their errors. Overtime, students begin to learn from their mistakes and/or receive additional lessons, as needed. Such EdTech platforms also provide real-time formative assessment data to teachers that can then be used to create groupings, identify student misconceptions, and adapt tasks accordingly.
Potential flaws of digital learning include, but are not limited to, access and screen time. Many school districts have made significant improvements in providing access to a device and the internet for students in the past few years. However, from what I have witnessed, school districts have few answers for students who inadvertently damage and/or lose their technology during the school year. While students should be taught how to care for their technology as a part of digital citizenship, accidents do happen–especially for elementary and middle school age students. When schools do not have the means to repair and/or replace these devices in a timely fashion, disparities are created. Having additional devices on hand that can be loaned out to students would be helpful. Another potential flaw of digital learning is excessive screen time, which can have negative health effects. As a part of digital citizenship, students’ managing their time in front of a screen is addressed. However, what if they aren’t given a choice? During the school day, content teachers are not collaborating with each other to ensure that students do not spend their entire day in front of a device. As we shift further into digital learning, schools need to have specific guidelines for screen time by age group in order to ensure there is a balance of digital and offline activities.
i-Ready is a great tool for personalized learning. When I used i-Ready with my 4th grade students I did like the feature of the program providing personalized lessons for students based on their needs. Students are learning on their level therefore they are taking ownership.
Digital learning has advantages and disadvantages. One advantage is that it offers personalized education and choices for students, meeting their individual needs. It also promotes self-assessment and empowers students to guide their own learning. Communication between families and teachers is enhanced, increasing student engagement and collaboration. Additionally, digital tools can help overcome communication barriers through translation assistance.
However, there are some flaws. Not all students have access to WiFi, preventing their participation in online lessons. Support should be provided to help families afford internet access, similar to providing free lunch for students. Some parents may also struggle with technology, hindering their ability to assist their children. Parent workshops can address this issue by educating parents on using digital tools and supporting their children’s learning at home.
I completely agree with you regarding support being provided to help families with internet access. Also, one of my goals next year is to provide more parent workshops dealing with helping parents with technology so they can assist their students, especially in the lower grades. K-2 parents need help when coming in and starting different programs and apps we use.
I feel that we are all on the same page when it comes to digital learning being personalized for students needs. With digital learning we can meet the needs of various learning through teacher models, visuals, scaffold, multiple means of representations, strategic groupings and more.
Agree that internet can be a barrier because not many families have computers or internet at home. I feel they should bring that the free internet for families who didn’t have during covid. It helped so much with digital learning then that it will really be essential now.
Advantages:
Flaws:
Technology will always be a distraction because when the mind is bored , the mind wonders. I feel as adults we do this as well. Students need to learn when they need a brain break and take that break. It helps with me when i see myself escaping my work. It helps refocus. It is good to help teach pacing with assignments so it is not overwhelming that a student detaches longer than they should.
The Teacher Digital Guide begins the conversation by emphasizing the need for digital learning to mitigate gaps in learning, increase collaboration, and support students social and emotional needs. The pandemic forced the educational spaces to think outside the box and consider a different forms of learning through the use of technology. It was challenging to learn different platforms and engage students in these spaces in such precedent times. However, this experience allowed us to re-approach how one learns.
Some advantages highlighted in the Digital Guide is the ability to tailor support based on student strengths and weakness. Many digital tools have different resources and supports to address misconceptions, disabilities, and language difficulties. Also, many tools provide frequent formative assessments to track student data and support teachers in making more purposeful decisions in a lesson and/or unit. Additionally, it addresses the importance of teaching students and families about the importance of privacy when engaging with technology to protect themselves from cyberbullying and potential predators, etc.
Some challenges that may arise is determining whether or not a digital tool is culturally responsive because it is important for students to see themselves in whichever tool they use. Also, taking into considerations the different types of cultures because it may impact whether or not a student engages in a platform. Addressing this issue is important for teachers to use a checklist to ensure a tool is cultural responsive and send a notice out to parents about their comfortability with a tool or help them build familiarity. A challenge can also be teaching students how to trouble shoot because although they may teach a student how to use a certain tool in school, when they get home they may encounter internet and/or other difficulties. They need to build confidence in tinkering and debunking.
The Teacher Digital Guide starts by saying, “Digital learning and its supportive technology can help you as a teacher advance learning, mitigate learning loss, and create opportunities for social and emotional engagement. These benefits are possible when you and your students are in the classroom and when you are teaching students who are learning at home. To achieve these goals, access to devices and the internet must be available for you and all your students, and digital learning should be as nimble and accountable as possible.”
Digital learning is the future of education. At all levels all students will be engaged in some form of digital learning. Technology can offer many positive aspects to education. It offers connectivity between students/teachers and families/teachers. It makes it possible to answer or support a student in real time or beyond the school day. It allows me to communicate frequently and easily with families about their student. I can send updates, compliments, concerns, schedule meetings and more. During COVID it allowed students to continue learning and fostered connection when we all felt so cut off. For students with learning challenges it can offer more independence such as having text read aloud to them or leveled text or choice. Digital learning also can also allow students agency and choice in deciding how they will prove mastery of their learning. Will they create a video, podcast, picture, etc. Embracing digital learning is a necessity, a life skill, are our world is increasingly dependent on digital interactions.
Conversely, I think digital learning has a place in education. It is a life skill, however I would suggest limits. Even if we could effectively overcome the hurdle of a device and connectivity for all, I do not think most students, especially at the lower levels benefit from learning exclusively across a digital device. During COVID when students were exclusively online they lost many social interaction skills. They still struggle working cooperatively and playing together. Their conflict resolution skills are weakened from this time period. I think we must put limits on screentime and integrate the benefits and what digital learning does best with the real world experiences that only low tech/no tech learning can do. I can’t imagine not offering kids the experience of holding a book, engineering a real object, or being present in the classroom and debating face to face.
I agree, in the lower grades it can be a useful tool with apps such as RAZ kids but they also need the hands on experiences to learn. They need to have books in their hands play games with other classmates, and participate in guided lessons with teachers.
In the Teacher Digital Guide we read that “In a digital learning environment, students need access to devices, internet connectivity, and skills to support optimal learning. Before implementing digital learning, you should consider how to close digital divides, teach digital citizenship, and maintain privacy and security for the student data created by digital learning tools.” I believe in my school we have finally achieved the goal of one to one digital device for every student in both middle and high school.
Before the pandemic laptop carts were few and in between, and if teachers wanted students to use the computers in their classes, they had to compete with other teachers to schedule time in the school computer lab. I had the privilege to have my own MacBook Pro cart with 30 laptops, courtesy of having spent a whole Summer learning how to teach Computer Science as part of CS4ALL Cohort 2.
The pandemic also allowed students in my school to take home a school issued digital device, and those that missed the window were able to partake in remote learning through the thousands of tablets with built in wifi that were distributed across the New York public school system.
My little prediction I had told my students for many years became true: the day were all classroom instruction would be digital and become web based came to a reality. Even prior to the pandemic I was teaching all my class blended learning style, and unlike many teachers that never used an LMS like Google classroom, my students were already used to come into my classroom and do their work on the cloud in class. They were ready when pandemic hit and remote learning was the norm.
One roadblock that persist today in my school community is students complaining that they did not do the assignments posted on Google Classroom “because they were absent”. I tell them that their excuse has no merit, because been absent is not an impediment for them to login and at least attempt to do their classwork assignment. The work is designed that they can watch a multimedia video on any device, take Cornell Notes on their notebooks and to write an Academic Report, summarizing what they learned. My students are trained since September, year 1 or year 2 ELLs as well as newcomer recent international arrivals, they are all trained to take notes using Cornell Note taking strategy graphic organizers.
The first thing I do when I have a newcomer recently arrived from overseas student is to create his/her school email and to teach them how to login to Google classroom, how to join all his courses, including mine, and how to navigate and utilize the digital tools of Google docs for his digital independent learning.
One thing that continues to impede effective digital learning in my school community of immigrants is the fact that parents take their children on vacation of for family affairs for extended periods of time, even weeks before any major holiday break, and return to schools many days after because it is cheaper to fly on those dates. Not only this causes significant learning delays on the students due to his absence from classroom instruction, but because while they are away parents don’t make sure to pack a digital device, nor they make their child attempt to connect to do any classwork assignments or HW projects posted on GC, despite them having access to smartphones and other digital devices and to have wifi pretty much everywhere they go. Until education becomes a priority, digital learning will fall short of its goal in my school population.
According to the Teacher Digital Guide, one of the many advantages of digital learning is that it will help lessen learning loss. Digital learning will also help teachers achieve countless ways of teaching, educating, and asses their students regardless of where they are located. The advantage of digital learning will also allow students access to the information needed to achieve their academic goals.
Digital Learning also has disadvantages because every student needs access to a digital tool, the internet. However, in some cases, they don’t have access to the internet or a Digital Tool, and some students cannot log in independently, depending on their age. For instance, during the pandemic, children who started Kindergarten some or most didn’t know how to log in to their classes, and some parents weren’t tech-savvy to help them log in or to help them with their classwork. These problems can be fixed by providing internet access for families. In addition, digital tools such as Ipad and computers can also be more accessible to families who can’t afford them. Also, workshops should be provided for students and parents to help them navigate the tool.
There are many advantages to digital learning. For instance, with digital learning education is differentiated. According to the guide, digital learning provides the opportunity to meet the needs of students and it provides choices for the kids. This reminded me of Universal Design of Learning and the multiple means of action and expression. Digital learning also provides rubrics so students can self assess and guide their own learning. Furthermore, students can take control of their learning by generating questions and taking polls. They can then form groups based on the results of those polls. Another advantage to digital learning is that it provides open and accessible communication between families and teachers. This communication can increase student engagement and promotes collaboration to better help the students. With digital learning, there are tools that can help translate so the barriers of communication are eliminated.
There are a few flaws to digital learning. For instance, not every student has access to wifi. Some families may not be able to afford the added expense of wifi. As a result, students are unable to partake in lessons. Families should receive help to pay for the cost of wifi, just as free lunch is provided for many students. In addition, not every parent is comfortable with technology. Therefore, some students may not be able to complete work. For instance, there were many times that students couldn’t log into Google Classroom or they couldn’t access the slides because they weren’t using their child’s login information. These problems could be fixed with parent workshops. We could educate the parents with how to use these new digital tools so that they can help their children at home.
I agree with most of what you are saying. However I disagree on the Wi-Fi. The DOE provided devices that had their own Wi-Fi and you can get Wi-Fi just about everywhere. On your phone, at cafes and diners. I feel like Wi-Fi is not necessarily a disadvantage. It becomes a problem if they don’t work out the different ways they can get Wi-Fi but Wi-Fi is provided everywhere.
Advantages: Discussion, debate, and other interactive activities are frequently included in digital learning platforms. Collaboration between students and between students and teachers is encouraged by these activities. Shy students can interact with others more comfortably and occasionally in less conventional methods, such instant messaging, thanks to digital learning. Students can interact with other digital learners locally or internationally through digital learning.
I agree with everything you’re saying. I believe that with all these discussions and interactions online, it’s very important that we encourage those digital literacy lessons for what they should and should not say while they’re online.
Addressing the Flaws: Two flaws I think need to be addressed in digital learning environments include lack of face to face interaction and limited hands-on learning opportunities.
The lack of face-to-face interaction with teachers and peers can lead to feelings of isolation and a lack of social interaction, which can impact student motivation and engagement. To address this, digital learning platforms can incorporate video conferencing tools, discussion forums, and other interactive activities to increase engagement and foster social interaction between students and teachers.
Additionally, digital learning is often focused on delivering information and content through videos, presentations, and readings which can limit hands-on learning opportunities and practical application of concepts and skills. To address this, digital learning platforms can incorporate virtual labs, simulations, and other interactive activities that provide opportunities for students to apply concepts and practice skills.
I agree with the aspect of shy students interacting more digitally. I see this more and more everyday.