Digital education favors personalized learning.
Digital education is the teaching and learning process that is carried out using technology . The concept contemplates different techniques and practices that allow pedagogical objectives to be achieved.
It should be noted that the idea of education refers to training and instruction. The adjective digital , meanwhile, refers to the creation, modification, storage, transport and display of information through a combination of bits (a unit of measurement that is equivalent to the selection between two options of identical probability) .
The notion of digital education, therefore, can imply virtual or electronic learning ( e-learning ) but also focus on the use of educational technology in the classroom . It is a methodology or paradigm that contributes to the dissemination of content and the development of capabilities.
History of digital education
The history of digital education is associated with the evolution of technology. For a long time, the only possibility of distance learning was given by sending printed texts through the mail .
With the appearance of radio and televisions in homes, the possibility of using audiovisual pedagogical resources arose. This trend was enhanced by cassettes and videocassettes .
With the rise of computing and digital technology, education began to use CD-ROMs and DVDs to teach asynchronous classes and allow self-guided courses.
It can be said that the explosion of digital education occurred in the 1980s , when the personal computer (PC) began to gain ground in homes. Then, in the 21st century , key steps were taken with the massification of the Internet and broadband connections that enabled the emergence of online learning platforms, massive open online courses ( MOOCs ) and webinars. The progress of mobile or cellular telephony with smart phones (smartphones) also gave rise to mobile learning ( m-learning ).
An online certification can accredit knowledge acquired through digital education.
Main features
Today it is understood that digital education is based mainly on the use of the Internet, although it also includes the use of educational multimedia. Distance learning , self-directed training and online social learning are some of the possibilities it offers.
With digital education it is no longer essential to be physically present in the same place as the educator. A virtual classroom is a digital space where it is possible to communicate and establish a teaching-learning link. These interactions can occur in real time or live (through a video conference, for example) although in many cases it is also contemplated that each person decides their study pace since the digital content is created and stored, remaining available to the students.
As we have already indicated, digital education offers different possibilities. On the one hand, it can be developed through the relationship between the educator and the students. On the other hand, those who are learning can construct knowledge socially, taking advantage of online collaboration tools and other instruments. There is also the alternative for the student to advance on their own through online tutorials , educational apps , etc.
Of course, in “traditional” education, the three variables also occur, in one way or another. What digital education allows is to facilitate certain issues by granting greater freedom to the student, although it also requires specific skills to access and use the systems. In this sense, digital literacy is essential.
Equity in access to technology is key to the development of digital education.
Advantages of digital education
Digital education offers numerous advantages. One of them is the availability of enormous amounts of information through the Internet . Students can consult content almost without limits, unlike what happened when physical access to the material was needed.
The personalization of learning is another plus point. In general, and considering exceptions depending on the modality or format, each student can make their own decisions regarding the study schedule, the time invested, the speed with which they progress, etc. This, in turn, promotes empowerment and strengthens commitment.
Nor should we forget the tools that promote educational innovation. The use of virtual reality and educational robotics are two examples.
Obstacles and negative aspects
Beyond the notable benefits, digital education also entails certain barriers and issues that pose difficulties or inconveniences. The most cited problem is the lack of emotional closeness between teachers and students when the educational process is virtualized. Although videoconferences, chats and emails allow constant communication, they do not equate to the social fact of sharing the same physical space interacting face to face.
The need for prior training is another obstacle. All the benefits of digital education are valid only for those who have technical knowledge and can make appropriate and safe use of information and communication technologies ( ICT ).
Distractions due to the proliferation of stimuli also make teaching difficult. Being in front of a screen opens up a wide range of options that students must put aside to focus on learning.
Finally, there are specialists who warn that, just as education leads to the acquisition of new skills, it can also lead to the loss of certain skills , such as handwriting and mental calculations.