In ancient times education was conveyed through Ashram by a Guru-Shisha mechanism. It required the student to stay in the Ashram and the education or the knowledge gained was a continual process. With time the modes of imparting knowledge has changed but the principle remained the same. For knowledge to flow it requires a “teacher” and a “student”. The present education system which is guided by a syllabus and a gradation system needs physical infrastructure such as classroom, laboratories etc. Thus the quantum of people who can receive quality education is limited as the seats are limited. Covid-19 has brought in an era where the seats can be limitless. Thanks to the use of technology for imparting education, known as “Digital Learning”.
Every system has its own process, which makes it sustainable and acceptable to man. The new big question is whether digital learning will be the new system of education or is it just a temporary stop gap arrangement?
Digital learning can solve many problems which has been part of our brick & mortar classroom system for ages.
- Affordability
- Outreach
- Flexible Learning Environment
- Active and Engaging
- Unlimited Classroom Capacity
Affordability
The biggest issue that many students face is the lack of opportunities and resources. While some of them discontinue their studies due to monetary issues, others quit. Students who are interested to learn and gather knowledge on different in-demand courses usually face difficulty as traditional coaching centers are not well equipped. Relocating to another city for study requires economic stability which everyone does not possess. In such cases, digital learning comes to the rescue as it does not ask you to travel anywhere to reach your education institution.
Outreach
Digitalization in India led to the development of technologies and provided the students with an opportunity to study through any device at any time. Now, getting 75% attendance marked on the teacher’s register is not essential to get a job; however, being 100% skilled is the pre-requisite for the same. Digital learning ensures that the syllabus must be parallel to global education. Moreover, digital learning is not bounded by geography or time. The digital learning courses are self-paced and learner centric and targets every individual who wants to enhance their knowledge.
Flexible Learning Environment
Live learning events require that those who participate align their schedules to the training calendar. Digital learning eliminates this because the course can be accessed anytime, anywhere. The combination of multimedia and instructional design can produce a very rich learning experience that is repeatable. Digital learning includes all sort of online technologies. If some of the tools that allows collaboration and conversation, can be incorporated, knowledge can be captured for future learners. In present education system if you need a refresher, you need to take good notes. Otherwise, refresher is not possible. That’s not the case with digital learning. Ideally, you continue to have access to the online content and resources to brush up on what you learned.
Active and Engaging
Learning through the conventional methods becomes a little boring, if done in a monotonous flow. Online learning through the mobile, laptop or tablet makes users more engaged in the learning process. This method is highly dynamic and can be manipulated accordingly to the requirements, timing and priorities hence giving one the ability to develop better learning ability.
Unlimited Classroom Capacity
Digital learning is accessible 24 hours a day. This is very useful option for professionals and other persons who are busy in their day jobs. Managing an online course and work schedule according to the daily routine becomes easier with digital learning. There is no pressure to meet deadlines, etc. Being able to access almost all sorts of information without worrying about the fact that it is going to be a “crowded” environment ensures a better level of understanding and productivity.
To sum up, while there are many advantages in digital learning, slow internet connection sometimes causes disruption. Both physical learning and digital learning can be used to achieve the same goals. Which one you choose depends on the logistics of delivering your training as well as the subject matter being taught. However, in a more and more globalized workplace, live online lessons are becoming an increasingly obvious choice for any professional development program.
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