13 Digital Learning Resources in Education
Angeliz Diaz
13.1 Introduction
Keywords
- Asynchronous online learning – is a student-centered teaching method where their learning can occur in different times and spaces particular to each learner
- Digital learning resources – electronic resources such as applications (apps), software, programs, or websites that engage students in learning activities and support the learning goals of students
- Online learning – a method of education whereby students learn in an entirely internet-based environment
- Remotely – at or from a distance; typically by means of an electronic connection
- Synchronous online learning – a method of learning that requires students to attend classes at a structurally scheduled time virtually
- Traditional learning – a method of instructional interaction that occurs in person and in real time between teachers and their students
Learning Objectives
By the end of this chapter, students should be able to:
- Understand the role digital resources have in education
- Understand how the presentation of information digitally may affect the quality of learning
- Describe the different types of instruction delivery
- Distinguish the difference between synchronous and asynchronous learning
- Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of virtual learning
The inclusion of technology for lesson delivery in classrooms is progressively becoming the new normal nationally. Even though COVID-19 has sparked an exponential increase in the number of students signing up for e-learning, the use of digital learning resources like websites and applications created to enhance learning comprehension of the courses’ content was something already seen before the pandemic. Our earlier implementations combined traditional learning materials and the use of multimedia technology as supplements to the courses. This ratio, where most of the course content was presented with traditional tools like notes, in-person lectures, and textbooks, allowed the 21st-century tools like online tutorials to not be overused or over-depended on. Even with such an efficient balance, society had to adapt from traditional learning in an in-person learning environment to online learning using entirely internet-based environments due to the pandemic. The pandemic itself created an increase in the amount of digitized information and learning resources. Because these technologies have always been there, their implementation to the extent where society actually had to rely on them to learn was a very concerning transition for us all. With that increase in the usage of other resources for learning, their effectiveness, more specifically, digital learning resources, was put into question. The digital resources set forth to carry out the education of students gained broad acceptance as a result of the limited options available.
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