Article 3 - The digital learning space

Digital technologies are becoming increasingly important in learning, they form new learning spaces for both teachers and learners. It can enhance learning, but also hinder it in a variety of ways. Positive experiences for both teaching and learning include the accessibility and ease of using technology. Because of the accessibility students can work at a pace that is more suitable to how they learn, they can also access more information with a search on the internet that further reinforces their learning. Teachers can create apps and online activities that students can interact with more, rather than traditionally writing information on a piece of paper. Social media is also a great technological aid, as students can learn more off each other and have assistance outside the classroom. While digital technologies can enhance teaching and learning, it can also hinder the process. “Educators are likely to see these devices as distractions from learning, too.” (Thornburg, D. D. 2014) Devices in the classroom can cause students to be disengaged and distracted from learning. There is still also a need for one on one time with the teacher and using technology more can leave that face to face time being neglected. Because of this, teachers may find it hard to actually analyse what each student is learning, and if each student is on the same level. While social media is a great tool for communicating, students may lose some face to face social skills that are important especially in the workforce and adult life. It can become easier for students to just communicate behind a screen rather than have a conversation in real life that is supposed to enhance their confidence.

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