Digital Learning - and why it's important

As technology develops and our reliance on it becomes more prevalent, the demand for digital learning courses has grown. 

The digital learning industry is growing every day, and we’re here to tell you why. In this article, we will discuss what digital learning is, and its ever-growing benefits.

What is digital learning?

Digital learning, also known as Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) or eLearning, is a teaching method centralised around the use of technologies and digital tools. 

With the progression of technology and its influence over our lives, many employers are opting for digital education methods in their L&D departments. 

Read more: What does a Digital Learning Designer do?  

Increased connectivity

In a world with a growing reliance and familiarity with technology, online learning methods provide an increased level of connectivity between students and teachers.

By creating a virtual reality community of students and teachers, learners from across the world can support each other's learning, access teachers easily, and answer each other's questions quickly. This can be through digital software such as Microsoft ‘Teams’, Zoom or Webex – all examples of online communities.

This allows learners to have quick access to information and a positive support system of fellow learners at their fingertips. 

Cost effective convenience 

Gone are the days of flying halfway across the world to attend a training course. With digital learning, students can learn from the convenience of their home or office. 

This is also a more cost-effective method for employers; allowing them to send their employees on training courses easily, cutting the cost of travel and living expenses. 

By cutting back on travel costs, companies have more budget to spend on developing and training more employees’ talents and skills. Where a company could only afford to send one employee on a training course, with digital learning, they could send 2-3 or more! This creates a stronger, more talented and skilled team for a company. 

Read more: How to design an eLearning programme 

Updating relevancy

With digital learning, any educational content can be easily altered and adjusted without logistical complications.? You can quickly and easily update any information with the click of a button.

In contrast to traditional learning methods, booklets and worksheets cannot be altered once printed. If they are no longer entirely relevant, such as containing information about a software 3 updates ago, they would have to be disposed of. This is not cost effective.

Alternatively, with digital learning, once the program  is developed, it can be kept in the system for years and updated with ease when necessary. 

Lecture recordings

Have you ever totally zoned out during a lecture? With digital learning, you can playback recorded lectures and fill in any knowledge gaps. 

With traditional learning, information can be harder to access, but the technological convenience of digital learning allows students to have easier access to information. This means they can playback their lectures as many times as they need, even after they have completed the course.

Related: Should you become an instructional designer? 

Blended learning 

Individual students can benefit from different learning experiences. Through the learning process, some students may find face to face, social learning more beneficial. 

Learning & Development managers can combine traditional learning and teaching methods with digital learning to support learners with their development. This is also a great way for a company to track the progress of their employees and the success of the program. 

Learners can gather after studying segments  of their digital learning to discuss what they have learnt, ask any necessary questions and have face to face engagement with other learners. This social aspect of learning can also serve as a well needed break from screens, making the learning process more fun and engaging. 

Skill based learning offerings

Digital learning creates an education system in which competency-based learning is prioritised. In a traditional learning environment, learners are expected to learn at the same pace. However, digital learning allows students to learn at their own pace, establish their knowledge/skill gaps, and progress to the next stage at their own pace .

Ultimately, this allows for a successful and effective educational process.

Finally... It's fun!

Digital learning program developers are experts in creating fun and engaging content to optimise the learning experience for students. 

With the use of games, quizzes, videos, augmented reality and other educational media, learners can have an enjoyable time learning; leading to successful learning outcomes. 

With the progression towards digital learning in the workplace, knowing how to develop digital learning programs is a valuable, key skill to possess as an L&D manager. 

If you wish to learn the skill of digital learning design, enrol on our Digital Learning Design course today.