Article 06 - Current Academic Debates in Digitization of Learning and Development

Researchers as well as designers can expand advances and creativity in the field of digitizing learning and development, inform based on research, practice, and policy decisions, and promote improvements in educational systems and organizations worldwide by participating in these current academic debates.

Effectiveness of Online Learning vs Traditional Classroom Learning

Source  - Learn New Things Today(2020), Online Learning vs. Traditional Learning,youtube

Academic researchers are still debating whether online learning is more useful than traditional classroom training. According to certain research, digital learning environments can be just as successful as in-person training, if not more so, when it comes to flexibility, accessibility, and student engagement. On the other hand, others contend that the absence of relationships and social dynamics present in conventional educational environments may affect learning outcomes and student happiness when it comes to online learning.

Nguyen (2018 ) has stated that , the physical “brick and mortar” classroom is starting to lose its monopoly as the place of learning. The Internet has made online learning possible, and many researchers and educators are interested in online learning to enhance and improve student learning outcomes while combating the reduction in resources.

Digital Skills , Divide and Equity in Access

Source  - Saelan Twerdy (2021), Equity of Access and the Digital Divide,youtube

Research on the differences in the availability of digital learning materials among demographic groups and the digital skills gap is ongoing. Digitalization can democratize training and education access, but there are also problems with unequal access to technology, internet connectivity, and digital literacy, particularly for marginalized people. Academics debate how to close the digital divide and ensure that all students have equitable access to digital learning opportunities.

 Jeffery(2023) has stated , While the challenges of digital equity, the digital divide, and the digital skills gap are vast, they are not insurmountable. By understanding these concepts and their implications, we can work towards a more inclusive, secure, and prosperous future for all.

Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Online Programs

Concerns regarding digital learning program accreditation and quality control surface as the popularity of online learning keeps rising. Academic organizations and accrediting agencies are having difficulty maintaining academic standards in virtual learning environments, ensuring consistency in the quality of education, and evaluating the efficacy and rigor of online courses and degree programs. The best procedures for evaluating faculty qualifications, accrediting digital learning institutions, and analyzing online learning results are the main topics of debate.

 As per the Jung, Latchem(2012) Quality assurance (QA) in open and distance learning (ODL) can be a contentious issue. Some argue that it should be judged by the same criteria and methods as face-to-face education, while others claim that it is so different in its organization, enrolments, and operations that conventional QA mechanisms cannot apply. Some advocate the use of specific guidelines and standards for e-learning; others believe that, regardless of the technology, the basic principles of quality teaching and learning should apply. Providers who have enjoyed freedom from external scrutiny may resist attempts at external regulation and auditing and look upon QA as yet another imposition of corporatization and bureaucracy on education. Others see it as a means of establishing a culture of quality, self-reflection and self-improvement.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Learning and Development 

Source - PA Consulting Group,(2020) Using AI to improve learning and development,Youtube

Discussions on artificial intelligence's (AI) possible effects on teaching and learning processes have been triggered by the incorporation of AI technology into digital learning platforms. To increase individualized education and improve learning results, some scholars support the employment of AI-powered adaptive learning algorithms, intelligent tutoring systems, and personalized learning assistants. Others express worries about the ethical ramifications of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, bringing up topics like algorithmic prejudice, data privacy, and task automation.

References

01 - Learn New Things Today,(2020),Online Learning vs. Traditional Learning,youtube [Online]available   at https://youtu.be/WIUt8EW-9FQ?si=akQajc3fwp5z3Mzk

02 - Nguyen, T., (2015)The effectiveness of online learning: Beyond no significant difference and future horizons. MERLOT Journal of online learning and teaching [Online]available at https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Tuan-Nguyen-186/publication/308171318_The_Effectiveness_of_Online_Learning_Beyond_No_Significant_Difference_and_Future_Horizons/links/57dc114608ae4e6f18469e8c/The-Effectiveness-of-Online-Learning-Beyond-No-Significant-Difference-and-Future-Horizons.pdf

03 - Saelan Twerdy (2021), Equity of Access and the Digital Divide,youtube,[Online]available at https://youtu.be/7XK-XdPhjWw?si=c0kYE02wwHqTKuCa

 

04 - Jeffery,M.,(2023), Bridging the Gap: Digital Equity, the Digital Divide, and the Digital Skills Gap,Linkedin [Onlne] available at https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/bridging-gap-digital-equity-divide-skills-merrill-jeffery/

05 - Jung,I.,Latchem,C.(2012) Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Distance Education and e-Learning-Models, Policies and Research[Online]Available at https://www.routledge.com/Quality-Assurance-and-Accreditation-in-Distance-Education-and-e-Learning-Models-Policies-and-Research/Jung-Latchem/p/book/9780415887359