Digital Learning

Introduction
The below statement from the New Zealand Curriculum defines how schools should view and approach e-learning through the use of ICT. There are many New Zealand schools currently embarking on some sort of BYOD or one-to-one device solution. Recent ongoing research highlights the benefits of increasing the use of such devices in educational settings.

Best practice e-learning enables accessible, relevant, and high-quality learning opportunities that improve student engagement and achievement. E-learning has the potential to transform the way teaching and learning takes place. It is about using technologies effectively across the curriculum to connect schools and communities and to provide accessible, relevant, and high-quality learning opportunities so that every student is better able to achieve their full potential. See http://elearning.tki.org.nz/About-this-site for more information.


E-learning and Pedagogy
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has a major impact on the world in which young people live. Similarly, e-learning (that is, learning supported by or facilitated by ICT) has considerable potential to support the teaching approaches outlined in the above section.

For instance, e-learning may:
  • assist the making of connections by enabling students to enter and explore new learning environments
  • overcome barriers of distance and time facilitate shared learning by enabling students to join or create communities of learners that extend well beyond the classroom
  • assist in the creation of supportive learning environments by offering resources that take account of individual, cultural, or developmental differences
  • enhance opportunities to learn by offering students virtual experiences and tools that save them time, allowing them to take their learning further.
Schools should explore not only how ICT can supplement traditional ways of teaching but also how it can open up new and different ways of learning.


What might learning look like?
Digital learning is about enhancing learning not replacing it. Children are able to undertake learning in a way that was not possible without devices. BYOD allows children to work on the learning activity that best suits their learning whether it be digital or not. They are not restricted to a certain digital activity when and for how long based on the availability of shared devices. They will not be on their device for the entire school day as some learning activities and areas are best learnt by hand. It is all about the right tool for the job.

Some examples of e-learning are:
  • working collaboratively on a shared document in real time
  • writing a computer programme
  • programming a robot
  • creating and editing a movie
  • designing a 3D model
  • having a video conference with an expert
  • composing music
  • sharing learning with families
  • creating a website