What is Digital Learning and Why does it Matter?

Introducing Digital Learning Matters...

Digital learning is a broad term, denoting any type of learning that utilises technology connected to the internet. Formal learning at all levels (school, college, university and professional learning) uses the internet to access information and connect people. Informal learning is engaged with widely through social media and web browsing. In July 2024 there were 5.45 billion internet users worldwide, which amounted to 67.1 percent of the global population (statistica.com). That’s not all of the world, but it is a significant proportion.

So why does it matter? Digital technologies (connected to the internet) and social media have led to changes in social practices, in the way we access information and knowledge, how and where we work, socialise and interact with each other. The ways in which we access - and interact with - information has changed. All of these things matter for learning. If we view learning as a lifelong endeavour – which this blog does – then the ways we interact with information, with people and the world, matter. They influence what and how we learn, and how we subsequently act.  

Photo by Marvin Meyer on Unsplash

The internet has great potential for learning, access to information should now be freely available to everybody. Social media has enabled greater dialogue as anyone can join in discussions, everyone’s voice can be valued. Unfortunately, the internet is not a digital utopia. Corporate power structures and algorithms designed for commercial or political gain challenge the democratic potential of this digital space. Interacting with each other through digital technologies is not automatically inclusive, anyone who has facilitated or taken part in online learning will know that it isn’t the same as face-to-face learning experiences (that’s not to say its worse, it’s just different).

This blog explores digital learning and the factors that influence our experiences as we engage with learning, formally or informally, as we work and interact in digital spaces. Drawing on research each post provides a stimulus to reflect on - or discuss - the stuff that matters for digital learning.   

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