Embracing digital education: My digital experience at Leeds
Student Ambassador for digital education, Aishwarya shares her reflections on her digital experience at Leeds and explores the future of digital education.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Universities were compelled by necessity to make a swift and adaptable switch to digital learning. Today, educational institutions are actively embracing the potential possibilities of hybrid learning. Students have started to adopt more favourable perspectives towards digital learning and are seizing the opportunities that digital technologies offer.
Modern day classrooms are incomplete without digital learning gadgets such as Desktops, Laptops, Smartphones, and iPads. Screen readers are a fantastic addition to removing barriers from digital environment by enabling the interaction with digital content easier in terms of accessibility, efficiency and increased productivity.
One of the main digital tools used by students at the University of Leeds is Minerva which is used by both undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as staff. Having such a useful Virtual learning Environment (VLE) is very convenient as it gives students the opportunity to go back and review what has been taught through recordings and online learning content.
Online discussion boards in Minerva make it very easy to raise questions and clarify any doubts with students and Professors. Virtual platforms like Padlet also promote open discussions between professors and students and are very user friendly.
In terms of flexibility, digital learning enables learners to access learning materials from anywhere at any time. This is advantageous, especially for those who have other commitments. As digital learning is fuelled by interactive and engaging tools such as videos and simulations, learners are constantly engaged and motivated by the value it brings into the curriculum.
The future of digital education
As technologies advance at a skyrocketing pace, the question arises whether the approaches to digital learning will evolve into a much more integrated and long-term model. Technologies such as augmented reality and virtual reality will contribute towards a smooth transition from physical to virtual experiences.
Students experience with digital education should be based on individual comfort with technology and the ease of accessibility to online learning. It is essential that universities create a space that promotes networking and facilitates access to support teams. Universities should also invest in funds to improve their digital learning infrastructure as students have had trouble in securing laptops and accessing IT support in the past.
When students are given a voice in the educational process, they are more likely to be interested and driven to succeed when they feel that their thoughts are acknowledged and heard. Universities should therefore continue to improve their digital resources and make sure that their students’ needs and expectations are met.
Written by Aishwarya - Student Ambassador for Digital Education
