Poor Internet connections, difficulties in technical implementation and lack of personal exchange have made the transfer of knowledge and learning materials more difficult.
However, a new study finds that digital learning also brings unexpected benefits and opportunities. The findings of the study were published in the journal ‘Psychology Rundschau’.
In the study, Dr. Anne Gartner of the Technische Universitt Dresden explained that digital teaching offers students as well as lecturers new, unprecedented opportunities and brings a new form of teaching and learning to life: “On the one hand, in the context of time Flexibility and location in work organization is one of the biggest benefits of digital learning, as not only time but also cost can be saved, for example, by eliminating travel. Lecturers have more autonomy and make their own decisions Learn how to manage your time and organize your time during seminars and lectures. In addition, the recorded learning material can be reused.”
Students feel the same way: digital learning allows them to learn at their own individual pace and repeat recorded lectures as often as necessary.
Nevertheless, “face-to-face teaching and digital formats should not be played against each other. Digital learning should be seen as a complementary means to further improve the quality of teaching, and replace face-to-face teaching.” Importance shouldn’t be there. Forget it,” said Dr. Gartner.
Because even though online learning provides more benefits than initially expected, the lack of contact between lecturers and students leaves many gaps that cannot be “filled” online. An obvious disadvantage, for example, is the need for a stable Internet connection and the necessary technical equipment.
Since digital learning and its technical implementation were still unknown territory to many, the workload increased especially in the early days. In addition, one of the main disadvantages is undoubtedly the difficulty of staying disciplined, focused and motivated in front of your computer for long periods of time. For students, in particular, it requires significantly more self-discipline and organization than face-to-face courses.
For Dr. Gartner personally, the biggest pitfall was not knowing if she could actually reach her students in her online courses: “However, it turns out that my online seminars and lectures have done very well so far. , and conversations and exchanges have been possible. , albeit in a slightly different way. At the same time it has worked – my digital seminar was also awarded a teaching prize, which I Was especially pleased – I still hope that soon I will be able to discuss things with the students. Do exciting experiments again in the seminar room and in the laboratory,” explained the psychologist.
Dr Gartner also believes that blended learning (a combination of classroom and digital learning) could be a promising method of teaching and learning in the future. In face-to-face teaching, for example, there may be a greater focus on interaction and exchange, whereas in digital forms of teaching and learning, content may be worked on in person.
In the future, more and more people will want to learn and teach online, because now everyone has the opportunity to continue their education anytime and anywhere – whether on the road, in the waiting room, on the train or at home.
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