Digital Learning: New Age Tools and the Changing Education Scenario, Trends and Challenges in India

"Digital learning is just making sure that if I need a piece of learning while I'm on the job … I can quickly find that information such as from a podcast or video and integrate it right into the task I'm doing." Don Dequette, executive vice president at New York City-based General Physics Learning Solutions Group. Earlier, the internet revolution had brought radical changes practically in all spheres of our lives, across various products and service sectors from ordering consumer goods, medicines, food to hiring a cab. Presently this revolution is being witnessed in education system through modern digital learning methods which are disrupting traditional higher education that has altered its pace from a gradually evolving process to strategical to tactical implementation of newer kinds of technologies. However, the degree of implementation in educational institutions depends on government policy that may not match the ever-accelerating speed of technological innovation and this varies from nation to nation. This conceptual study is intended to find the present status of digital learning methods in education, the important factors that are leading to the growth of digital market, and digital training trends in India. The study identifies that growth of digital education in India is due to improved internet connectivity along with adoption of digital payment options and is opening up more opportunities for teachers as well as students. Advanced digital tools are being incorporated by organisations as the most innovative ways for training, assessment and certification programs. It is implicit that digital learning is enhancing current ways of learning by offering more personalized and swift learning solutions through blended or completely online leaning methods using real-time education. While developed countries are well ahead in formulating policies for development in the field of education, India, could capture only a minute percent in private education and hardly has its presence in rural areas and should exploit the enabling capabilities of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for holistic growth of students to meet the global skills. As digital education is impetus in the present times, traditional learning should leverage the digital technology to enhance the experience of learning and to impart better knowledge in students. Keywords: Information and Computer Technology (ICT), digital education, online learning, internet, smart learning DOI: 10.7176/IKM/9-10-01 Publication date: November 30th 201