Implications and Impact of DLT
School – For digital learning to be effective, access to broadband at home, not just at school, is needed (Ark, 2012) – parents of school kids may not see broadband as high on their list of priorities. Also, constantly changing software and hardware versions can make it tough for schools, and parents of schools kids, to keep up with digital learning tools – this can be seen in NZ where school kids have been encouraged to buy iPad2s, which are due to become obsolete in the next couple of weeks.
Polytechnic – Students at Polytechs (and Unis) tend to have better access to on-campus resources than school kids, so broadband and software/hardware issues are not as big here – except for the need for the learning centres to upgrade software and hardware. There is perhaps more pressure on Polytechs (and Unis) to deliver digital learning than schools, mainly due to off-campus learners. Digital learning material for off-campus students needs to be well designed, and provide strong guidelines for when work, and what kind of work, needs to be done (Bates, 2012).
University – Students at Unis (and Polytechs) tend to have better access to on-campus resources than school kids, so broadband and software/hardware issues are not as big here – except for the need for the learning centres to upgrade software and hardware. There is perhaps more pressure on Unis (and Polytechs) to deliver digital learning than schools, mainly due to off-campus learners. Digital learning material for off-campus students needs to be well designed, and provide strong guidelines for when work, and what kind of work, needs to be done (Bates, 2012).
Private Organisation – Constantly changing software and hardware versions can make it expensive for private organisations to keep up with digital learning tools – private organisations have to pay full software licenses (whereas educational institutions get academic discounts). Private organisations creating digital learning tools need to keep in mind that academic institutions are increasingly wanting targeted and customised solutions, which are still affordable and of high quality (Connections Education LLC, 2012).
[NB: I view Polytechs and Unis as being very similar, except for there being a bit of a difference in the levels of courses provided]
References:
Ark, T.V. (2012). 10 benefits & 10 concerns about the shift to digital learning. Retrieved 8 March, 2012, from: http://gettingsmart.com/blog/2012/02/10-benefits-10-concerns-about-the-shift-to-digital-learning/
Bates, T. (2012). A student guide to studying online. Retrieved 8 March, 2012, from: http://www.tonybates.ca/2012/02/29/a-student-guide-to-studying-online/
Connections Education LLC. (2012). Connections learning appoints two digital learning veterans to rapidly expanding organization. Retrieved 8 March, 2012, from: http://www.connectionsacademy.com/news/cl-appoints-two-digital-learning-veterans.aspx
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