How Is Digital Learning Going To Change Education - Research Paper Example

How Is Digital Learning Going To Change Schools And Education? By Ray Mosinyi ID: 100359933 of Derby Submitted in fulfillmentof the requirements for the UDOL: Undergraduate Associate Computing and Information Technology Module: Research Methods Module Code: 5TR005 Module Leader: Dr. Eleanor Dare Date: 15th April 2015 Word Count: 3369 words Table of Contents Selection of Topic 3 Problem Statement 3 Research Aims and Objectives 3 Literature Review 4 Research Design 6 Research Strategies 8 Methodology 8 Research Overview 8 Research Approach 9 Data Collection Method 10 Limitations 11 Ethical Consideration 11 Timetable of Activities 11 References 14 Appendix 15 Selection of Topic With the improvement in information technology, the importance of digital learning has increased. The topic ‘How is Digital learning going to change schools and education?’ has been selected to analyse the importance of digital technology in the learning process. The use of digital learning process in the school improves the overall knowledge, communication as well as thinking ability of students. Digital learning in the educational institutes is one of the growing issues in the present day society because of its ability to enhance as well as enrich the learning process in the competitive global world. The main aim of digital learning is to effectively use modern technology in order to enhance individuals overall learning experience. Incorporation of digital learning along with traditional process makes the learning process easier as well as interesting that enables students to gain proper knowledge. The improvement in the web- based technology has further helped teachers of the educational institutes to effectively use various online resources for delivering accurate information to the learners. The implementation of technology in the education sector opens new possibilities for the learners to share different ideas and facts. Digital learning process makes the teaching process easier for the educators. The topic so selected for the purpose of research examines the effectiveness of applying digital way of teaching in the classroom. This paper tends to evaluate the effectiveness of online learning for learning. Problem Statement While innovation within different sectors including the educational sector is increasing at a faster rate, but still it is of less importance as compared to the traditional way of teaching. The implementation of digital learning process in the classroom enhances the education process, but lack of technological improvement prevents its application in many schools. Research Aims and Objectives The main aim of the paper is to analyse the impact of digital learning in school and education process. The paper examines the positive as well as negative aspect of implementing digital learning process in schools. The paper also tends to evaluate the aspect of digital learning based on “Westwood International School". Literature Review The use of digital learning in the educational institutes can also be regarded as a substitute for the traditional way of teaching. According to Warschauer (2007), educational reforms introduced in the 21st century targeted on digitalization of the learning process. Digital learning is a form of autonomous learning process in which the teachers play the role of a guide. Digital learning process offers an opportunity to the present day students to learn independently. The educational institutes having a proper access to the web based technology has greater access to different sources of information’s as compared to the traditional process of learning. However, it has been further argued that the ability to learn independently alone and mentoring by teachers alone is not sufficient to justify the aim of digital learning. The learners also need to have the ability to understand the process of digital tools. As per the views of Warschauer (2007), both teachers and learners need to update their knowledge for effective learning. According to Roxanne & Turoff (2005), the implementation of digital learning in the present day higher education is more likely to produce better learning system as compared to the traditional classroom alone. The advancement in the web-based technology has resulted in the execution of the online learning process that has improved the knowledge of the students. The improvements in information technology have enabled individuals to improve communication process and to relate with others differently. According to Grinager (2006), the implementation of technology in the education sector is vital as it provides the learners more information and boosts the required skills necessary for the development in the 21st century. On the other hand, technology prepares the students so that they are able to compete with other individuals across the globe. Apart from this, the implementation of digital technology in the schools is more likely to improve the performance standards of the students. Furthermore, technology also assists in improving the behaviour of the learners as well as has the ability to raise the efficiency in the classroom. On the other hand, it also assists teachers to enhance the professional skills and knowledge for better effectiveness. Embedding digital technology in the educational sector promote greater equity among students of different socio economic background as it permits the students to have greater equity among individuals of different background (Grinager, 2006). The need to incorporate technology in education has been recognized by the experts in the concerned field. However, only few educational institutes have been able to implement the digital setting in the classrooms. According to Choudary (2014), technology plays a diverse role in imparting education as it enables replacement of the traditional teaching process where the educators play the crucial role of catalyst to deliver knowledge. However, it has been further argued that implementation of digital technology in the education sector reduces the importance of textbooks and use of library approach. Moreover, the traditional way of teaching is based on the contents designed according to the lesson planned that guides teachers in delivering knowledge. On the other hand, the implementation of digital learning requires teachers to have a proper knowledge of the technology and e learning aspects. Therefore, for this reason most of the schools are unable to progress with respect to the use of digital technology. The need to enhance the overall quality of education sector has lead to an increase investment in digital learning. According to Olson & et. al. (2011), the direct impact of implementing digital learning process in schools is largely on the achievement level of the students. Apart from this, digital learning develops the thinking ability of the individuals that in turn improves the problem solving ability as well as raises participation in different activities. It has also been stated that involvement of technology with learning is also expected to boost other non-tangible feature of learning for example motivation and attitude. This well networked learning will help students to gain better understanding and be confident in their future ventures. The use of digital technology increases the access to information and therefore improves the research ability of students. According to Olson & et. al. (2011), digital learning has a positive effect on the economy as it results in creation of technology based population with improved competency that in turn generates economic return for the concerned nation. The use of online learning sites has permitted to build learning portfolio that in turn enables learners to discover quality learning information for efficiency. According to Laurillard (n.d.), digital learning develops and improves the linkage between the learners and teachers. Despite the fact that digital learning has positive impact on economic outcome yet has not been implemented in various areas. The educators are facing increasing challenges in this context because execution of digital technology in classroom may result into increased distraction and reduces the use of notebooks. According to Lam & Tong (2012), use of technology in classroom is also likely to increase class satisfaction because of more engagement in the academic activities. In this context, it has been argued that misuse of digital technology not only has a negative impact on the learners but also individuals around the concerned learner. Moreover, digital learning in the Westwood International School was implemented for providing better education to students and provides competitive edge to them. As stated it is a modern form of learning therefore it requires technical expertise for providing better knowledge. The teachers need to have a positive attitude towards the learning process for a better future. Research Design The research conducted is according to research “onion” as designed by Saunders (2003). The research is based on the different layers of the onion concept. The first layer of onion defines the philosophy behind the research objective. On the other hand, second layer is linker with the research approach that in turn is based on the philosophy of the subject. The strategy designed for the research is the third layer, and the fourth layer of the onion is time horizon. The fifth layer defines the data collection method used to examine the problem statement of the research. The onion approach is vital for its effectiveness in understanding aspect of the methodology of the research. Research process “onion” Source: (Saunders, 2003) The research philosophy of Saunders (2003) is based on three-research process that is “positivism”, “interpretivism” and “realism”. The positivism concept of research philosophy is mainly preferable for observing the social reality. On the other hand, realism is based on the reality of facts and therefore is independent of the individual beliefs and thoughts. Interpretivism involves interpreting factor of the research topic. It mainly links the human interest with the research subject. Furthermore, Interpretivism philosophy of the research process “onion” is linked with the concerned research topic of digitalization of the learning process in schools for greater future prospects. A research design provides outline of the objective of the paper that describes the process of data collection in order to satisfy the main objective of the paper. Furthermore, the design describes the process of the data collection method and other process used to gather data for the research. There are two approaches of research design, “inductive approach’ and “deductive approach”. The inductive approach involves collection of data as well as to develop theory with respect to the data analysis process. On the other hand, in deductive approach hypothesis is designed according to the aims and objective of research for attaining better accurate and reliable results. For the purpose of research, the deductive approach is suitable to justify the objective of the paper with respect to digitalization of the learning process. To satisfy the aim of paper the hypothesis designed are: H0: The implementation of digital learning brings positive change in schools and level of education. H1: The implementation of digital learning does not bring positive change in schools and educational learning. The hypothesis designed for the paper helps to analyse the relation of digital learning with respect to change in education process and schools. The testing of the hypothesis examines the overall outcome of the research objective that is essential for proper analysis of the topic. Research Strategies The research strategy involves planning in order to get an appropriate answer to the research problem. According to Saunders (2003), some of the strategies involved in research are case studies, survey, and action research, exploratory, explanatory and descriptive studies. Descriptive study involves observation thus helps in collecting data required for the research study. This method enables the researchers to identify as well as analyse the attitude of the concerned individuals. The explanatory studies involve developing relation between the variables of research objective. For the intention of the concerned research, exploratory study has been selected to understand and analyse the problem identified in implementation of digital technology in schools. The method is time consuming but is likely to reveal appropriate result. The exploratory study involves searching of relevant literature with respect to the objective of paper. Apart from this, the method also involves conducting interview for better analysis and understanding. For this purpose, "Westwood International School" of Botswana has been selected. A random sample involving ten teachers has been selected for the interview purpose. A set of five questions (refer to appendix) has been prepared for the interview and to analyse the significance of the digitalization of the learning process along with its benefit. Methodology Research Overview The paper analyses the concept of digital learning and its impact on education. A comparative analysis of the positive as well negative effect of implementing digital learning process in the schools gives a proper justification to the paper. The research conducted is to examine the overall impact of digital learning to change schools and education. The research intends to investigate the overall change after and before the implementation of digital technology in schools for greater educational enhancement. Research Approach Research approach reflects procedure for the research study for attaining proper results. Data collected for the research purpose are analysed on the basis of various research approaches. There are normally three research approaches, quantitative, qualitative and mixed approach. The quantitative method involves collection of data and information that are converted into numerical figures. Moreover, the method involves statistical calculation that helps the researchers to draw a relevant conclusion with respect to the subject. The main aim of the researchers is to gain relevant information by interacting with the individuals. On the other hand, qualitative research approach involves the use of various scholarly journals of various researchers for greater information. This method is the most suitable way to analyse the behaviours of the concerned individuals. Another research approach is the mixed approach that involves the use of both quantitative as well as qualitative data. For the purpose of this paper, mixed approach is conducted, as it is suitable for satisfying the objective of analysing digital learning concept. The quantitative approach assists to have a proper understanding of digital learning and its impact on the learners. The approach is suitable for the purpose of the research because the data collected using this method can be further analysed theoretically for better evaluation of the topic. For the purpose of the paper, "Westwood International School" of Botswana has been selected. A group of 10 teachers has been selected using the random sampling method in order to identify the significance or need for digitalization of learning process. This method assumes that the data collection method used for the research purpose is feasible with respect to size and scope. The qualitative approach gives a proper justification to the information gathered from interviewing the group of teachers. Secondary source of data has been used in the paper for analysing the result so obtained through the data collection process. On the other hand, a study of the relevant literatures has also been used in the paper in order to meet the stated objective of the paper. The interview method used for the purpose of the research helps to gather primary data. The quantitative approach is appropriate for the purpose of paper as it enables the researchers to gain proper knowledge about the attitude of the teacher’s of the schools towards the digitalization of the learning process. Interview method involves direct communication between interviewer and the concerned teacher of the selected school. Therefore, the result of research is likely to be more accurate and so reduces the error of research process considerably. Data Collection Method For the purpose of research, data has been collected using the random sampling method in order to analyse the impact of digital learning on schools and education process. Under the random sampling method, out of the total population of the schoolteachers, a simple sample of ten teachers has been selected. Random sampling method has been used for the purpose of paper in order to collect information and data relevant to the research topic and to attain reliable accurate data. The main goal of the paper is to analyse the impact of digital technology in schools. For this purpose, Westwood International School has been selected to analyse the overall effect of digitalisation. In order to conduct quantitative research, interview method has been used. In addition to this, various literatures have been used in the paper to analyse the effect of digital learning in the education process and schools. Secondary sources of data have been examined for further analysis of concept. The secondary source of data has been proved useful for the paper of research as it gives a proper justification to the main objective. The data collected serve as a base in order to analyse the overall impact of digitalization in schools and the education process. Academic sources such as journals and other academic articles have been used that assists in understanding the importance of digitalization of the learning process. Furthermore, the academic sources have helped to understand the theory lying behind the implementation of digital learning. The data collection method used for the research purpose is based on the finding of literature review. The quantitative method of data analysis uses the primary source of data for more realistic result of the data collection process. Data collected are interpreted accordingly to meet the research objective of the study. Using both primary as well as secondary sources researchers is able to attain proper knowledge about digital learning and its significance. The main purpose of data collection method is to collect authentic and reliable data to meet the research objective. Limitations Quantitative method of research involves gathering of data by observation, interview method. For the purpose of research, a sample has been selected on the basis of random sampling method. The sample size is small and it is likely that the result of research may differ. Participants in the quantitative method are interviewed using open-ended question to get their opinion. The quantitative method of data collection is more time consuming as compared to the other method as it involves proper analysis of the subject on the basis of the academic research. The collection of data using the quantitative method is also depended on the individual skill of the researcher and so is likely to be influenced by biasness. The secondary sources of data provided huge amount of information, as it is collected to determine answer to the research questions. When using secondary sources the major limitation is that the interpretation of the data are based on the opinions of the authors of articles and peer reviewed journals. Ethical Consideration The ethical consideration in collection of data is the major concern of the researchers. The interview method used in quantitative method of research is mainly subject to ethical consideration. The interview method used for analysing the opinion of the teachers regarding digital learning in the education system. For this purpose, full confidentiality of the personal information’s has been maintained with respect to ethical standards. Timetable of Activities A suitable time management planning is required in order to achieve the objective of the research paper. The time management plan has been designed according to the activities involved in completing the thesis within the six month of period. The timetable has been designed so that all the tasks involved in the paper are achieved in time. On the other hand, proper planning of the various activities involved assistance of the researchers to effectively fulfil the objective of research. The main aim of the paper is to analyse the significance of implementing digital technology in schools and to examine the change in education after its implementation. A timetable of activities involved in the research process has been depicted with the help of Gantt chart. Activities related to the research and the timetable of activities involved in the research has been presented in the table that includes selection of the topic that is how digital learning is going to change schools and education. In order to examine and analyse the research topic "Westwood International School” of Botswana has been selected. The research problem identified that despite improvement in information technology, many schools of the developing economy have yet to implement digitalization of the learning process. In order to give a relevant justification to the problem identified secondary sources has been used in the paper that comprises of literature review. The analysis of literature has been conducted in 12 days, because it involves examination of various thoughts of different authors. The research approach has been designed according to the philosophy given by Saunders (2003). Apart from this, hypothesis has been designed for satisfying the aims and objective of the research paper, where data collection process requires 16 days. In order to meet the objective of the research paper data has been collected using interview method. A group of ten teachers has been interviewed and the information’s gathered were further analysed. The assessment will be finally submitted on 15th April 2015, by 9pm.After the submission of research paper feedback will be provided to the researcher. References Choudary, D., 2014. Digital Laerning: The Future Of Education. In Conversation. [Online] Available at: http://www.nexteducation.in/online_coverage/2014/Teacher_Plus_Magazine.pdf [Accessed March 31, 2015]. Grinager, H., 2006. How Education Technology Leads to Improved Student Achievement. Education [Online] Availableat: https://www.ncsl.org/portals/1/documents/educ/item013161.pdf [Accessed March 31, 2015]. Laurillard, D., No Date. Digital Technologies And Their Role In Achieving Our Ambitions For Education. Abstract. [Online] Available at: http://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/82308.pdf [Accessed March 31, 2015]. Lam, P., & Tong, A., 2012. Digital Devices In Classroom – Hesitations Of Teachers-To-Be. Electronic Journal of e-Learning, Vol. 10, Iss.4, pp. 387-395. Olson, J., & et. al., 2011. An Analysis of e-Learning Impacts & Best Practices in Developing Countries. Information & Communication Technology for Development. [Online] Available at: http://cas.msu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/E-Learning-White-Paper_oct-2011.pdf [Accessed March 31, 2015]. Roxanne, S., & Turoff, M., 2005. The Evolution Of Online Learning And The Revolution In Higher Education. Education Goes Digital. [Online] Available at: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.111.2270&rep=rep1&type=pdf [Accessed March 31, 2015]. Saunders, M., 2003. Research Method for Business Students. Pearson Education, Ltd. Warschauer, M., 2007. The Paradoxical Future of Digital Learning. Learn Inq, Vol.1, pp. 41–49. Appendix Questions for Interview- 1. What is the significance of implementing digital technology in Westwood International School? 2. How has engagement in the academic activities enhanced with the implementation of technology with education? 3. Is digital learning better than traditional learning process? 4. How the applications of digital learning enhance student’s performance? 5. What is your opinion regarding the fact digital learning requires the teachers to have proper knowledge of the updated technology? Read More