COVID-19 did more than just change the world of healthcare and how people interact; it revolutionized academia. The pandemic forced a shift to remote learning almost overnight, starting in the spring of 2020.

Although the pandemic affected all levels of learning, higher education was the sector most significantly impacted. The outbreak disrupted higher education, forcing universities to transition to online learning.

The pandemic resulted in the rapid development and advancement of digital learning technology. Before COVID-19, remote and hybrid learning opportunities were rare, with only a few universities and courses offering external learning options—now they’re commonplace.

If you’re interested in furthering your skills as an educator, such as through EdD programs online, learning about the various digital learning tools available is essential. It’ll help you leverage them in the classroom and understand how they’re reshaping academic work.

What are digital learning tools?

Digital learning tools refer to any type of digital resource or technology developed specifically for the learning process. These tools can range from technology directly facilitating learning to digital resources that support learning. For example, a few of these include:

  • Interactive educational websites and platforms: This refers to any online websites and learning platforms that facilitate and/or offer learning materials. For example, providing access to courses and interactive learning exercises (e.g., quizzes).
  • Educational apps and software: Any applications or software that directly or indirectly facilitate learning are digital learning tools. For example, software to take exams or tests.
  • Virtual classroom technology: For example, Zoom is a digital conferencing platform that exploded in popularity during the pandemic, as it facilitates learning through a virtual classroom environment.
  • Digital resources (e.g., eBooks): Electronic versions of published articles, papers, and books (e.g., textbooks) and the software used to read them can be counted as digital learning tools.

Many digital tools also exist that can aid with learning, for instance, proofreading tools and artificial intelligence. Grammarly and ProWritingAid are popular among students and educators for checking grammar, spelling, and writing style.

The impact of COVID-19

Studies have found that COVID-19 had a massive impact on higher education—not only in the United States—but worldwide. As explained by one researcher, the pandemic mobilised global change to an “unprecedented degree and unrivalled pace.”

The pandemic forced the education sector to adapt and upscale. Along with dealing with COVID-19 safety measures, higher education institutions had to rapidly implement and deploy digital learning tools to continue teaching.

The American Council on Education surveyed college and university presidents between April and July 2020 to better understand COVID-19’s impact. Findings revealed that over 90% of the presidents reported an increase in expenses for technology investments.

Similarly, the survey found that a majority of universities had moved to offering either exclusively or predominantly online classes as their mode of instruction due to COVID-19. In cases where in-person learning was offered, healthcare guidelines were followed.

While online learning has existed for decades, it wasn’t until COVID-19 that it saw mainstream adoption. Higher education institutions had to invest in digital learning tools due to a combination of factors, such as lockdowns and infection prevention measures.

The widespread adoption also led to organisations developing new digital learning technologies and advancing pre-existing ones. Now, digital learning tools exist for all learning levels and offer a wide range of benefits.

The advantages of online learning

Online learning, also called e-learning, has many benefits. There are digital learning tools for every facet of education, from learning to teaching. A few benefits of online learning include:

Flexibility & convenience

One of the main benefits of online learning is the flexibility and convenience it offers for educators and students. They no longer need to work around the strict time schedules imposed by traditional classroom settings.

Previously, educators and students with work commitments, family responsibilities, or geographical constraints would face barriers in higher education. Digital learning tools remove these barriers, making education more flexible and convenient for all.

Improved inclusivity

Digital learning tools break down various barriers that students and educators may face in higher education. For example, for people living with mobility restrictions, it still allows them to attend through virtual classrooms, improving accessibility and inclusivity.

Similarly, it’s been suggested that online education can be beneficial for students who struggle with their mental health. Online classes offer more opportunities for self-care and mindfulness, as they can study from the comfort of their own home.

Increased course variety

Another benefit of online learning is increased course diversity. Digital learning tools have made it easier than ever for people to study externally from interstate and international universities. This allows them to access opportunities and courses that might not be available at their local higher educational institutions.

Diverse learning modalities

Another benefit of online learning is that it provides more flexibility for learning (and teaching) types. Through the use of online learning tools, educators and students can leverage multimedia tools that cater to visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning, which wouldn’t usually be possible in a traditional classroom.

Technology, research & academia

As evident by the response from higher educational institutions to COVID-19, technology is already reshaping academic work. Online learning platforms and digital learning tools have been adopted worldwide, changing how educators and students interact.

Student research and academic work will continue to be transformed by technology as new technologies emerge. For example, educators and students are already using artificial intelligence to inform their work.

A survey from the Digital Education Council reveals that around 86% of university students already use artificial intelligence in their studies. The most commonly reported use for AI was for research.

The rise of AI tools in education has led to discussions and concerns regarding ethical use. A report from the U.S. Department of Education suggests that policies for AI learning tools should be developed to ensure their future in shaping learning and academic work is ethical and equitable.