With so many sources of information available in today’s digital age, technology literacy is essential for today’s students. Many students struggle the most with finding and critically evaluating information — a skill that becomes more important every day.
The American Library Association Digital Literacy Task Force defines digital literacy as “the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills.”
One of the major components of digital literacy is being able to create and communicate clearly. Success in today’s society increasingly depends on being able to communicate using digital tools, so we as educators need to make sure students are able to navigate them successfully.
What Is Digital Learning?
Unlike traditional classrooms, which rely on face-to-face instruction and printed materials, digital learning uses online content, collaborative platforms, real-time data, and even virtual reality or AI-driven learning environments. These environments can be live (synchronous), self-paced (asynchronous) or a combination of both.
A digital classroom is simply an educational environment where technology is used to enhance and facilitate teaching and learning. It can be fully online or within a physical space that integrates digital tools.
In a digital classroom:
- Lessons might be delivered through learning platforms like Google Classroom, Canvas or Moodle.
- Students can use digital devices (tablets, laptops or smartphones) to complete assignments and participate in discussions.
- Teachers use tools like interactive whiteboards, video lessons and online quizzes to engage students and evaluate progress.
- Collaboration happens through shared documents, forums and messaging platforms.
Learning Technologies
Digital learning is versatile and can take many forms. Some real-world examples of different learning technologies include:
- Virtual classrooms: These serve as live online classes where students and teachers interact in real time.
- Ex. Zoom, Microsoft Teams
- Online courses: These platforms are usually asynchronous and enable learners to access quality education from anywhere.
- Ex. Coursera, edX, Khan Academy
- Interactive simulations: Some examples include science labs, language learning games or math simulations that allow hands-on learning in a virtual space.
- Adaptive learning platforms: Software that uses AI to tailor instruction to each student’s learning pace and style.
- Ex. Textbook publisher McGraw Hill utilizes the Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces (ALEKS) program; software like DreamBox or Smart Sparrow
- Digital portfolios: Students compile work over time, reflect on learning, and share progress with parents and teachers.
- Ex. Tools like Seesaw or Google Sites
- Gamified learning: This type of instruction utilizes platforms that make learning engaging through game-based elements and competition.
- Ex. Kahoot!, Quizizz, Classcraft
- Augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR): These immersive tools can take students on virtual field trips or simulate complex scenarios.
- Ex. Nearpod VR, ClassVR
The digital classroom is a flexible ecosystem that adapts to students’ needs and learning styles. Educators can use technology to make learning more effective and inclusive, whether it’s a flipped classroom model or virtual school. Many school districts face challenges offering families different options when it comes to being in the classroom, hybrid learning or fully digital coursework.
Blended Education
Blended learning combines traditional in-person instruction with online learning tools and methods. It’s a hybrid model that offers the best of both worlds.
In a blended classroom:
- Students might have class time or attend a lecture in person and then complete an online assignment at home.
- Teachers use data from digital platforms to personalize instruction.
- Learning becomes more student-centered, allowing learners to progress at their own pace while still benefiting from teacher guidance and peer interaction.
Blended learning supports differentiated instruction and accommodates various learning preferences. There are several models of blended learning, including:
- Rotation model: Students rotate between different learning stations (some digital, some face-to-face).
- Flipped classroom: Students learn new content at home via videos or reading, then apply that knowledge in class.
- Flex model: Most instruction is delivered online with teachers providing support as needed.
Beth Abeyta is a digital teacher librarian at Two Roads Charter School in Golden, Colorado. Since earning her M.Ed. in Educational Technology (now known as the M.Ed. in Instructional Design and Educational Technology) from American College of Education (ACE) in 2019, she’s been applying her digital literacy skills to design engaging, interactive online and hybrid curricula at her school. She shared some examples of blended learning models in action:
“We’ve digitally modified so many different things. We’ve done virtual field trips and campus tours for 11th graders, digital portfolios for our senior summit, discussion forums, and quizzes. Our teachers also use a rubric to create their classes in Schoology. This way, students know every time, regardless of the content area or teacher, what they can expect to see when they enter a digital class. That’s a digital literacy strategy we used with the teachers for the students’ benefit.”
Benefits of Blended Learning
Digital learning is not one-size-fits-all. It’s about creating dynamic, personalized learning experiences for every learner. It’s designed to be interactive, giving students an immersive opportunity to engage with material in a variety of ways. This approach has a wide range of benefits:
- Personalization: Digital tools allow educators to meet the needs of diverse students and tailor instruction to individual students’ learning speeds, styles and interests.
- Flexibility: Students can access learning materials anytime, making it easier to balance school with other responsibilities.
- Improved engagement: Interactive content, gamification and multimedia experiences keep students motivated and invested, both inside and outside the classroom.
- Better data and insights: Real-time analytics help teachers understand student performance and intervene earlier, when support is needed most.
- Preparation for the future: Blended learning models foster digital literacy, critical thinking and self-directed learning — skills essential for higher education and the modern workforce.
Building Your Digital Classroom, Step by Step
- Identify needs. The first step to creating a blended environment is to assess your needs as well as your students’ needs. What are your curriculum goals? Evaluate your students’ access to devices and the internet, and your own comfort level with technology.
- Build your toolkit. Find out what digital tools and platforms you may have access to through your district or public library. Choose platforms that integrate well with each other and support your instructional goals. How can you utilize technology to help you meet those goals? Start simple and scale up.
- Create digital content. If you have a lesson or lecture you know like the back of your hand, try translating it into some bulleted Google slides with GIFs, interactive pause points like polls, and feedback sections. Record yourself lecturing as you move through the material. Use a mix of videos, readings, quizzes and interactive media. Make sure content is accessible and inclusive for all learners.
- Train your students. Provide orientation for your students. Remember, digital literacy is key, and building effective digital literacy skills in your students means providing them with a solid foundation and understanding of tools, processes and best practices.
- Encourage collaboration. Use discussion boards, shared documents and video calls to keep communication flowing between you and your students. Are there simple ways for you to incorporate fun into the mix? Encourage students to use emojis, meme responses, etc.
- Gather feedback and iterate. Ask your students what’s working and what’s not. Create a culture of positive and helpful feedback for you and your learners. Refine your approach with data.
Digital and blended learning designs are here to stay. Give these steps a try, and you’ll have a classroom equipped to prepare students for a technology-driven society.
American College of Education offers fully online education programs that equip educators with relevant, innovative technologies for more efficient and effective classrooms.
