Introduction
Sustainable development includes social well-being, which depends on education. Information technology has emerged to spread shared knowledge and is a primary driving force behind education reforms. The introduction of new technology-assisted learning tools such as mobile devices, smartboards, MOOCs, tablets, laptops, simulations, dynamic visualisations, and virtual laboratories have altered education in schools and institutions. The Internet of Things (IoT) is proven to be one of the most cost-effective methods of educating young brains. It is also a robust mechanism for integrating a world-class learning experience for everybody [[1], [2], [3]]. Educational technology businesses are continually attempting to create novel solutions to expand access to education for individuals who cannot obtain adequate educational facilities. Social media as a learning tool has come a long way. Large numbers of teachers and students use social media as an essential element of the overall e-learning experience. It is a critical venue for exchanging information about crucial topics these days. Aside from the ability to communicate information anywhere, at any time, social media sites are also a fantastic source of producing networking possibilities to establish social activities and possibly new jobs [4,5].
Traditional classroom instructions fall short of providing an immediate learning environment, faster evaluations, and more engagement. In contrast, digital learning tools and technology fill this void. Some of the efficiencies such technologies provide are simply unrivalled by traditional learning methodologies. With smartphones and other wireless technology devices becoming popular among the general public, it only makes sense that schools and educational institutions make efficient use of them by putting technology in the classroom. Indeed, today’s technology’s adaptability and non-intrusive character make learning more appealing to the next generation. However, it may be a formidable technique to manage initially since traditional instructors are hesitant to include contemporary technology and gadgets in school, viewing them as a distraction rather than an intelligent learning aid [6,7]. An online classroom calendar, where we may display class schedules, assignment schedules, field excursions, speaker events, examinations schedules, or semester breaks, will help students plan accordingly. Student response systems, such as smartphones and clicker devices, provide a quick and easy technique for teachers to determine students’ learning of the presented content quickly and whether more explanation is required [8,9].
Digital technologies influence agricultural operations, and they will soon revolutionise how farming is done in developed countries, reducing our dependency on pesticides and substantially cutting water use. COVID-19 Pandemic, lockdown, and quarantine are three concepts that have recently entered our lexicon. People worldwide are aware of the catastrophe caused by the coronavirus epidemic. In this crisis, digital technologies are at least keeping the educational system afloat. Students are learning from the convenience of their own homes [10,11]. Integrating technology into education provides students with an engaging learning experience, allowing them to remain more interested in the subject without being distracted. The utilisation of projectors, computers, and other cutting-edge technical gear in the classroom may make studying fascinating and entertaining for students. Student learning can become more dynamic and engaging by establishing tasks in class that incorporate technology resources, oral presentations, and group participation. Participation can extend beyond verbal communication as well [[12], [13], [14], [15]].
From the environmental impact of using less paper for handouts and books to the time savings and convenience of research, digital learning is a wonderful way to cut costs, better utilise resources, promote sustainability and expand both reach and impact for students and teachers. [16,17]. Technology is pervasive and intertwined in many aspects of modern life and society. The digital revolution that is sweeping the world has begun to infiltrate the realm of education. It is rapidly transforming the way students learn, and as a result, technology is expected to improve the face of education by making it more inexpensive and accessible [[18], [19], [20]]. This paper is brief about the applications of digital technologies in education. The next three sections discuss the need for digital technologies in education and brief about the Digital classrooms and applications of digital technologies in education. It is followed by a section on the challenges of digital technologies in education along with a discussion on the future of digital technologies in education.
1.1. Research objectives
The primary research objectives of this paper are as under:
RO1: – To study the need for digital technologies in education;
RO2: – to brief about the importance of digital classroom in education and identify the role of digital technologies applications in education;
RO3: – To identify the significant challenges of digital technologies in education.
2. Need for digital technologies in education
The globalisation of education has already necessitated the application of digital technologies. Online platforms were available for conducting classes, sharing resources, doing the assessment and managing the day to day activities of academic institutions. However, the use of these platforms was proactive. The COVID-19 Pandemic has forced the institutes to adopt the online teaching mode to sustain the education system. Developed countries were well equipped to deal with this crisis. However, developing countries worked hard to meet this requirement. Digital technologies have emerged as the saviour of education in this critical time [[21], [22], [23], [24]]. This global crisis highlights the need to be internationally integrated into the education system. Digital technologies assist in developing abilities that will require students’ professional performance, such as problem-solving, thinking structure creation, and process comprehension. They are also preparing for a more unpredictable and changing future in which technology will play a critical role. Students’ acquired qualities and abilities will be essential to their professional success. Educational resources and digital tools help to improve the classroom atmosphere and make the teaching-learning process more compelling. Furthermore, they give each educational institution greater flexibility and customisation of curriculum based on the requirements of each student [[25], [26], [27], [28], [29]].
Children might become more engaged in learning if technology is used in the classroom. Because youngsters nowadays are pretty accustomed to the usage of electronic gadgets, incorporating them into schooling would undoubtedly assist in piquing their interest and enhancing their involvement levels. Integrating technology into education provides students with an engaging learning experience, allowing them to remain more interested in the subject without being distracted. The utilisation of projectors, computers, and other cutting-edge technical gear in the classroom may make studying fascinating and entertaining for students. Student learning can become more dynamic and engaging by establishing tasks in class that incorporate technology resources, oral presentations, and group participation. Participation can extend beyond verbal communication as well [[30], [31], [32]].
Using computers and other devices in conjunction with digital tools allows students to play a more proactive role and be at the centre of the process [[33], [34], [35]]. The instructor becomes a guide in this process and can approve learning efficiency. Using the myriad of digital resources, learners may download the required information or upload their content. The web 2.0 technologies (wikis, podcasts, blogs etc.) facilitate learners to generate content, collaborate with others, assess each other work and move toward co-learning. Digital technologies make it easy to use classroom tactics like gamification or approaches like flipped classrooms that optimise learning. Learning landscapes have evolved as a didactic tool that mixes several techniques and enables distinct itineraries to be presented to each student. Technology makes the instruction more inspiring and meaningful [[36], [37], [38]].
3. Digital classroom
Digital classrooms are defined by using electronic devices or platforms such as social media, multimedia, and mobile phones to teach students. With digital technology in education, today’s educational landscape has altered for the better or improvements. Digital learning is a learning strategy that employs technology to fulfil the entire curriculum and allows students to learn quickly and rapidly [[39], [40], [41]]. The digital classroom entirely focuses on teaching via the use of technology. Students use technological or internet-connected gadgets like laptops, tablets, Chromebooks, etc. Instead of taking notes on what the teacher has taught, most of the curriculum is delivered to students online through an engaging and interactive platform. Despite its many facets, education is fundamentally a kind of communication. The internet has resulted in the rise of new communication channels, which have extended the options for the transmission and access to educational information. These media and virtual venues serve as learning facilitators [[42], [43], [44], [45]]. Various features of a digital classroom are shown in Fig. 1.