The use of information and communication technologies as mediating devices supporting student learning that can include elements of assessment, tutoring, and instruction. It involves a wide set of applications and processes, such as web-based learning, computer-based learning, virtual classrooms and learning environments, and digital collaboration. It includes the delivery of content through a wide range of electronic media (e.g. internet, intranet/extranet, audio- and videotape, satellite broadcast, interactive television, etc.) and access to resources that inform learners of new ideas, which they can then reflect upon and integrate into their existing knowledge. Computers can be used to promote collaborative learning approaches where learners are encouraged to negotiate shared meaning and to work as teams rather than competitively towards a common goal. Social media and social software applications such as web logs (blogs) and wikis offer new opportunities for communicating, accessing knowledge, creating content and collaborating online. The appropriate use of technologies, when embedded into curriculum design, is expected to support the development of innovative teaching practices and to enhance and enrich learning experiences. Also referred to as ‘e-learning’ (or electronic learning) and ‘digital learning’.
(Adapted from: Seel 2012).
