“DIGITAL LEARNING AS EDUCATION INNOVATION AT UNIVERSITIES”

Abstract

The well-rounded education is the interpretation of brilliant 21st century which has laid stress on use of digital technology in education. Policy makers are spotting at educational technologies to ensure the changed education. Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovation Theory, which is considered more suitable for assessing the digital learning in education, was selected for this study. This study explores the perceptions of 3350 university students from Central Punjab, Pakistan, regarding the digital learning at public and private universities in Punjab. Survey research was used to achieve the objectives of the research study. A representative sample of administrators, teachers and students from faculties of Education and Business in eight Public and Private Universities of Central Punjab was taken. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to assess and compare responses taken on adapted five-point Likert rating scale. Respondents rated outside class digital learning activities as the highest and inside class digital learning activities as the lowest factor in order of their preference. The overall level of digital learning at public and private universities of Punjab with respect to all three sub-scales is found to be at an average level, thus conventional learning is continued. The major findings revealed stakeholders are having an easy access and sufficient skills to use these digital technologies but even then its integration in learning is beyond acceptance. This study recommends the continuation of current Prime Minister free Laptops Scheme, concerned authorities providing pay back student loans with easy installments, high speed internet facilities at department’s computer labs, libraries, hostels and homes, improving searching skills of learners, counseling centers with trained staff for learners, learners’ subsidized trainings and the rigorous application of digital learning activities inside the classroom.