BENEFITS OF DIGITAL LEARNING APPLICATION AT UNIVERSITIES

Abstract

The main goal of ongoing paper is to emphasize on the top priority benefits dealt with the urgent modern time issue such as digitalization and computerization of the educational process at higher educational institutions. The background of the survey states that the use of information technology facilitates and improves learning process, activates and stimulates the mental activity of students and allows to diversify and increase its efficiency. The main findings of the survey can be summed up in three blocks. Firstly, we have presented plenty of definitions of the term "digital learning", which not only differ in their formulation and the terms used, but also, in some cases, they have opposite, sometimes narrower focus. To add, the present study shows various definitions: Dutch, Portugal, Serbia, Serbia and Austrian. Secondly, the results were connected with general overview of five competences, such as: information and data literacy, communication and collaboration, digital content creation, protecting personal data and privacy, problem solving. identifying digital competence gaps. Thirdly, the ten sufficient benefits of digital learning have been identified as well. They were titled in the following way: personalized learning, expanded learning opportunities, high engagement learning, competency- based learning, collaborative learning, quality learning products, relevant and regularly updated content learning, next-gen learning for educators. The uniqueness of the research findings is approved with: the broad multi-exemplifications of the term definition "digital learning" in different countries; the presentation of more precise term substitute "one-to-one technology- enhanced learning"; the provision of the key digital learning competences and benefits among the great number of the in the scientific researches. Moreover, we must mention that proper consideration and application of all five competences and ten benefits of digital learning in the higher education process will: improve students’ motivation, accountability; help them to become more engaged in the process, more interested in growing their knowledge base; assist them to acquire problem-solving skills and familiarity with emerging technologies. In particular, the practical value of digital learning skills is of a great assistance during learning English, using numerous on-line digital free available sources.