EVERY time we walk into a fast food outlet or a mamak restaurant, we expect to get free WiFi service.
In fact, for some, Internet connectivity is a prerequisite when choosing a place to eat, even when in the company of friends.
The addiction to this computer-based simulated environment or virtual reality has also caught up with our children.
Understandably, parents have taken the initiative to prepare their children for the digital evolution.
The question is, when will the system be ready to embrace this new concept of learning?
The digital learning concept has frequently been discussed by members of the academia and policy makers in many parts of the world, including developed nations.
Based on current developments, it will continue to be given emphasis.
For example, United States President Barack Obama had announced a federal initiative called ConnectED in June 2013, aimed at connecting 99 per cent of America’s students to the Internet through high-speed broadband and high-speed wireless within five years.
In Malaysia, efforts to introduce ICT into the learning system began in 1986 with the school computer and computer lab programmes.
However, reports indicate that the level of computer-assisted learning in the country is not extensive, due to infrastructural issues, lack of accessibility to broadband and the Internet. Similar problems are faced by other developing countries in the region.
Many believe digital or online learning is the way to go.
The computers have resulted in less lecturing, fewer worksheets and more creative student projects.
Teachers were also able to customise more lessons to the learning needs of each student.
Despite its potential, some parties still have reservation on this type of learning concept in schools.
Their apprehension is based on the findings of studies indicating many schools only see technology as something that only complements their current approach to teaching.
In my opinion, digital learning is no longer a proposition.
Digital innovation in teaching and learning is already here, and empowering people through education remains an important national and international agenda.
I presume this is the reason the Global Economic Symposium in Kuala Lumpur this weekend will be discussing the challenges in education in the digital era.
After all, education is an important tool for restructuring the economy and transforming society.
Abuyamin Salam, Shah Alam, Selangor