Digital Tools to increase academic success for the adult learner in Public Health.

1. Digital tools can be very valuable to a busy adult learner with a full schedule. Online classrooms that can be accessed from a tablet no matter where you are located eliminate schedule conflicts, digital planners can keep track of your schedule, work assignments and homework, and specialized applications can further help studies specifically for Public Health students.

2. I. A digital, elearning classroom that can be accessed by a tablet makes anywhere a classroom. Adult learners can complete class work on lunch breaks at work, while waiting for their kids soccer practice to wrap up, or before bed. The interactive aspect of digital learning like creating slideshows, flash cards, etc can help to increase knowledge retention.

3. II. There are many different digital applications available for studying and time management for the adult learner. One of the apps is called Studious and can be downloaded on your phone or tablet. It is a planner that allows you to create a class schedule, fill in homework due dates, and even store your notes as well as photographs from your assignments. There are also apps tailored just for studying, one in particular is StudyBlue. You upload your own choice of study materials from your classes and use it to create digital flashcards. As you learn the material, the app will filter out the easier cards leaving you to learn the harder ones or the ones you are having difficulty with.

4. III. In addition to the general educational apps, there are also apps specifically designed for students in Health related fields. One is called Muscle and Bone Anatomy 3D. This app allows you to view the bones and muscles of the body three dimensionally. It also contains quizzes on the material, as well as videos to watch on the information. Another app is called Medscape mobile which contains valuable drug reference lists, drug interaction checker, medical calculators and references for procedures.

5. In conclusion, digital learning is a vast field full of information and tools that give the adult learner a chance to be an active participant in their own education.

6. VI. There has been recent international recognition of the importance of self regulation in education. This is where students take on an active role in their education instead of a passive role. The studies have been based from cognitive psychology.Technology and digital learning give students a chance to utilize this learning strategy by setting their own pace, goals, and learning strategies.

7. V.Another useful aspect of digital learning is the student’s ability to get immediate feedback from their instructor in written form that they can read and reflect on for any period of time. If they have difficulty during an assignment, they can go back to an old assignment and read their instructors feedback and suggestions. Online learning environments also emphasize peer feedback where the student can actively compare current work with their peers and participate in sharing feedback. This allows the student to gain multiple perspectives instead of just one. Students can also use technology like Google documents to collaborate with other students.