The advent of the digital age has brought about transformative changes in various aspects of human life. Moreover, education as one of the fundamental pillars of society, has not been left untouched by this revolution. Digital technology has made education more accessible, flexible, and learner centric. In the past 10 years, Web access, the nature of the Web, and contexts for learning have been transformed, along with the emergence of desired technological competencies for learners, teachers, and administrators. Internet connectivity in schools, homes, neighborhoods, and communities has become increasingly pervasive. Since the mid-1990s, the percentage of public schools connected to the Internet exploded from 35% to 100%. Public instructional classrooms with Internet access grew to 94%, up from 14% a decade earlier (Wells & Lewis, 2006)". In (Greenhow, Robelia& Hughes, 2009).
As move further into the digital age, the potential for artificial intelligence (AI) to reshape education is significant. AI technologies have the potential to completely transform how we teach and learn. Chat GPT, a language model developed by OpenAI, is one such tool that can deliver individualized recommendations to students, increase collaboration and communication, and improve student learning results. According to the findings of the Rawas (2023) paper, Chat GPT represents a significant opportunity for education institutions to improve the quality and accessibility of education; However, its implementation must be approached with caution and a clear understanding of the opportunities and challenges involved.
With all, as far as is at present known, educational research evaluates the influence of the digital era on empowering lifelong learning. One of the greatest obstacles to facilitating lifelong learning in the digital age is the digital divide. Generally, the Internet is a powerful force that shapes society and culture. Unfortunately, access to information is not equal, resulting in a digital divide between those who are educated and those who are not. Notwithstanding, new technological breakthroughs, particularly e-learning, could close the digital gap in public education if states offer adequate financial and political backing to begin such initiatives. For instance, massive open online courses are a new type of educational offering that falls between official online courses and casual learning. The digital gap disproportionately impacts a significant number of individuals in metropolitan areas since finance remains the key obstacle to digital equality. The digital gap remains, and there may be a link between digital accessibility and academic accomplishment (Singh, Singh & Nermend, 2022). Another factor affecting the issue of enabling lifelong education is digital distractions. Digital tools and online platforms being so widely available have created a new realm of distractions for students, where students may be more tempted to spend time students using social media and engaging in other online activities, potentially diminishing their capacity to focus on their scholarly activities, as well as its implications for student academic performance.
To conclude, the impact of digital technology on education is undeniable by empowering individuals to acquire new knowledge and skills throughout their lives. As digital technologies continue to evolve, it will continue to shape the way of learning and teach. Embracing these changes and harnessing the potential of digital tools can unlock new opportunities for learners of all ages, fostering a culture of sustainable learning.
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