Vol. 13 No. 23 (2020): Students’ digital learning strategies

Mikkel Hvidtfeldt Andersen, IT-Universitetet
Inger-Marie F. Christensen, Syddansk Universitet
Ulla Konnerup, Aalborg University

In this issue of the journal Learning and Media, we focus on students’ digital learning strategies. We call for research-based articles that can contribute knowledge on the digital learning strategies employed by students enrolled in youth and higher eduction, and contributions that discuss who plays a role in strengthening students’ digital leaning strategies and how this can be done.

Students’ use of digital technology in and outside of the classroom is a subject that many people take an interest in. Both teachers and students state that digital technology can be a disturbing influence. At the same time, students are reluctant to have to make do without their digital devices because notetaking by hand is too slow, offers no structure or search options, means a disconnection from their virtual, social networks, collaboration etc. The question is, however, whether students’ digital activities support their learning. The purpose of this issue is exactly to shed light on students’ practice not just in the classroom, but also before and after lessons and lectures – in formal as well as informel learning situations. We are interested in contributions that map, discuss, critically assess, how (new) digital technologies affect students’ digital learning strategies, their study technique and the quality of learning. Are students merely using digital technology in order to more effectively support traditional study activities, or have new digital learning strategies developed – and to what extent are these strategies linked to specific subjects and general student success respectively?

It is also interesting to shed light on the parties that can play a role in strengthening students’ digital learning strategies. What role does the institution play? What role does the teacher play? What role(s) can support units (libraries, student services etc.) play? What is the best place to strengthen students’ digital learning strategies – within or outside of subject-related contexts?