Sustainable Operations and Computers 3 (2022) 275–285 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Sustainable Operations and Computers journal homepage: http://www.k eaipublishing.com/en/journals/sustainable-operations-and-computer s/ Understanding the role of digital technologies in education: A review Abid Haleem a , Mohd Javaid a , ∗ , Mohd Asim Qadri b , Rajiv Suman c a Department of Mechanical Engineering, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India b Department of Mechanical Engineering, Galgotias College of Engineering and Technology, Greater Noida, India c Department of Industrial & Production Engineering, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India a r t i c l e i n f o Keywords: Digital technologies Digital classroom Education Students Teaching a b s t r a c t One of the fundamental components of the United Nations’ sustainable development 2030 agenda is quality education. It aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all. Digital technologies have emerged as an essential tool to achieve this goal. These technologies are simple to detect emissions sources, prevent additional damage through improved energy efficiency and lower-carbon alternatives to fossil fuels, and even remove surplus greenhouse gases from the environment. Digital technologies strive to decrease or eliminate pollution and waste while increasing production and efficiency. These technologies have shown a powerful impact on the education system. The recent COVID-19 Pandemic has further institutionalised the applications of digital technologies in education. These digital technologies have made a paradigm shift in the entire education system. It is not only a knowledge provider but also a co-creator of information, a mentor, and an assessor. Technological improvements in education have made life easier for students. Instead of using pen and paper, students nowadays use various software and tools to create presentations and projects. When compared to a stack of notebooks, an iPad is relatively light. When opposed to a weighty book, surfing an E-book is easier. These methods aid in increasing interest in research. This paper is brief about the need for digital technologies in education and discusses major applications and challenges in education. 1. Introduction Sustainable development includes social well-being, which depends on education. Information technology has emerged to spread shared knowledge and is a primary driving force behind education reforms. The introduction of new technology-assisted learning tools such as mobile devices, smartboards, MOOCs, tablets, laptops, simulations, dynamic vi- sualisations, and virtual laboratories have altered education in schools and institutions. The Internet of Things (IoT) is proven to be one of the most cost-effective methods of educating young brains. It is also a ro- bust mechanism for in...
