DIGITAL LEARNING AND E-LEARNING PLATFORMS IN PHYSIOTHERAPY

Abstract

Digital transformation has significantly influenced healthcare education, including physiotherapy. The integration of digital learning and e-learning platforms has reshaped the teaching-learning process by improving accessibility, flexibility, interaction, and student engagement. Physiotherapy education traditionally relied on classroom teaching, practical demonstrations, and direct patient interaction. However, modern technological advancements have introduced virtual classrooms, simulation-based learning, artificial intelligence, mobile applications, and online clinical education methods that support both theoretical and practical training. E-learning platforms enable students to learn at their own pace while improving knowledge retention through multimedia content, recorded lectures, online discussions, and virtual assessments. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of online learning in physiotherapy institutions worldwide, emphasizing the importance of digital competency among educators and students. Despite numerous advantages, challenges such as reduced hands-on exposure, technical barriers, unequal internet access, and decreased interpersonal interaction remain significant concerns. This chapter discusses the evolution, types, benefits, limitations, applications, and future trends of digital learning and e-learning platforms in physiotherapy education.