Digital learning can have adverse side effects, as digital learning processes can reinforce potentially unhealthy learning practices. Fortunately, the medical analogy allows us to consider a remedy: inoculation.

Josh Compton

https://www.igi-global.com/book/teaching-learning-net-generation/53005

Inoculation theory is a classic theory of social influence, describing how exposure to weakened versions of challenges motivates a process of resistance to protect against future, stronger challenges. Inoculation theory can offer useful guidance to teachers as they talk with Net Generational students about digital learning projects. Discussions guided by inoculation theory raise and refute potential challenges students may have in the process of completing their digital learning projects, helping to protect students against discouraging frustration, but also, encouraging a more thoughtful, nuanced consideration of the use of technology in meeting learning objectives. Inoculation theory-guided discussions will not only impact what students are thinking about, but even how they are thinking-bolstering digital learning project objectives.

Compton, J. (2012). Frustration vaccination? Inoculation theory and digital learning. In S. P. Ferris (Ed.), Teaching, learning and the net generation: Concepts and tools for reaching digital learners (pp. 61-73). Hershey, PA: IGI Global.