Digital Teaching

In 2023, the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) will be growing the resources related to digital teaching and learning with the support of the Digital Learning Taskforce. This page will continue to be updated with resources as the Taskforce progresses.

Digital Learning Taskforce

The postsecondary landscape is rapidly evolving and as a leader in digital learning, Durham College (DC) is well- positioned to keep pace with the changes. New advanced technologies are transforming industries and the way people interact with one another, necessitating the constant modernization of our programs that will allow us to continue providing a transformational educational experience for our students. This ensures that our graduates are futureproof and possess the durable skills that will enable them to adapt to the everchanging workforce.

To maintain our leadership in the sector, a Digital Learning Taskforce has been struck to develop an institutional- wide framework that aligns with the goals of our Academic Plan. The framework will build on DC’s existing resources, informing the strategic decision-making that is required as we re-imagine the design, development and delivery of our curriculum and instructional approaches. This enables DC to meet the increasing demands of learners who are looking for choice and flexibility, as well as mature learners who are seeking upskilling opportunities (Johnson, 2022; Canadian Digital Learning Research Association, 2020, 2021; EDUCAUSE Horizon Report, 2022).

This approach will open opportunities for learners to access DC’s quality postsecondary education that will equip them with the skills to become the next generation of leaders in their chosen professions.

Mandate and Objectives

In consultation with stakeholders, the Digital Learning Taskforce will create a framework and resources that support Academic Faculties to assess, design, develop and deliver high-quality and innovative digitally enhanced programs. This will ensure DC is strategically positioned to lead the way with an intentional approach to digital teaching and learning.

  • Develop a decision-making framework to assess the (re-)design of curriculum and delivery modes
  • Conduct student focus groups to gauge expectations for flexibility and choice
  • Create a process and resources that guide the development of digital-by-design online, hybrid, and flexible courses
  • Create an evaluation process to ensure high-quality online, hybrid and flexible courses
  • Develop a plan for building capacity in faculty and students for digital teaching and learning
  • Propose revisions to modernize curriculum development and delivery

Digital Learning Task Force Membership

  • Jean Choi, Executive Dean, Faculty of Liberal Studies and Professional & Part-time Learning | Teaching, Learning & Program Quality
  • Kendra Down, Administrative Assistant (Record Keeper), Centre for Teaching and Learning
  • Lori Buscher, Director, Professional & Part-time Learning
  • Rashmi Gupta, Director, Institutional Research and Planning
  • Dave Hawey, Faculty, Faculty of Hospitality and Horticultural Science
  • Martin Jones, Associate Dean, Faculty of Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship
  • Nazneen Kanga, Associate Dean, Faculty of Science, Engineering, and Information Technology
  • Nancy Martin, Associate Dean, Faculty of Business
  • Mojgan Rezvani, Executive Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences
  • Joanne Spicer, Associate Dean, Faculty of Social and Community Services
  • Barry Waite, Executive Dean, Faculty of Media, Art, and Design
  • Tanya Wakelin, Manager, Centre for Teaching and Learning
  • Nathan Wilson, Faculty, Faculty of Liberal Studies
  • Nora Simpson, Dean, Professional and Part-time Learning

References

Canadian Digital Learning Research Association. (2020). Evolving definitions in digital learning: A national framework for categorizing commonly used terms. Retrieved from http://www.cdlra-acrfl.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/2021-CDLRA- definitions-report-5.pdf

Canadian Digital Learning Research Association. (2021). 2021 Special topics report: The growth of online learning and digital learning resources in Canadian post-secondary education. Retrieved from http://www.cdlra-acrfl.ca/wp- content/uploads/2022/04/2021_special-topics_en.pdf

EDUCAUSE. (2022). Horizon report: Teaching and learning edition. Retrieved from https://library.educause.edu/-/media/files/library/2022/4/2022hrteachinglearning.pdf?la=en&hash=6F6B51DFF485A06DF6BDA8F88A0894EF9938D50B

Johnson, N. (2022, November 16). Canadian digital learning research association: The Digital Learning Landscape in Ontario: Implications for the Future of Post-secondary Education [PowerPoint slides]. TESS Conference Presentation, Toronto, Ontario. Retrieved from https://www.ecampusontario.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2022-CDLRA-TESS-Conference_Ontario-Read-Only.pdf