Digital Learning Steering Committee

As of October 2023, the Digital Learning Taskforce transitioned to the Digital Learning Steering Committee.

Higher education is impacted by the continuous advances in technologies that are transforming industries and the way people interact with one another. Modernizing our programs is critical to continue offering experiences that ensure our graduates are futureproof and possess the durable skills enabling them to adapt to the everchanging workforce.

The Digital Learning Steering Committee (DLSC) is a standing committee that advances the vision outlined by the Digital Learning Taskforce:

Photo of a smartphone with "DC Vision" appearing on the screen.

DC programs and learning spaces offer flexible, accessible, high quality, and digital-by-design educational experiences to support the development of 21st century skills.

Vision

Durham College (DC) programs offer flexible, accessible, high quality, and digital-by-design learning experiences to support the development of 21st century skills.

The DLSC will use DC’s Digital Learning Framework to guide its discussions. The framework informs strategic decision-making and the re-imagination of the design, development, and delivery of DC’s curriculum and instructional approaches. This modernization will enable DC to meet the increasing demands of learners who are looking for choice and flexibility, as well as upskilling opportunities (Johnson, 2022; Canadian Digital Learning Research Association, 2020, 2021; EDUCAUSE Horizon Report, 2022, 2023). This 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.


In this section


Mandate and Responsibilities

Reporting to the Executive Vice-President, Academic, the DLSC is responsible for the implementation of the college’s Digital Learning Strategy. The DLSC makes recommendations, as well as coordinates and creates resources that support Academic Faculties to assess, design, develop and deliver high-quality and innovative programs in digital delivery modes.

  • Evaluate and revise the Digital Learning Framework regularly to maintain relevancy
  • Create and coordinate resources that modernize curriculum development and delivery
  • Coordinate and create processes and resources that guide the development and evaluation of digital-by-design online, hybrid, and flexible courses as well as technology-enhanced learning
  • Develop plans and resources to build capacity in faculty members and students for digital teaching and learning
  • Communicate and champion digitally-enhanced learning opportunities
  • Identify wrap-around supports for all learners
  • Integrate digital technology to create innovative programs with Academic Faculties
  • Evaluate and recommend technical requirements to support high-quality teaching and learning experiences and learning spaces for students and faculty members

Membership

The membership reflects key stakeholders across the college who lend their expertise and insight into the DLSC’s recommendations and coordination. Membership is renewed annually as required.

  • Tanya Wakelin (Chair)
    Manager, eLearning [CTL]
  • Amanda Maknyik
    Dean [CTL]
  • Laura Benninger
    Faculty Representative [SEIT]
  • Melanie Hewitt
    ORSIE Representative
  • Kendra Hambly
    Administrative Assistant (Record Keeper) [CTL]
  • Thom MacDonald
    International Education Representative
  • Nancy Martin
    Associate Dean [BUS]
  • Dr. Mojgan Rezvani
    Executive Dean [HS]
  • Nora Simpson
    Executive Dean [PPL]
  • Janse Tolmie
    ITS Representative
  • Jason Vassell
    Faculty Representative [SCS]
  • Chirag Jain
    Student Representative

Working Groups

Working groups are formed to align with the enablers in the Digital Learning Framework to identify and create resources, and make recommendations to the DLSC. The Manager, eLearning [CTL] is responsible for the coordination of working groups and deliverables.

2023-24

Pedagogy & Quality

Digital Learning Quality Assurance Framework; Digital Course Development Roadmap
Development Period: Fall 2023
  • Tanya Wakelin
    Chair
  • Danelle Driscoll
    CTL Representative
  • Martin Jones
    Associate Dean [STA]
  • Nazneen Kanga
    Associate Dean [SEIT]
  • Amanda Maknyik
    Dean [CTL]
  • Tully Privett
    PPL Representative
  • Dr. Mojgan Rezvani
    Executive Dean [HS]
  • Jason Vassell
    Faculty Representative [SCS]
  • Nathan Wilson
    Faculty Representative [LS]

Faculty Development & Support

Develop training for online, hybrid, flexible or HyFlex development and delivery
Development Period: Winter 2024
  • Tanya Wakelin
    Chair
  • Laura Benninger
    Faculty Representative [SEIT]
  • Lori Buscher
    PPL Representative
  • Chris Coughlan
    ITS Representative
  • Danelle Driscoll
    CTL Representative
  • Dave Hawey
    Faculty Representatives [HHS]
  • Amanda Maknyik
    Dean [CTL]

Systems

Develop digital classroom standards
Development Period: Fall 2023
  • Tanya Wakelin
    Chair
  • Karl Alexander
    Faculty Representative [SEIT]
  • Debby Allbon
    Director, Academic IT & Communications
  • Amanda Maknyik
    Dean [CTL]
  • Chris Coughlan
    A/V ITS Representative
  • Richard Jules
    ITS Representative
  • Claire McCormack
    Associate Dean [LS]
  • Marie McEwan
    Simulation Specialist [HS]
  • Brad Reid
    RO Representative
  • Barry Waite
    Executive Dean [MAD]

Student Development & Support

Determine wraparound student supports to succeed in online/hybrid/flexible/HyFlex courses
Development Period: Winter 2024
  • Tanya Wakelin
    Chair
  • TBD
    SALS Representative
  • Tyler Creces
    Student Affairs Representative
  • Catie Sahadath
    Library Representative
  • TBD
    ORSIE Representative
  • Thom MacDonald
    International Education Representative
  • Callum MacIntosh
    ASC Representative
  • Stephanie Tufts-Ellis
    RO Representative
  • Chris Waduck
    PPL Representative
  • Keri-Ellen Walcer
    Faculty Representative [BUS]
  • Chirag Jain
    Student Representative

LEGEND

[ASC] Access and Support Centre
[BUS] Faculty of Business
[CTL] Centre for Teaching and Learning
[HS] Faculty of Health Sciences
[HHS] Faculty of Hospitality & Horticultural Science
[ITS] Information Technology Services
[LS] Faculty of Liberal Studies
[MAD] Faculty of Media, Art & Design

[ORSIE] Office of Research Services, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship
[PPL] Professional and Part-time Learning
[RO] Office of the Registrar
[SALS] Student Academic Learning Services
[SEIT] Faculty of Science, Engineering & Information Technology
[STA] Faculty of Skilled Trades & Apprenticeship
[SCS] Faculty of Social & Community Services

Frequency of Meetings

While the DLSC and working groups will meet monthly, the Chair may call additional meetings when necessary. The DLSC shall also delegate additional activity to the working groups as appropriate.