Digital Learning Framework

2024-25

2023-24 Digital Learning Framework (PDF)

The framework informs the strategic decision-making that is required as we re-imagine the digital 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 (Canadian Digital Learning Research Association, 2020, 2021; EDUCAUSE Horizon Report, 2023; Johnson, 2022). The approach to flexible and accessible digital learning will provide new opportunities for learners to access DC’s high-quality postsecondary education, equipping them with the skills to become the next generation of leaders in their chosen professions.

The Digital Learning Framework outlines the enablers that support increased digital learning opportunities. This includes:

  • Strategy and Governance
  • Pedagogy and Quality
  • Faculty Development and Support
  • Systems
  • Student Development and Support

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. This framework builds on the shared vision of how DC will embed digital learning into our teaching and learning practices.

This framework will use the term ‘digital learning’ to encompass the modes of learning spectrum as identified by the Canadian Digital Learning Research Association (2020).

2023-24 Digital Learning Framework

The Digital Learning Taskforce has the following objectives for 2024-25, in alignment with each enabler.

Select an enabler to explore:

Strategy & Governance

The strategy and governance enabler provides a critical foundation for integrating sustainable digital learning at DC. This enabler focuses on requirements such as strategic planning, governance of policies and procedures, communicating the guiding vision, and institutional supports for embedding digital learning in all facets of the institution.

This enabler is supported by the following objective:

LEGEND

🟢
Completed

🟠
In Progress

⚫️
Not Started

Refine the selection process for transitioning face-to-face courses/programs to digital delivery modes to ensure enrollment, program longevity, achievement of course learning outcomes, and classroom utilization are considered.
DELIVERABLES TBD
FUTURE PLANNING

Pedagogy & Quality

The pedagogy and quality enabler ensures DC’s decisions are rooted in best practices in digital pedagogy, supported by quality assurance. This enabler focuses on digital by design development, re-evaluation of teaching and learning strategies and assessments that support digital learning, evaluation of quality, and processes that support quality assurance at DC. This enabler is supported by and aligned to the Academic Plan, and the Teaching and Learning Plan.

This enabler is supported by the following objectives and deliverables:

LEGEND

🟢
Completed

🟠
In Progress

⚫️
Not Started

Revise DC's course outline tool to support the needs of digital modalities.
DELIVERABLES TBD
FUTURE PLANNING
Expand extended reality, including augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), into curriculum.
DELIVERABLES TBD

Faculty Development & Support

The faculty development and support enabler ensures that faculty have the formal training programs, professional development opportunities, do-it-yourself resources, access to educational technology, and developmental support to implement innovative digital learning confidently and competently in various delivery modes.

This enabler is supported by the following objectives and deliverables:

LEGEND

🟢
Completed

🟠
In Progress

⚫️
Not Started

Develop and launch three new Faculty Professional Development programs for online, hybrid, HyFlex and flexible course development and delivery.
DELIVERABLES TBD
WINTER 2024
Provide continuous professional development opportunities for faculty to stay abreast in digital pedagogy and evidence-based best practices in the science of learning.
DELIVERABLES TBD
Assess and consider expanding support for all modes of digital learning design, from individual digital assets to new online program development.
DELIVERABLES TBD

Systems

Critical to the success of increased integration of digital learning in our delivery modes, we need sustainable and streamlined technical infrastructure in our online and in-person environments. The systems enabler covers technical platforms for teaching and learning such as our Learning Management System, educational technology tools, high-quality audio/visual equipment, and maintained, supported, easy-to-use in-person classroom technology based on industry-classroom standards.

This enabler is supported by the following objectives and deliverables:

LEGEND

🟢
Completed

🟠
In Progress

⚫️
Not Started

To support sustainable and streamlined technical infrastructure, implement a Course Content Repository (CCR) that facilitates access and consistency in curriculum.
DELIVERABLES TBD
Support completion of classroom renovations to enhance digital learning.
DELIVERABLES TBD
Investigate development of integrated quality assurance tool for DC Connect courses to complement the Online Course Quality Rubric, assisting faculty in pinpointing areas of success and identifying opportunities for improvement.
DELIVERABLES TBD

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT & SUPPORT

Student success being at the forefront of our purpose, student flexibility and choice in digital programming must be understood and their education supported by 21st century digital literacy skills. The student development and support enabler requires institutional alignment to ensure wraparound student support is equitable regardless of delivery mode. Ensuring students are supported in all aspects of digital learning, from digital essential employability skills to program orientation, student academic learning services and onboarding processes.

This enabler is supported by the following objectives and deliverables:

LEGEND

🟢
Completed

🟠
In Progress

⚫️
Not Started

Refresh student orientation resources to ensure alignment with digital delivery modes.
DELIVERABLES TBD
Enhance academic integrity resources for online students.
DELIVERABLES TBD
Revise DC Connect homepage and menu options.
DELIVERABLES TBD
Establish a uniform course navigation menu in DC Connect for a consistent and high-quality digital learning experience.
DELIVERABLES TBD

Framework Evaluation

While the Digital Learning Framework enablers will serve as the foundation for success; the objectives and deliverables may change based on faculty and student stakeholder consultations, industry advancement, DC’s Academic Plan, and Teaching and Learning Plan.

This framework will use the term ‘digital learning’ to encompass the modes of learning spectrum as identified by the Canadian Digital Learning Research Association (2020).

By applying the ADDIE model (Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, Evaluate) to this framework on an annual basis, we model best practices in digital learning, and generate a strong, updated, actioned, progress-monitored implementation plan. The framework will be evaluated continuously based on the guiding principles.