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

2025-26 Objectives

The Digital Learning Taskforce has the following objectives and deliverables for 2025-26, 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 and deliverable:

LEGEND

🟢
Completed

🟠
In Progress

⚫️
Not Started

Develop classroom observation forms based on new framework that interweaves Indigenous ways of knowing and being with the principles of the Science of Learning to facilitate the development of holistic, traditional, and evidence-informed approaches to teaching and learning online.
MILESTONE / MEASUREMENT

Development in fall 2025; Approval by appropriate bodies for winter 2026.

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 objective and deliverable:

LEGEND

🟢
Completed

🟠
In Progress

⚫️
Not Started

Continue to upgrade curriculum management tool, Coursedog to streamline and enhance quality assurance for digital delivery modalities.
DELIVERABLE

Conduct a stakeholder satisfaction survey on Coursedog; Determine implementation opportunities; Consider and apply additional feature requests.

FUTURE PLANNING

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 objective and deliverable:

LEGEND

🟢
Completed

🟠
In Progress

⚫️
Not Started

Launch Faculty Professional Development programs for online, hybrid, HyFlex and flexible course development, and delivery.
MILESTONE / MEASUREMENT

Launch pilot in winter 2026; Collect and provide success metrics to leadership in spring 2026.

WINTER 2024

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, continue to implement a Course Content Repository (CCR) that facilitates access and consistency in curriculum.
MILESTONE / MEASUREMENT

Launch phase 1 in spring 2025; Plan phase 2 in winter 2026.

Implement a student course status dashboard widget in DC Connect to support student retention.
DELIVERABLE

Develop and consult in summer and fall 2025; Pilot in winter 2026; Implement across DC in spring 2026.

Upgrade DC Connect experience for faculty and students.
DELIVERABLE

Launch new content experience and quiz experience for Fall 2025; Revise faculty support resources; Determine monthly which updates to launch.

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 objective and deliverable:

LEGEND

🟢
Completed

🟠
In Progress

⚫️
Not Started

Develop an eBook “Being an Online Student at DC” to support online students.
DELIVERABLE

Collaborate with SALS, Library, Student Development in summer 2025; Launch winter 2026.

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.