Digital Learning Framework

2023-24

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).

The Digital Learning Taskforce has the following objectives and deliverables for 2023-24, 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 objectives and deliverables:

LEGEND

🟢
Completed

🟠
In Progress

⚫️
Not Started

Develop a decision-making framework to assess the (re-)design of curriculum and delivery modes
WINTER 2023
FUTURE PLANNING
Create an evaluation process to ensure high-quality online, hybrid and flexible courses
SPRING 2023
🟠 PROCESS: Create a process for evaluating appropriate digital delivery modes.

To support the objective to create an evaluation process to ensure high-quality online, hybrid and flexible courses, the Digital Delivery Planning Worksheet was developed to provide faculty, program teams and administration with an opportunity for data-driven, pedagogy focused reflection of our programs. As part of the 2023 Annual Program Review (APR) process, program teams are asked to complete the Digital Delivery Planning Worksheet to consider which delivery mode is most appropriate based on impacts to the student learning experience and their achievement of course learning outcomes.

Status: IN PROGRESS
The Digital Delivery Planning Worksheet was provided to all program teams in OneDrive for collaboration as part of the 2022-2023 Annual Program Review (APR) (Resources: Faculty how-to video; Program Coordinator how-to video: Part One; Part Two). Faculty will provide final recommendations in APR Section C by June 15, 2023.

During the summer, Executive Deans and Associate Deans will review recommendations, provide final recommendations to Academic Leadership Team, and work with scheduling and IT to determine where support is needed. Development would not occur until fall, winter or spring 2023-24; All resources required (see faculty support enabler) to support high-quality delivery mode changes will be available by this point in time.

FALL 2023

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

Create processes and resources that guide the development of digital by design online, hybrid, and flexible courses
FALL 2023
FUTURE PLANNING
Propose revisions to modernize curriculum development and delivery
FALL 2023 / WINTER 2024

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 a plan for building capacity in faculty for digital teaching and learning
FALL 2023
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

Develop a plan for high quality, easy-to-use HyFlex and Flexible classroom technology
FALL 2023
Develop a plan for continued improvements to Technology Infrastructure, such as Learning Management System
WINTER 2024

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

Conduct student focus group to gauge expectations for flexibility and choice.
SPRING 2023
🟢 PROCESS: Conduct student focus groups: Determine DC learner based on demographics and program; Creation of questions; Recruit students based on demographics; Distribute survey; Create summary report

To support this objective, the taskforce developed a targeted student survey to better understand student preferences regarding program delivery modes, both current and future. This anonymous, voluntary survey was emailed to students enrolled in select programs on Thursday, March 30. The programs were chosen to provide a representative sample of student demographics and credentials. Results were shared in May and June at Academic Council, Enrolment Management Council, with the DC Leadership Team, Deans, and Academic Leadership Team.

Findings:
Overall, Face-to-face (F2F) and Flexible (F2F with a live synchronous option) modalities are noted as the most preferred program delivery mode, with some variation as a function of program credential and student age.

SUPPORTING resources

    Status: COMPLETE

    Develop a plan for building capacity in students for digital learning
    FALL 2023 / WINTER 2024

    FAQs

    How will we monitor and revise the digital learning framework as we grow and evolve?

    The Digital Learning Framework enablers will remain 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.

    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.