Digital Learning Institute

This first course in the Enhance Your Course for Digital Learning program provides a foundation for understanding the unique characteristics and dynamics of learning in a digitally-mediated environment. You will reflect on your personal assumptions and experiences of learning online as compared with those of in-person classroom learning. A review of prominent learning frameworks will guide your exploration of learner-centred, inclusive approaches to teaching online. Through participatory knowledge sharing and feedback, you will draft a personal digital teaching philosophy that integrates theoretical principles with your core beliefs.

After completing Introduction to Learning Online, courses can be taken in any order

You will explore ways to leverage the affordances of the digital environment to design engaging course learning experiences. Applying principles of backwards design, you will review your course structure, propose an authentic assessment activity, and plan appropriate synchronous and asynchronous scaffolds to support student success. As part of your planning and peer discussions, you will consider ways to “humanize” online learning experiences to build social connection and provide flexible options for students.

This module involves exploring and applying ideas about digital course content creation and curation, educational technology selection, learner-centred course navigation, and accessible content design. You will review cognitive load theory and key practices for accessible online learning. Your exploration will culminate with the creation of a learning unit for your course and the sharing of peer feedback.

You will delve into practices for inclusive, learner-centred engagement of students via tools that make up your course’s digital learning environment. Topics of exploration will include strategies for online communication, learner engagement, group work, and discussion. By creating and sharing a facilitation plan, you will consider how to build an online learning community and involve students in shaping their course learning experience.