The Learning Lab experience is supported by both asynchronous and synchronous components. Each Learning Lab sequence includes a set of resources, an asynchronous discussion, and an interactive live session, all of which culminate in the development of a project or application to apply learning to local and specific contexts in support of the learning objectives.
Schedule
Part 1: Why do you need a Digital Learning Strategy?
February 6, 2024, 3:00–4:30 p.m. ET
What is a Digital Learning Strategy (DLS)? How would creating one help your organization? Why should you make creating such a plan a priority? After meeting your fellow Lab partners and the teaching team, we will introduce the DLS framework that was developed by an EDUCAUSE working group. We’ll understand how a DLS can be a framing tool to determine goals, connect resources with institutional mission, and translate vision into actionable activities. We will then introduce a tool for homing in on your own priorities to frame your specific reasons for developing a DLS.
By the end of this session, you will be able to:
- Define the concept of a Digital Learning Strategy (DLS)
- Explain the benefits of creating a Digital Learning Strategy for your institution
- Use a framework to identify and communicate reasons for developing a DLS
Part 2: Using the Digital Learning Resource
February 8, 2024, 3:00–4:30 p.m. ET
In this session, you will evaluate your own area on campus to determine where Digital Learning Strategy (DLS) opportunities exist. We will utilize the EDUCAUSE DLS Strategy Guide, a tool that enables you to assess your institution's progress toward student success, enrollment and academic planning, faculty and staff development, digital learning design, and learning technology by posing thoughtful questions and taking relevant factors into account. You will also meet a member of the working group that created this tool and learn from their experience utilizing these resources.
By the end of this session, you will be able to:
- Apply the EDUCAUSE DLS Strategy Guide to assess your institution’s progress in key areas related to digital learning
- Analyze relevant factors within your area to identify specific opportunities for Digital Learning Strategies
- Create a preliminary plan for implementation of a DLS within various areas of your campus
Part 3: How do I apply a Digital Learning Strategy to my campus in my area of focus?
February 13, 2024, 3:00–4:30 p.m. ET
We will start the session by reviewing our progress so far—in small groups—articulating why we should develop a Digital Learning Strategy and focusing on the area most relevant to our role within the institution. We will meet a colleague in the midst of creating a DLS who will discuss their challenges with creating institutional change. We conclude with a theoretical framework of eight steps for creating change in spite of such challenges.
By the end of this session, you will be able to:
- Understand the broader institutional context and recognize the value of a DLS within your specific area of influence
- Identify challenges and opportunities you may face in the development of a DLS
- Use a theoretical framework of eight steps for creating change to support development of a DLS
Part 4: Review and Reflect
February 20, 2024, 3:00–4:30 p.m. ET
By now you have articulated why your own institution should develop a Digital Learning Strategy, who should be involved in this process, the core questions to ask, and the data sources to explore. The Learning Lab will conclude by reviewing the progress and articulating the next step: getting institutional leadership support for the initiative. You are now ready to create a memo advocating for the creation of a Digital Learning Strategy for your own institution.
By the end of this session, you will be able to:
- Apply the knowledge gained to your own institution by identifying specific reasons, stakeholders, and data sources relevant to your context
- Assess the strengths and weaknesses of your institution’s current approach to digital learning and determine how a DLS could address existing gaps and enhance overall effectiveness
- Create a well-structured memo advocating for the creation of a DLS for your institution, considering the progress made during the session and emphasizing the importance of support from institutional leadership
Lab Implementation Project
Using the EDUCAUSE Digital Learning Strategy Guide, participants will create a Digital Learning Strategy for their campus in an area of their choice, along with a roadmap and next steps. As part of developing the strategy, participants will draft communications to leadership that will include:
- The rationale and value proposition for such a plan
- The justification for proposed changes, if any
- Identified partners and stakeholders
- Suggested actions in alignment with the mission and priorities of their organization