Exploring, Conceptualizing, and Navigating the Digital Learning Environment

A Digital Learning Environment (DLE) is the collection of resources instructors can use to customize their approach to teaching and learning with technology. At William & Mary, the conceptualization of this environment followed a year-long pedagogy-forward needs analysis and community approach to understanding educational technology use in context. This session reports on initial results of this process and provides attendees with the workflow and key steps taken to implement a DLE approach for teaching and learning. Built upon the construct of a Next Generation Digital Learning Environment (EDUCAUSE, 2015), this process both informed faculty development and oriented W&M’s elearning initiatives.

Outcomes: Identify pathways for exploring a pedagogy-forward approach to a Digital Learning Environment (DLE) * Explore implications of the DLE mindset on persistent challenges in faculty development and engaging instruction * Discuss and debate the potential merits to the DLE approach across institutional contexts