DIGITAL LEARNING PROJECTS SUPPORT INSTITUTIONAL PRIORITIES

The successful implementation of the strategy will depend on the cooperation and collaboration of partners across campus to coordinate and develop new content, processes and programs. Currently, digital teaching and learning is shared across the McMaster Library, MacPherson Institute, University Technology Services (UTS) and the Office of the Vice-Provost, Teaching and Learning. Each of these partners owns specific software, technology and/or resources to support and implement digital teaching and learning. Of course, successful integration of the Digital Learning Strategic Framework will also require partnership with the Faculties and central administrative units.

The following key university-wide projects will be delivered to support the achievement of our commitments across our strategic priorities. This list may change as digital learning priorities shift.

Develop and implement an organizational change management plan for digital teaching and learning

As we promote existing and new technologies to be used in teaching and learning activities, we must first address the gaps in knowledge and understanding when it comes to digital literacy and competency. An organizational change management plan focused on communications, resources and organizational developed must be developed and executed to help foster a community that feels prepared and supported to engage in digital teaching and learning.

Conduct an institutional systematic review of technologies that support online and tech-enhanced teaching and learning

A coordinated approach for the testing, procurement, funding, support, and evaluation of technologies from an institutional perspective is critical to the success of the Digital Learning Strategic Framework. We hope to achieve this by identifying a systematic and transparent process to procure and decommission technologies through a tiered proof of concept lifecycle framework. This will require careful mapping and consultation with faculty, IT staff, and senior leaders

Increase the number of hybrid and online class sections offered in all academic terms, as appropriate to programs and degree expectations and with a focus on Spring and Summer

There is an opportunity to increase this number in all academic terms, with a specific opportunity identified for the Spring and Summer terms. the MacPherson Institute will annually support a cohort of faculty members to develop their own online course materials. Funding will be used to hire two Educational Developers that will be dedicated to this work, and to offer incentives for Faculty and Programs to identify courses to develop for online delivery, with faculty to participating in the form of teaching releases. With this approach, we anticipate developing over 70 online courses to be offered to students across all terms, with a focus on Spring and Summer.