Digital Learning Strategy

Last updated on April 18, 2023

The Digital Learning Strategy outlines strategic priorities, recommended actions, guidance and resources to support the post-secondary system with digital learning in B.C. The strategy was developed by the Digital Learning Advisory Committee, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills and subject-matter experts from across B.C.’s post-secondary system.

The Digital Learning Strategy is made available through an Open License. Review the Digital Learning Strategy Open License.  

Introduction to B.C.’s Post-Secondary Digital Learning Strategy

Context

In spring 2020, British Columbia’s post-secondary system pivoted towards online services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, initiating a transition that has impacted post-secondary operations across the entire system.

This initial shift to emergency online learning was anticipated to be short-lived, however the nearly universal use of online learning throughout repeated pandemic waves reinforced the use of digital models for learning and services. This shift to emergency online teaching and learning impacted all areas of the post-secondary system, from learners to educators, staff, administration, and other areas of post-secondary communities. This strategy is intended for the post-secondary system, including the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills (PSFS), with the goal of enhancing the ongoing digital aspects of post-secondary studies across B.C.

This document is intended to provide a provincial synthesis of priorities and recommended actions for the post-secondary system, including the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills (PSFS), based on best practices, lessons learned, and forward-thinking approaches to enhance the ongoing digital aspects of post-secondary studies across B.C. The strategy is not intended to introduce new requirements for the post-secondary system or conflict with collective agreement rights, and implementation is voluntary.

Students and people working in the post-secondary system overcame challenges throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing the system’s resilience, adaptability, and strength. Beyond the pandemic, it is anticipated that a growing portion of the post-secondary experience will occur online in the form of digitally accessed learning and services offered in parallel with on-campus options. This means that learners, educators, staff, and communities’ reliance on digital services will continue to grow.

More broadly, digital learning models can provide opportunities for prospective learners to engage with post-secondary studies when they otherwise may have encountered geographic, social, cultural, and financial barriers. This has the potential to narrow socioeconomic gaps and ultimately build stronger relationships between post-secondary studies and career pathways.

The Digital Learning Strategy is intended to enhance how digital technology is used in post-secondary education. This includes the digital components of in-person, hybrid, and remote programs. Technology-enhanced learning is not intended to replace in-person learning models, rather it is a complement to it that has the potential to increase access to post-secondary education across B.C.

The goal of the strategy is to support outcomes that are relevant and responsive to all members of post-secondary communities, including First Nations-mandated institutes, such as the Indigenous Adult and Higher Learning Association (IAHLA)1 institutes, as well as other Indigenous institutes. In the terms of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan 2022-2027, the Province of British Columbia recognizes First Nations, Métis, and Inuit as the Indigenous Peoples of Canada with rights recognized and affirmed in section 35 (1) of the Constitution Act, 1982. The Province also recognizes that First Nations, Métis, and Inuit are distinct, rights-bearing communities, and is committed to a distinctions-based approach to its relationship with each. The intention of this strategy, working through the strategic priorities and recommended actions, is to reflect this distinction-based approach that acknowledges the specific rights, interests, priorities, and concerns of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples when applicable and appropriate. Within this document, the terms Indigenous and Indigenous Peoples are used at times to describe people who identify as First Nations, Urban Indigenous, Métis, and Inuit.

 

Strategic Priorities and Action Plan

The committee developed strategic priorities and recommended actions to enhance the digital components of post-secondary studies in B.C.

Strategic Priority 1: Policies and Processes

The B.C. post-secondary system's successful adaptation to the rapidly growing and evolving role of technology in post-secondary education will benefit from institutions leveraging existing expertise, developing new or updating existing policies to address the impact of digital technology on all facets of post-secondary operations and to foster innovation and excellence.

 

Strategic Priority 2: System Collaboration

In response to increasing demands for digital infrastructure, including hardware, software, and human resources, system-level coordination and collaboration leveraging organizations such as First Nations Technology Council, BCcampus, and BCNET is recommended to reduce costs related to digital technologies across B.C.’s post-secondary system including First Nations-mandated institutions, such as IAHLA and other Indigenous institutes.

 

Strategic Priority 3: Enhancing Digital Equity

The post-secondary system can contribute to digital equity by developing B.C.’s digital capabilities within the post-secondary system, including within post-secondary institutions, system organizations, First Nations-mandated institutions, such as IAHLA institutes, and other Indigenous institutes.

 

Appendix 1: Guidelines for Technology-Enhanced Learning

The purpose of the Guidelines for Technology-Enhanced Learning (‘the Guidelines’) is to assist post-secondary institutions in navigating the expanding use of digital technologies supporting teaching and learning by complementing and guiding post-secondary institutions’ policies and processes.

The Guidelines were developed by the Quality Enhancement Working Group in alignment with Recommended Action 1 (a) from the Digital Learning Strategy.

Appendix 2. The B.C. Post-Secondary Digital Literacy Framework

The B.C. Post-Secondary Digital Literacy Framework was developed to enhance digital literacy knowledge, skills, and abilities across post-secondary communities. In alignment with Recommended Action 1 (b), this framework can be leveraged to inform localized digital literacy policies, professional development programs, and Open Education Resources with the overall goal of supporting educators, administrators, researchers, staff, learners, and other members of post-secondary communities in developing digital literacy. 

Acknowledgements

 

References

 

Contact information

Questions or feedback can be sent to Post-Secondary Digital Policy and Programs Branch: