Graduate Certificate in Digital Learning (DL)

Learning Digitally in the 21st Century

This course provides students with an overview of the emergence of digital learning, the social, cultural, political and economic dimensions of its growth, and an introduction to critical theories to understand and guide digital learning design in the 21st Century. Drawing on case studies from diverse learning contexts (K-12, higher ed, community-based learning, training), students will develop an understanding of the challenges, limits, and possibilities of designing digital learning environments and activities. The course introduces students to the Community of Inquiry framework that is the foundation for further learning, research, and design in the program. Key learning outcomes: Learners will understand the social, cultural, political, and economic dimensions of the growth of digital learning and gain an awareness of the affordances, limitations, and possibilities of digital learning.

Digital Learning Principles and Practices

This course explores in greater detail the Community of Inquiry (COI) model that underpins the program’s approach to digital learning. We look at the COI theoretical framework in depth, including its three key elements: teaching presence, cognitive presence, and social presence. Through close reading and examination of research on the COI model, as well as case studies that implement the model in practice, students will identify the strengths and limits of this framework in designing and implementing communities of learning within digital environments and experiences. Key learning outcomes: Learners will understand the meaning of teaching presence, cognitive presence, and social presence, and develop a critical understanding of the strengths and limitations of the Community of Inquiry model.

Capstone in Digital Learning

Students in both certificate and master’s programs complete a capstone course. This course is differentiated according to program level and will challenge students to reflect on, synthesize and represent their knowledge and skills related to digital learning. Students create a project that demonstrates their learning and applies it to a real-world digital learning context, ideally one that connects to their professional experience or future career goals. Examples may include designing a digital learning activity, module, or assignment; a framework for digital learning goals and outcomes; a curated collection of resources to support digital learning in a field relevant to the student’s own professional interests. Through planning and developing a digital learning project, and sharing it via their digital portfolio, students demonstrate their ability to apply what they have learned in the program to a specific digital learning challenge and setting. Key learning outcomes: Students will apply design thinking and skills to create a digital project reflecting on, representing and showcasing their knowledge and abilities to create ethical and equitable digital learning experiences.