Digital Learning Systems
Department of Media, Career Studies, and Leadership Development
Reich College of Education • Appalachian State University
Your guide through the exciting world of professional development and adult learning!
📧 Email: EllisSL@appstate.edu
🏠 Office: Remote (but always accessible!)
📅 Schedule a Meeting: Book time with me
This course introduces the student to a range of digital learning systems, including delivery/training tools for designing, building, and managing online learning/training. This class includes the exploration of current tools, as well as tools for designing and developing online learning/training for organizational settings. It is grounded in instructional design frameworks and methods. Students explore evidence-based strategies for needs assessment, program design, implementation, and evaluation of learning initiatives in organizational contexts. The course emphasizes the intersection of organizational goals, adult learning theory, and modern professional development approaches.
This course is fully asynchronous, meaning you can work at your own pace and place, completing coursework, discussions, and assignments within defined time limits. Think of it as "anytime learning" delivered through AsULearn!
Think of PANDA as your gentle guide through each module. Just like a real panda moves through bamboo forests with intention and grace, you'll move through each learning phase with purpose and clarity. Every module follows this same rhythm, so you always know what to expect.
Get ready to learn! Preview what's ahead, gather your materials, and set your intentions. This is where you prime your mind for new ideas.
Wake up your prior knowledge! Connect what you already know to what's coming next. Your experiences matter here.
Dive into the content! Explore videos, readings, and resources. This is your adventure through new concepts and skills.
Show what you know! Apply your learning through hands-on activities, assignments, and creative projects.
Reflect and share! Express your insights, discuss with peers, and solidify your understanding through reflection.
Each module follows this PANDA flow, creating a predictable yet engaging learning rhythm that helps you build confidence and competence.
By the end of our journey together, you'll have developed five key competencies that will transform how you approach digital learning systems in any organizational setting:
Analyze the capabilities and limitations of digital learning systems—including select AI-enhanced tools—for designing and delivering organizational training.
Evaluate how digital learning strategies can support organizational culture, knowledge sharing, and workforce development goals.
Apply instructional design principles to develop a prototype of a technology-mediated learning experience using appropriate digital tools.
Assess the usability, accessibility, and learner engagement features of digital learning environments in relation to organizational needs.
Compare emerging technologies for digital learning and identify their relevance for addressing current and future challenges in learning and development.
I see this course as a community of practice where we can all work together and learn from each other. Communities function best when all members bring their diverse backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences to the table. My goal as facilitator is to create a safe and supportive space where you're comfortable sharing, questioning, and exploring.
A clear, organized course with predictable weekly activities designed for busy adult learners
Active presence through regular feedback and genuine availability to answer questions, bounce ideas, or just chat
Openness to feedback and willingness to review and revise our course plan as needed
A transparent, structured course design that maintains necessary flexibility as we navigate our ever-changing world
Facilitation of a safe, supportive learning environment
Active engagement with the content, your peers, me, and your own learning process
Consistent communication, especially when you need help – please don't hesitate!
Willingness to let me know if assignments aren't relevant to you, and help determine ways to make them more so
Commitment to being respectful and professional in all interactions
Promise to abide by all University policies
Willingness to give yourself grace and actively engage in self-care
The use of generative artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT is proliferating everywhere – in education, professional learning, and beyond. I believe it's important to understand how to effectively and ethically leverage these tools, just like any other tool. It's also crucial that we prepare for an AI-infused workplace.
I DO permit AI tool usage for all assignments and assessments. However, I'll use the AI Assessment Scale to specify the appropriate level of AI engagement for each assignment. While some assignments might welcome AI as a creative partner, others may indicate different usage levels.
My philosophy: I'm not here to be an enforcer. The responsibility for your work lies with you. I encourage thoughtful and vigilant use of this technology.
Successful participation in our online learning community includes meaningful interactions with me and your classmates throughout the semester. Your participation encompasses both the quality of your contributions and the frequency of your interactions.
Your participation should be consistent, thoughtful, and demonstrate active awareness of topics, activities, assignments, and ideas shared by fellow students and me. Single lump posting late in the week, sporadic contributions, or responses that don't demonstrate awareness of our class conversation don't show true engagement.
Healthy online community members: communicate consistently, post and review posts often, and stay engaged with fellow learners.
All grades reflect your work on particular assignments and can be viewed on our AsULearn site. Grades are calculated using the following weighting and reported without rounding.
Late work will be accepted with the following deductions: One letter grade (10 points) deduction for each day late up to three days. After three days, no credit will be given for the assignment.
Life happens – if you're facing challenges that might affect your ability to submit work on time, please reach out to me as early as possible so we can work together on a solution.