In 2021, the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills initiated the Digital Learning Advisory Committee (DLAC) to develop a response to the increased prevalence of digital learning models in the post-secondary system accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This collaborative effort, which included working groups of subject matter experts from across B.C., resulted in the Digital Learning Strategy (DLS). The DLS was released in spring of 2023 and implementation efforts are underway.

In this session, we will provide an overview and progress update on the implementation of the DLS’s Strategic Priorities and Recommended Actions. The three priorities and their associated recommended actions are related to (1) policies and programs, (2) system collaboration, and (3) enhancing digital equity. The collaborative effort to implement the DLS recommendations has already resulted in the implementation of several initiatives including: the Digital Learning Strategy Forum (2023 and 2024), B.C. Post Secondary Digital Literacy Framework, and the Guidelines for Technology Enhanced Learning. Numerous initiatives are in-progress, including: the Ethical Educational Technology Toolkit, the Shared Educational Resources and Technology initiative, the Sector Advisory Committee on Professional Development, the AI Policy Working Group, among others. The presentation will provide an overview of the work completed in the last year by the DLS working groups, an update on the initiatives underway this year, and a look ahead to the future work under the DLS.

The session will close out with opportunities for a Q&A session with the audience.

Summit Speaker

Benjamin Ferrel

Executive Director, Digital Policy and Business Transformation Branch, Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills

Ben Ferrel is currently working within the BC Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills as the Executive Director responsible for Digital Policy & Business Transformation. Ben brings to this role professional experience gathered working in both private and public sector, applying a variety of strategic policy approaches to promote the use of digital technologies to enhance learning experiences and support individuals in their lifelong learning journeys. Ben completed the Master of Educational Technology program from the University of British Columbia and continues to pursue lifelong learning opportunities personally and professionally.

 

Summit Speaker

Keleigh Annau

Director, Policy and Engagement, Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills

Keleigh Annau is the Director of Policy & Engagement in Digital Policy & Business Transformation branch in the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. In this role, Keleigh supports digital learning in the post-secondary system and brings experience in several different policy areas to the role. Keleigh completed a Master of Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley and applies a public policy analysis lens to her work.

Technology Track