A University’s Digital Master Plan Designed for Sustainable Networked Learning
摘要
This chapter examines how a comprehensive digital master plan can systematically enhance online learning environments through the integration of networked learning principles and the Community of Inquiry (CoI) framework. Analyzing multiple data sources including student surveys, NSSE results, and learning management system analytics, we identified significant engagement disparities between online and on-campus students. Notably, 61% of online students reported no peer connections compared to just 23% of on-campus students, indicating lower levels of social and teaching presence in virtual environments. The digital master plan addresses these gaps through five strategic recommendations: implementing actionable success metrics disaggregated by modality, promoting consistent course design to enhance interaction opportunities, creating dedicated online spaces for student connections both within and beyond courses, developing a faculty digital competence framework and community of practice, and streamlining communication to facilitate change management. By intentionally aligning Moore's three types of interaction—which provides an accessible way to communicate essential aspects of well-designed courses—with the CoI framework's three presences, the plan outlines pathways toward sustainable digital ecosystems that foster meaningful engagement through collaborative knowledge construction and community development. This approach offers institutions a model for transforming rather than simply digitizing the educational experience in an increasingly competitive landscape.