Dr. Dominic Orr Presentation for European Digital Education Hub 21.3.2024 Input on topic area: Beyond virtual learning environments 

Something about me • I entered the digital learning field as a researcher and an external consultant for organisations such as OECD, UNESCO and World Bank • I am now head of product, i.e. an operational product manager, for the atingi learning platform at GIZ • (I remain involved in academic work via my adjunct professorship at Uni Nova Gorica) 

What is a digital learning environment? Pros: • DLEs provide flexibility and accessibility, enabling learners to access content anytime, anywhere • DLEs support various modes of learning and preferences through multimedia content and interactive features 

What is a digital learning environment? Cons: • Implementing and maintaining DLEs can be costly, requiring significant investments in technology and infrastructure • Some learners may struggle with the self-directed nature of DLEs, leading to lower engagement and completion rates 

What you should know about atingi 

How do digital solutions help achieve the SDGs? Pros: • Digital learning solutions contribute to SDG 4 by increasing access to education, particularly in underserved areas • Initiatives like atingi demonstrate the potential of digital learning to support lifelong learning and skill development • Global platforms facilitate partnerships and collaboration in SDG 17 

No content

How do digital solutions help achieve the SDGs? Cons: • Digital solutions may exacerbate existing inequalities, as not all learners have equal access to technology and internet connectivity • Ensuring the quality and relevance of digital learning content can be challenging, particularly in diverse cultural contexts 

The role of Learning Management Systems in offering accessible learning Pros: • LMSs provide a centralized platform for delivering and managing online courses, streamlining the learning process • Open-source LMSs like Moodle can be customized and localized, making them adaptable to different educational contexts • LMSs offer tools for tracking learner progress and providing personalized feedback, supporting individual learning needs • LMSs can facilitate collaboration and peer learning through features like forums and group assignments 

The role of Learning Management Systems in offering accessible learning Cons: • LMSs can be complex and overwhelming for some users, requiring significant training and support • The effectiveness of LMSs depends on the quality of the content and the instructional design, which can vary widely • Overreliance on LMSs may lead to a lack of human interaction and support, which can negatively impact learning outcomes • Ensuring that educators are adequately trained to use LMS features effectively can be time-consuming and resource-intensive 

Two takeaways People live in (digital) learning ecosystems anyway – only part of these are “built” We should take a realistic (albeit optimistic) view of the tension between big ideas and practical impact When we are thinking about digital learning environments and especially learning management systems, we should consider: