Student Digital Experience Policy

Intent

This policy describes James Cook University’s (JCU) commitment to students in providing learning and teaching materials in the virtual learning environments (VLE) that are inclusive and accessible, of high quality and assured.  This policy also outlines expectations for student engagement in learning.

Scope

The policy addresses the student digital experience in the VLE at JCU. This policy applies to the non-award, pathways, undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students across the Australian tropical campuses, JCU Brisbane and JCU Singapore.

The policy aligns to aspects of the Learning Teaching and Assessment Policy, the Strategic Intent and the University Plan.

Definitions

Student Digital Experience: Has been defined as the expectations of how students will experience the VLE. Staff will use the SDE to support the VLE development.

Digital Literacy: Has been defined as the capabilities which fit someone for living, learning and working in a digital society (JISC, 2015). It is the ability to locate, evaluate, choose, use and create technologies effectively, critically, and safely for lifelong learning (JCU Academic Plan 2018-2022).

Digital Self: Has been defined as the responsibilities of students to establish and maintain a digital identity that is ethical, safe, and secure in the online environment. Maintaining an online reputation and acting with academic integrity is paramount.

Virtual Learning Environment: Has been defined as web-based platforms for digital aspects of courses of study.  This includes the organisation of groups and subjects, assessment, resources and communication, reports on engagement, and integrates with other educational and institutional systems (Dillenbourg et al. 2002)

Learning Design: A learning design can be considered as the framework that supports student learning experiences (Oliver, 1999). At the level of a subject, learning design is supported by constructive alignment (Biggs, 2014) in which learning outcomes, assessment and the learning activities are explicitly integrated. Learning design requires both timely and regular organisation of learning materials to prepare for engagement.

Accessible: Has been defined as providing equal access and equal opportunity to people with diverse abilities (https://www.w3.org/standards/webdesign/accessibility). JCU supports the development of learning materials and the VLE using Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles.

Inclusive: Incorporates a view of the individual and individual difference as the source of diversity that can enrich the lives and learning of others (Hockings, 2010). Inclusive design of learning means products and or services that are accessible to and useable by as many people as reasonably possible without the means for adaptation (British Standards Institute, 2005).

Principles

The Student Digital Experience Policy at James Cook University is driven by the following principles:

1. Students’ access to quality digital learning materials is important in the transition to university, and orientation into learning. Students’ digital literacy will differ and a consistent framework outlined in the Student Digital Experience endeavours to provide a platform for successful participation in their learning. JCU actively encourages students to take responsibility for their own digital literacy development.
2. Students will engage in learning in the VLE  that is informed by constructive alignment (Biggs, 2014) and inclusive design. Students will engage in teaching and assessment aligned to intended learning outcomes.
3. Students will undertake assessment tasks in their studies that are valid, fair, flexible, feasible and guided by clearly defined assessment criteria or scales that involve digital platforms. Student feedback on assessment, including timely access to results in grade centre, is key to student engagement in learning.

Policy

The JCU Student Digital Experience Policy describes the expectations for student engagement in subjects in the VLE. The learning design is responsive, accessible, and inclusive and adheres to JCU’s legislative requirements.

Related policy instruments

Blended Learning Policy

Learning Teaching and Assessment Policy

Charter of Responsibilities for Academic Quality Learning and Teaching

Related documents and legislation

Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2015

Disability Discrimination Act 1992

Disability Standards  for Education 2005

Education Services for Overseas Students Regulations Act 2019

Administration

NOTE: Printed copies of this policy are uncontrolled, and currency can only be assured at the time of printing.

Approval Details

Revision History