Digital Teaching and Learning Ecosystem (DTLE)

A Theoretical Approach for Online Learning Environments

Abstract

Reviewing the literature on digital 'ecosystems' applied to computer science, a gap has been identified. This analogy has never been used to describe the complex interactions between student-interface, student-teacher, student-content and student-student. These interactions are crucial to gaining an in-depth understanding of online learning environments and to promoting effective e-learning practices. The aim of this research is to develop a theoretical framework to describe these interactions by using the DTLE model based on the 'ecosystem' approach. For educators the model will help to design, describe and evaluate current online learning practices. For learners, it will help to explain how teaching and learning occurs in their studies and will assist them to seek greater value from their learning experience. Additionally, the DTLE model will provide a practical methodology to rank online units in terms of design layout, navigability and accessibility, content, interactivity, assessment, and student engagement.