A Whole-Institution Approach to Digital Education in Higher Education

Abstract

This chapter presents a comprehensive institutional framework for high-quality digital education in higher education, developed in response to lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic’s emergency remote teaching. Emphasizing systemic transformation, it addresses institutional considerations such as organizational change management, senior leadership sponsorship, stakeholder engagement, and accountability structures. The framework explores faculty support through instructional design, technology integration, accessibility, and course quality systems. It also reimagines academic and student services, including advising, tutoring, and office hours, for virtual delivery, independent of physical presence. The chapter offers actionable guidance for leaders and educators to collaboratively enhance the digital learning experience by integrating digital education into institutional strategy rather than treating it as a peripheral function. The proposed model supports fully online and blended modalities, ensuring equitable and sustainable educational outcomes across contexts.