Digital Learning Environment

In alignment with the mission, vision and values of the Office of Academic Innovation (OAI) and the vision and guiding commitments of Portland State University (PSU), the Digital Learning Environment (DLE) provides tools and resources to support education at PSU.

Explore the Digital Learning Environment

faculty talking with support staff at the Office of Academic Innovation

Key elements of PSU’s current DLE include:

Canvas (including Catalog and Studio)
Hypothesis
Pressbooks
Kaltura
Turnitin
Voicethread
Zoom
Google Suite
Panorama
Faculty Support services and staffing

Explore the technologies

News

Cybersecurity Incident — Canvas

PSU has received notification that it was potentially impacted by a Canvas cybersecurity incident. PSU is actively monitoring the situation and will share additional information as it becomes available. More details can be found on the OIT blog.

Get updates

Guiding Principles

The following principles guide the acquisition of technology and allocation of staffing resources for the DLE:

Relevant Purpose

Acquisitions should support services and resources that directly benefit student learning. Investments should align with the needs of the university learning community and contribute to an enhanced educational experience.

Access

Investments should prioritize initiatives that increase access to learning resources for all PSU students, focusing on underrepresented groups. Efforts should be made to bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable opportunities for success.

Equity

The distribution of investments should be equitable across academic units, faculty, and students. Resources should be allocated fairly to ensure all students will benefit from acquisitions.

Outcomes & Impact

Investments should be strategically directed towards initiatives that maximize positive outcomes for learning. Funded projects’ outcomes should be measurable and contribute to the overall sustainability and improvement of education at PSU.

Fiscal Responsibility

The university is committed to managing resources with financial sustainability in mind. Prudent financial planning and responsible resource allocation are essential to the long-term success of learning initiatives.

Privacy and Data Security

University policy requires the safeguarding of data and protection of student privacy. The Digital Learning Environment shares that commitment through the technology acquired and services provided.

Criteria for Acquisition Decisions

Enterprise Investments

Priority will be given to investments that address equitable needs across the entire campus. Initiatives that benefit a broad range of learners and contribute to the overall advancement of education at PSU will be prioritized.

Direct Impact on Learning

Investments should directly support staff, resources, support services, technology, faculty development, and supplies that enhance the university’s learning capacity and student success. The focus will be on initiatives that have a tangible and measurable impact on the quality of education.

Innovation and Emerging Technologies

The university will prioritize investments that foster innovation and the adoption of emerging pedagogies and educational technology. It aims to stay at the forefront of learning advancements and provide students with cutting-edge tools and resources.

Instructor Support and Resources

Staffing and resources will be allocated to provide instructors with the necessary support to design and deliver courses effectively, including professional development opportunities, instructional design assistance, and access to relevant technologies.

Alignment with Strategic Priorities

Investments should align with the university's strategic priorities for learning. This alignment ensures that funded projects contribute to the overarching goals and vision for education at PSU.

Resource Sharing and Collaboration

Whenever possible, investments will be shared across departments and units to avoid duplication of expenses. Collaboration and resource sharing promote efficiency and maximize the impact of available funds.

Ongoing Evaluation

Investments will be subject to ongoing evaluation to ensure a return on investment (ROI). The effectiveness of funded projects will be assessed regularly, and adjustments will be made as needed to optimize resource allocation.