The Digital Learning Environment at Portland State University

Portland State University’s Digital Learning Environment, or DLE, includes the core tools, platforms, services and support that make technology-supported teaching and learning possible at PSU.

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

How DLE tools are selected and managed

DLE decisions are guided by PSU’s teaching and learning needs, institutional priorities and responsible stewardship of university resources. The following principles guide the acquisition of technology. 

Privacy, security and responsible use

PSU has strict privacy and data security policies that protect the data and information used in the DLE. Any tool adopted by OAI or OIT for the DLE goes through a review process that ensures these services protect student and university, data while respecting the privacy of every community member. PSU’s AI Policies and Principles are also followed in selecting and maintaining tools. 

Faculty should consult OIT’s Technology Procurement guidelines before entering sensitive student, personnel, research or university data into tools that have not been reviewed or approved for that purpose.

How AI is handled in the DLE

The use of generative artificial intelligence technologies is sensitive in higher education and is particularly visible in the Digital Learning Environment. Technology providers continue to introduce AI-enabled features across educational platforms, requiring PSU to thoughtfully assess how these tools support learning, privacy, accessibility, and the overall educational experience.

Because AI features can affect privacy, intellectual property, academic integrity, transparency and student trust, AI-related functionality is reviewed with care. When AI features appear in DLE tools, OAI and university partners consider questions such as:

• What data does the feature use?
• Is student work, course content or user data used to train models?
• Should the feature be limited or turned off?
• Is the use of the feature transparent to faculty and students?
• Does the feature align with PSU’s AI philosophy, principles and responsible use guidance?
• Does the feature support teaching and learning in a meaningful way?
• What risks, limitations or equity concerns should faculty be informed of?

AI features are not automatically enabled when a vendor offers them. Features may be reviewed, limited, disabled, or communicated separately depending on how they work and whether they meet PSU’s standards, policy, and needs.

What Faculty Can Expect

Faculty can expect OAI to:

• Review major DLE tools and vendor changes with privacy, security, accessibility and instructional use in mind.
• Communicate significant changes when they affect teaching and learning.
• Provide support for using approved tools effectively.
• Offer guidance when new features prompt questions or concerns.
• Continue evaluating tools based on their usefulness, sustainability and impact on learning.

Faculty also play an important role in the DLE. Your feedback helps PSU understand what is working, where there are barriers and when clearer guidance is needed.