Teaching & Learning Center

We support, inspire, and celebrate teaching excellence and innovation at WCU.

May 22, 2026

Navigating Digital Learning (NDL)

Students with Ed-Tech Struggles?

Provide proactive support in D2L with the TLC’s Navigating Digital Learning (NDL) tutorials

What is Navigating Digital Learning (NDL)?

Navigating Digital Learning (NDL) is a D2L repository of short tutorial modules on various learning technologies found at WCU. Originally built as the distance education orientation for West Chester University students, the TLC recognized that NDL could benefit the wider WCU learning community, and has been made available to all students, faculty, and staff in D2L.

Digital tools are integral to many of our educational programs and processes. Even so, students do not always have consistent levels of proficiency with educational technology. Incorporating NDL tutorials as part of your courses can help reduce extraneous cognitive load for your students, freeing them to focus more completely on your course content. NDL offers basic competency training, providing participants with functional skills and familiarizing them with available resources should they need to seek additional support.

How can NDL help me teach?

By assigning NDL modules to your students, you can prepare them to use necessary learning technologies by completing the relevant tutorials. Thanks to the D2L Awards feature, you can require these modules without risking inundating students with redundant training:

Students who have not completed the assigned NDL module can complete the relevant tutorial, which includes low-lift practice tasks and demonstrative videos, to earn a D2L Badge credential
Students who have completed the assigned NDL module can simply submit their previously earned D2L Badge to you for credit.

It’s that simple! If you would like additional assistance integrating NDL modules in your course structure, book an appointment with a TLC Instructional Designer.