The NGDLE is a vision for a learning ecosystem not a detailed technical specification. As such, the NGDLE will evolve over time as technology matures and the research in teaching & learning identifies effective practices. This talk focuses on what Jack Suess (UMBC) believes to be three essential elements for success: 

1. The role of standards in building a learning ecosystem, the most important standards to follow, and why standards such as Open Badges, Comprehensive Learning Record, and  LTI-Advantage are essential for interoperability and integration; 

2. The importance of learning analytics in advancing effective practices in course design and pedagogy, student graduation and retention, and personalization of learning; and 

3. The importance of universal design principles to think more broadly about accessibility of learning resources and to move beyond a course-centric view of learning.