More Than Just a Login: How to Build Virtual Relationships That Truly Engage Online Learners
The rise of online learning has transformed education, expanding access, flexibility, and opportunity. But while we’ve made significant strides in instructional design and technology tools, one essential component often lags behind: relationships. Whether you’re teaching middle schoolers in a virtual academy or adult learners in an online graduate program, connection is the gateway to engagement, […]
Collaborative Dynamics between Instructional Designer and Subject Matter Expert: A Journey of Tailored Learning in Higher Education
Introduction What happens when the expert knowledge of a seasoned healthcare educator merges with the innovative flair of an instructional designer? The result is a digital learning experience that educates, engages, and inspires both students and educators alike. This joyful collaboration has redefined the potential of hybrid healthcare education, breaking down traditional silos to create […]
Seeing the Unseen: Raising Awareness of Invisible Disabilities
Thursday, May 15th marked the 14th anniversary of Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 1.3 billion people — 16% of the world’s population, or 1 in 6 people — experience a disability (World Health Organization, 2023). In the U.S., an estimated 10% of the population lives with […]
Balancing Learner & Educator Preferences in Digital Courses: Practical Strategies from the Field
Introduction Drawing from ongoing work in instructional design and digital learning innovation, this article shares field-based strategies for addressing diverse learner preferences in online courses. Digital learning environments present a dynamic challenge: some learners prefer interactive, real-time sessions; others benefit more from asynchronous forums or independent exploration. Striking the right balance—while upholding instructional quality—requires thoughtful […]
Rising Through Resilience: 10 Ways to Empower Students to Thrive in the Face of Adversity
A student from Lagos steps off a bus into a rural Midwestern town to begin his undergraduate journey. A student body president spent her sophomore year living in her car. A junior loses his father unexpectedly mid-semester. A doctoral candidate faces her dissertation defense while her husband battles cancer. A pregnant master’s student is put […]