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 […]
Accessibility in Course Design: Essential or Advanced?
If you’ve looked through our recently-released Course Review Scorecard, you may have noticed that two of the accessibility-focused objectives show up in the Advanced Design section rather than the Essential Design section. We’ve had a few inquiries about why we made that decision, so I’m writing to assure you that this is a feature, not […]