How can online learning environments move beyond compliance and content delivery to truly spark student engagement? Join us for a dynamic conversation featuring three experienced academics who will share how intentional course design—paired with community-driven technology—can transform participation, deepen connections, and reduce faculty workload.
In this session, you’ll hear real-world stories of how faculty have reimagined discussion, fostered genuine peer-to-peer learning, and built sustainable engagement strategies that support students and instructors. Whether you’re teaching entirely online, hybrid, or face-to-face courses, you’ll walk away with actionable insights on designing with community at the center and practical strategies you can apply right away.
This webinar is sponsored by:
Intended Audience:
Instructional designers, instructors, and academics looking to reengage students
Key Takeaways:
- See real examples of how three academics redesigned their courses to spark authentic, student-driven participation.
- Learn practical design strategies for fostering stronger peer-to-peer connections in online and hybrid classrooms.
- Discover how to reduce workload by aligning engagement tools with your teaching goals.
- Walk away with actionable ideas you can apply immediately to boost community and belonging in your own courses.
Speaker Bio
John Bellotti
Instructional Designer, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
John Bellotti is a seasoned instructional designer with over two decades of experience creating interactive learning environments. He currently serves as the instructional designer for the School of Business at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, where he consults on curriculum development and best practices. John has dedicated his career to enhancing learning across all modes of delivery, including eLearning, online, distance, hybrid, and in-person educational experiences.
Scott Standifer, Ph.D.Instructional Designer, Southern California University of Health Sciences
Scott Standifer is an instructional designer at Southern California University of Health Sciences. He holds a PhD in Educational Psychology and Instructional Technology from the University of Missouri. He also has degrees and professional experience in educational video production, broadcast journalism, and graphic design. Before his current role, he served for a decade as associate director of a federally funded continuing education office at the University of Missouri, supporting the national disability employment system. He works remotely and lives outside of Chicago.
Jill AndersonSenior Instructional Technologist, NC State University
Jill Anderson is a Senior Instructional Technologist at NC State University’s Digital Education and Learning Technology Applications (DELTA). In this capacity, she provides support and training for instructors teaching in a digital environment and/or with digital tools. Jill is the former Coordinator of Advising in the Department of Biological Sciences at NC State where she advised undergraduates for 12.5 years. She began working in her role as instructional technologist in January of 2020. Jill has dedicated her career to providing tangible and creative support to others in their aspirations to do good work and realize their own potential. She enjoys teaching, writing and working with many amazing teams at NC State.
Debra OlberdingSuccess Manager, Yellowdig
Debra Olberding is an experienced educator and success manager, with a background in instructional design, educational technology, and adult learning. For the past three and a half years, Debra has served as a Success Manager at Yellowdig. Her previous roles include Educational Technologist and Online Instructional Designer, where she developed faculty training programs and online courses. Additionally, Debra taught for many years in the MAED program. Holding a B.A. in Education and an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction, Debra has committed her career to advancing effective teaching and learning strategies within higher education.
