Online Learning

Boosting Online Learning Through Technology

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This post is provided by guest blogger, Samerah Saad, graduate student University of St. Francis, MS Talent Development program. 

Barbetta (2022) summarizes how active learning by digital tools can enhance learner outcomes by promoting collaboration and engagement. One focus includes the concept of Education 5.0 to discuss the learner-centric outcomes and focus on student well-being adapted to be more inclusive on a holistic level. The utilization of artificial intelligence to amplify learning experiences supports increased rates of engagement. The author supports their theory by data found in gamification approaches without losing sight of ethical concerns on data privacy. They also provide a framework for implementation to include cross-disciplinary collaboration with artificial intelligence. 

I enjoyed the inclusive mentions to emphasis accessibility and a holistic approach for learning. Barbetta focused on lower-cost options such as presentations adaptations and peer learning sessions. However, I am concerned about the sufficiency these tools will provide since it will take from the direct approach from traditional means. Active listening or proper absorption on niche topics from the peer-turned-teacher doesn’t guarantee adequate results. I would have enjoyed specific examples, with their effectiveness, of how technology can boost current programs with relative ease to provide the reader with an actionable insight to more realistically integrate.  

Reference: 

Barbetta, P. M. (2022). Technologies as tools to increase active learning during online higher-education instruction. Journal of Educational Technology Systems, 51(3), 317–339. https://doi.org/10.1177/00472395221143969 

Designing E-Learning

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This post is provided by guest blogger, Stephanie DeFrancesco, graduate student at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, MS in Talent Development Program. 

As e-learning becomes more popular, educators are realizing that it is important to be able to prepare more in-depth programs and be able to create a class that is precise and successful to help the student learn using instructional design. In the recent blog by an E-Learning Specialist, they dive into the skills that teachers should be able to obtain to create a successful e-learning class. Such as achievable objectives, organized materials, up to date technology skills and creativity. Also discussed is the ADDIE model, which is used in many different instructional design processes for e-learning. 

I recommend this blog for anyone who has to create or design an e-learning platform for students to use. The summary of the skills the instructor should use with explanation are extremely helpful to be able to plan a e-learning class. I also believe that the different phases of ADDIE would be helpful to follow when designing models and objectives. Instructional design is one of the most important parts of e-learning, and the blog breaks down how to create and utilize e-learning in education. 

Category: Instructional Design/ E-Learning

The importance of instructional design for e-learning education: CAE. CAE Computer Aided E-learning. (2023, November 28). https://www.cae.net/why-is-instructional-design-important-for-e-learning-education/ 

How to Implement eLearning In an Effective Manner?

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This post is provided by guest blogger, Darryl Barrios, graduate student University of St. Francis, MS Training and Development program

Despite the growth of eLearning, for most, education continues to mean classroom sessions with teachers.  As the world continues to evolve, so does education.  While most organizations are onboard with eLearning, it takes time to learn to skills and techniques to make it successful.  Implementing eLearning requires three basic steps:  Planning, implementation itself, and evaluation.  During implementation, it is important to keep common challenges, such as lack of student engagement and technological hurdles, at the forefront.  Assessing your needs, planning your courses and goals, and communicating with all parties throughout the process are all key to a successful launch.

Sergi Movchan’s (2025) article How to Implement eLearning In an Effective Manner? provides a straightforward explanation of the process of identifying the process for implementing an eLearning system.  He begins by identifying the common challenges that organizations face during this process.  This is followed by outlining basic tips that any organization can follow to ensure a successful launch.  Throughout the article, he links to other articles that help expand on many of the steps that are required.  This article is a great primer for anyone who is looking to begin the process of implementing an eLearning program.

Reference: Movchan, S. (2025, February 28).  How to implement eLearning in an effective manner?  Racoon Gang. Retrieved from https://raccoongang.com/blog/how-implement-elearning-effective-manner/

Take Control of Your Education 

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This post is provided by guest blogger, Edith Peña, graduate student at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, MS in Talent and Development program.

In the article, “Student Choice in Virtual Learning: Empowering Autonomy Online”, Pustka (2024) states that online education offers students more autonomy through choice. This not only empowers students to make decisions about learning it also builds skills like self-regulation, critical thinking and motivation. The article illustrates the benefits of incorporating student choice into virtual classrooms. Pustka mentions that when students have a say they are deeply engaged, develop independence, and their retention of the information improves.  Overall, student choice is transformative in the virtual learning space because it provides students an opportunity to be creative, engage, and grow. 

This article is published by the National Virtual Teacher Association, which is an association that offers certification for virtual teachers. The association’s mission is to inspire virtual teachers to provide excellent instruction. The association also consist of an advisory board with extensive knowledge in virtual instruction. I think this website and articles provided by the association are great tools for virtual teachers. 

Reference

Pustka, B. (2024, November 30). Student choice in virtual learning: Empowering autonomy online. National Virtual Teacher Association. https://virtualteacherassociation.org/student-choice-in-virtual-learning-empowering-autonomy-online

Instructional Design Strategies for eLearning

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This post is provided by guest blogger, Darryl Barrios, graduate student University of St. Francis, MS Training and Development program

Instructional design strategies play an important role in creating effective courses, and eLearning courses are no exception. When it comes to online learning you need more than engaging content, you need a strategic approach. Instructional Design helps you to create structured, engaging, and personalized learning experiences. To create an effective instructional design strategy there are five components that you need to consider. They are content, visuals, media, assessments, and technical aspects.  If these five items are considered alongside your core instructional design principles, you should be able to create a strategy that provides an engaging experience for your learners.

Dr. Sandhya Johnson’s (2025) article Instructional Design Strategies for eLearning [What, Why, & How] contains not only an exploration of how instructional design strategies serve as the key to creating impactful eLearning courses, but it also includes important background information, such as the differences between instructional design models and instructional design strategies, that help those who may be approaching these concepts for the first time a clear explanation of how the discussed concepts fit together.  She also provides examples of some of the most popular instructional design strategies.  My only criticism would be the lack of analytics regarding the chosen examples.

Reference: Johnson, S. (2025, March 18). Instructional design strategies for eLearning [What, Why, & How]. CommLab India. https://blog.commlabindia.com/elearning-design/instructional-design-strategy-importance-in-elearning

Unlocking Student Success with Digital Learning Logs 

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This post is provided by guest blogger, Samerah Saad, graduate student University of St. Francis, MS Talent Development program. 

Arizmendi et al. (2023) highlights how Learning Management Systems and utilization of digital logs can provide insights to student performance and outcomes. This would be utilized to assess e-learning environments and their ability to understand the unique interaction patterns for the student. Moreover, this would also be used to analyze the data to calculate trends among all class members. This will be helpful to see how long each student is spending on coursework in comparison to the grades they are earning. The authors highlight how essential it is to enhance the learning experience through diverse learning approaches, standardization, instructional strategies, and proper use of technological tools/resources. 

I recommend this article’s approach to put into practice many of the theories circling successful approaches to e-learning. However, there are concerns on how these digital logs can gather information to be utilized effectively in an ethical manner. I am concerned about how thoroughly they will need to dive into student data without privacy concerns. Additionally, just because an individualized student demographic is inputted into the algorithm, I worry about overcoming any stereotypical notions and assess the student fairly. Personalized education was a major selling point but, unfortunately, there was no data supporting the same results for diversified in-person learning. 

Reference:

Arizmendi, C. J., Bernacki, M. L., Raković, M., Plumley, R. D., Urban, C. J., Panter, A. T., Greene, J. A., & Gates, K. M. (2022). Predicting student outcomes using digital logs of learning behaviors: Review, current standards, and suggestions for future work. Behavior Research Methods, 55(6), 3026–3054. https://doi.org/10.3758/s13428-022-01939-9Links to an external site. 

Online Students…The Choice is Yours!

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This post is provided by guest blogger, Samerah Saad, graduate student University of St. Francis, MS Talent Development program. 

The article “Examining Voice and Choice in Online Learning” provides students with the agency to create their own academic pathway (Henrikson & Baliram, 2023). The authors talk about the likely outcomes and trends for ways to utilize flexible content to increase engagement and motivation. They highlight the benefits of empowering students to dive into their interests with personalized context. Autonomous learning, particularly focusing on asynchronous online modules at self-paced regulation, helps foster a learning environment most advantageous to each student.  

Though students are the primary target here, faculty and staff members should be very interested in this information as it offers a practical option. We have come a long way in our technological advancements, and it’s about time we put them to good use in academia. It’s important to note that there are barriers to online learning, such as assuming each student can afford proper technology or has access to reliable internet. Through a credible source with data to back up emerging trends, the author did not mention any hindrance due to being overwhelmed by all the options newly presented to them. 

Reference 

Henrikson, R., & Baliram, N. (2023). Examining voice and choice in online learning. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-023-00401-wLinks to an external site. 

Cloud Supported Collaborative Learning: Enhancing Student Engagement

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This post is provided by guest blogger, Erica LoBurgio, graduate student University of St. Francis, MS Training and Development Program.

In this article Engagement in cloud-supported collaborative learning and student knowledge construction: a modeling study, authored by Ahmed N. Al-Rahmi, Mohd Shahizan Othman, Rusli Abdullah, Mo’ez Al-Habaibeh, Yousef Mehmood Yahaya Al-Rahmi, Muhammad Atta Ullah, and Norshahriza Nordin, published in 2022 in the in the International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, studies how the impact cloud supported collaboration has on student knowledge and the learning environments.

The use of cloud supported collaboration such as Google Drive Sheets for post graduate students with knowledge sharing, reflective thinking, and enhancement of collaborative learning. The article provides a study amongst 180 post graduate students, who all participate in an activity to study the student engagement and overall improvement of student learning outcomes. The study utilizes collaboration in Google Drive Sheets, utilizing the importance of research focus, methodology, implications, and practical implications in the learning environment.

The article delivers the importance of cognitive presence, knowledge sharing, and reflective thinking in the learning environment. The study and article explain how the use of cloud based collaborative learning enhances the student’s knowledge, engagement, and learning in their environment.

Lin, X., Spector, J. M., & Ren, X. (2022). Engagement in cloud-supported collaborative learning and student knowledge construction: a modeling study. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education. Retrieved from https://educationaltechnologyjournal.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s41239-022-00317-2




Assessing Student Learning – Insight into Impact

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This post is provided by guest blogger, Lynn Urban, graduate student at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, MS in Training and Development program.

Educators put time and energy into preparing lessons, but the work does not end once class is over.  It is essential to evaluate student learning, ensuring information provides intended impact.  Especially in the online learning environment, instructors cannot rely upon in-person interaction, and should explore the use of online assessment tools.  Content creator, Helen Colman (2024) provides methods to assess student learning, while sharing eLearning insights and teaching strategies.  “Online assessments are a critical part of eLearning and should be undertaken with the same level of care and rigor that you put into creating your other learning content.” (Colman, 2024). 

I recommend this article for instructors seeking the latest information about online assessment tools.  The article is organized and provides a fresh look at modern methods and software.  The author shows eLearning knowledge, but does not push readers away with heavy technical terms.  Images provide helpful descriptions pointing out the simplicity, usefulness, and outcome of various tools.  While the article references iSpring Suite as a vendor to provide online courses and assessments, the information is helpful whether pursuing the vendor or not.  There are many options, and readers will surely gain insight into the impact of assessments for online learning.

Reference

Colman, H. (2024, January 16). 9 Ways to Assess Student Learning Online. iSpring Solutions. https://www.ispringsolutions.com/blog/8-ways-to-assess-online-student-learning