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/ 

Innovative Instructional Design Strategies for Effective eLearning

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This post is provided by guest blogger, Stephanie Lawrence, graduate student at University of St. Francis, MS in Talent Development program.

The article, Top instructional design strategies for effective eLearning highlights ten strategies to enhance eLearning experiences. These include microlearning, gamification, blended learning, and spaced learning. Other strategies outlined are the use of scenarios for practical application, learning personalization, and utilizing social learning for collaborative knowledge building. The article encouraged selecting strategies that align with learner needs and the subject matter. Conducting a needs analysis, leveraging existing content, reducing mental processing for the learners, and asking for feedback were additional suggestions given for making learning more meaningful (ELM Learning, 2025). ​

This source is reliable and provides instructional design strategies that align with current eLearning trends. It is useful for instructional designers and other learning professionals looking to enhance eLearning experiences. The strategies presented are best practices in increasing learner engagement and retention. However, the article is written as more of an introduction to instructional design strategies rather than an in depth look at their strategic use. The article could be followed up with a deeper examination of the effective use of each strategy as well as potential learning scenarios matched with appropriate strategies.

Reference

ELM Learning. (2023, March 7). Top instructional design strategies for effective eLearning. https://elmlearning.com/blog/instructional-design-strategies/

The Incorporation of Gamification into Instructional Design Strategies

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The Incorporation of Gamification into Instructional Design Strategies

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

The emergence of e-learning tools is enhancing the training practitioner’s approach to instructional design (ID) and the implementation of effective teaching strategies in training and educational program construction. As technologies evolve the approach to the use of these technological tools also needs to evolve. There are several newer technologies that can be applied to the online, e-learning environment. These tools should be considered for use as part of functional teaching strategies and incorporated into the instructional design process. One of these e-learning technologies is gamification.

The article “Integrating gamification and instructional design to enhance usability of online learning”, Ghai & Tandon (2023), explores research into the idea of using the instructional design process as a method to tailor gamification, as an e-learning tool, to specific educational and training environments. By using parameters that are established for a particular learning proposal, as part of the instructional design process, gamification becomes a useful part of effective teaching strategies. Leaning outcomes, using a restrained, purposeful approach to the implementation of gamification as a teaching tool, have exhibited a positive correlation when this technology is incorporated into a training program’s teaching methodologies. This information is directed towards educators and instructional designers with the premise of encouraging them to use gamification as an effective information delivery tool.

Category: E-Learning, Gaming, Instructional Design/Program Development, Teaching Strategies

Reference:

Ghai, A. & Tandon, U. (2023). Integrating gamification and instructional design to enhance usability of online learning. Education and Information Technologies, 28, 2187-2206. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-022-11202-5

Instructional Design Interconnected with eLearning

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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.

eLearning has become an important tool for education and training in today’s world. In the article “Instructional Design: The Brain and Heart of eLearning”, Satyabrata Das (2023) refers to instructional design as the heart and brain of eLearning. No different from an in-person classroom setting, instructional design is a major piece of an eLearning program and one of the most widely used methods for the design is the ADDIE cycle. The design of the program is what makes eLearning successful, engaging, ensures the learners needs are met, and that it is aligned with the instructional objectives. 

The article is published on eLearningIndustry.com, which is one of the largest knowledge sharing platforms for learning and development, and human resources. The articles published on this site are by reputable individuals. Satyabrata Das (2023) is the Founder and CEO of HexaLearn and has experience in planning and implementing programs. This article could be a great resource for individuals in the space of learning and development since it provides insights from experienced individuals. 

Reference

Das, S. (2023, October 4). Instructional design: The brain and heart of eLearning. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/instructional-design-the-brain-and-heart-of-elearning  

Winning Models for Effective Learning 

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This post is provided by guest blogger, Bianca Henderson, a graduate student at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, MS in Training and Development Program. 

In the article “8 Effective Instructional Design Models in 2025,” Gupta (2024) reviews eight well known instructional design models that guide the creation of engaging educational content. Key models include the ADDIE framework, which emphasizes analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation; Bloom’s Taxonomy, which categorizes learning objectives; and Merrill’s Principles of Instruction, focusing on real-world relevance. Other models include Gagne’s Nine Events of Instruction, the Dick and Carey Model, the Kemp Design Model, Action Mapping by Cathy Moore, and the SAM Model. Each framework offers unique strategies to enhance training effectiveness and learner performance.  

Gupta’s article “8 Effective Instructional Design Models in 2025” (2024) serves as a valuable resource. By outlining well established models, it offers insights into diverse approaches to improve learner engagement and performance. This information would particularly interest instructional design students and corporate trainers looking for effective strategies to implement in their programs.  

Category: Instructional Design, Teaching Strategies, E-Learning 

Reference: Gupta, D. (2024, December 17). 8 effective instructional design models in 2025. Whatfix. https://whatfix.com/blog/instructional-design-models/ 

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

Effective eLearning Instructional Design

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This post is provided by guest blogger, Leah Koncir, graduate student University of St. Francis, MS

In “Effective eLearning Instructional Design: Strategies to Maximize Engagement and Retention,” Jack Edwards (2023) outlines key strategies for creating engaging and effective online learning experiences. These strategies include understanding learner needs, setting clear objectives, utilizing interactive content, promoting engagement through activities, providing timely feedback, ensuring accessibility, assessing outcomes, and iteratively improving the course. By implementing these approaches, instructional designers can enhance learner engagement and knowledge retention in eLearning environments.

The article is published on eLearning Industry, a reputable platform known for its focus online learning and instructional design. The strategies discussed are practical and align with current best practices in the field, making this resource valuable for instructional designers, educators, and eLearning professional seeking to enhance their course their design delivery.

Category: Instructional Design/Program Development

Reference:

Edward, J (2023, August 30). Effective eLearning instructional design: Strategies to maximize engagement and retention. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/effective-elearning-instructional-design-strategies-to-maximize-engagment-and-retention

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

What do you prefer?

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

Online learning has become very popular in the past few years, but is it what students prefer? In the article, Ong et al. (2024) discusses the seven reasons why students prefer in-person classes rather than online classes. The classroom gives students a sense of “togetherness,” and they find it easier to stay focused and motivated. Student also appreciate the sense of routine. Going to class and being able to ask questions and communicate in that moment. The article discusses how online learning seems to impede learning and social interaction. 

I do recommend this article, because I feel that we are always looking for the positives of e-learning. We assume many students prefer e-learning, but there is a great percentage that still prefer in-person classes. E-learning is becoming more available for classes, because they are easy to access from anywhere and can be done at any time, but some students still feel that attending class gives them a sense of belonging and interacting with instructors and students. I find that I prefer in-person learning for certain classes, because I feel I am able to stay focused and get more from the class. 

Ong, J. et al. (2024, November 16). 7 missing pieces: Why students prefer in-person over online classes. University Affairs. https://universityaffairs.ca/features/7-missing-pieces-why-students-prefer-in-person-over-online-classes-2/