Quality Over Quantity 

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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, “8 Qualitative eLearning Assessment Methods to Track Online Learners Progress”, Christopher Pappas (2023) provides eight methods to track a learners’ progress using qualitative assessments. Qualitative assessments help determine the online learners’ proficiency and knowledge mastery. The eight qualitative eLearning assessment methods mentioned in the article are, task-based simulations, branching scenarios, online group collaboration projects, open-ended questions, problem-solving case studies, eLearning blogs, online interviews and forums and online discussions. These assessments help instructors go beyond surface level and can help an instructor identify the areas a learner needs improvement on. 

This article is published on elearningindustry.com which is valuable resource to those in the industry handling eLearning programs. I like how the author states, “it’s not how much you know but how well you know it” (Pappas, 2023). I learned new things from this article, and I would be putting some of this into practice. One of the things I think was missing from this article was insight of what the learners’ feedback was about these assessments. I would really like to know that these methods have been put into practice and what did the learners think about it. 

Reference

Pappas, C. (2023, June 12). 8 Qualitative eLearning assessment methods to track online learners progress. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/qualitative-elearning-assessment-methods-track-online-learners-progress

Innovative Assessment Strategies for Educators

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

The article “61 Effective Assessment Strategies for Teachers to Use” from Indeed.com provides a comprehensive list of assessment methods designed to develop student learning and engagement. These strategies range from traditional methods like quizzes and polls to more interactive approaches such as interviews, reflective writing, and entry and exit questions. Each technique is tailored to assess different aspects of student comprehension and progress, providing educators with versatile tools to gauge learning outcomes effectively.

Indeed.com is a reputable platform know primarily for job listings and career advice, but it also provides valuable resources for educators. The article is well-structured, offering practical assessment strategies that teachers can readily implement. However, it lacks in-depth discussion on the theoretical foundations of these methods and does not provide realistic evidence of their effectiveness. Educators seeking to diversify their assessment techniques and improve student engagement would find this resource particularly useful.

Reference: Indeed, Editorial Team. (2025,March 8). 61 effective assessment strategies for teachers to use. https://www.Indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/assessment-strategies

e-Learning Success: Measure, Assess, Improve 

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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 “How To Evaluate The Success Of An e-Learning Program: Setting Objectives And Assessing Outcomes,” Merchant (2023) emphasizes the importance of evaluating e-Learning programs to ensure they achieve educational goals and provide value. She outlines key steps for effective assessment: 1) Establish clear, measurable objectives aligned with organizational goals; 2) Analyze learner engagement through metrics such as completion rates and participation; 3) Assess learning outcomes using quizzes and assignments to measure knowledge retention; 4) Gather learner feedback via surveys to identify strengths and improvement areas; 5) Implement continuous improvement based on collected data to enhance the program. These steps help organizations create effective and engaging e-Learning experiences. 

This article presents a structured approach to evaluating e-Learning programs, making it a valuable resource. By outlining practical steps for assessment, the article serves as a guide for those seeking to enhance their e-Learning initiatives. HR professionals and training instructors will find the information relevant. The article could benefit from specific case studies or examples to illustrate the application of these steps in real-world scenarios.  

Category: Assessment & Evaluation, e-Learning, Teaching Strategies 

Reference:  

Merchant, N. (2023, September 25). How to evaluate the success of an eLearning program: Setting objectives and assessing outcomes. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/how-to-evaluate-the-success-of-elearning-program-setting-objectives-assessing-outcomes 

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/ 

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/