Online Learning Consortium https://onlinelearningconsortium.org/ Advancing Digital Learning Leadership Everywhere Tue, 03 Jun 2025 18:25:53 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://onlinelearningconsortium.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/OLC_Favicon-150x150.png Online Learning Consortium https://onlinelearningconsortium.org/ 32 32 Behind the Clicks: What LMS Data Is Really Telling Us About Online Learning https://onlinelearningconsortium.org/olc-insights/2025/06/behind-the-clicks/ Tue, 03 Jun 2025 18:19:14 +0000 https://onlinelearningconsortium.org/?p=17543 “You can tell when a student is lost in a classroom. But can you tell when they’re lost online?” That question has stuck with me ever since I started studying online learning patterns in graduate education. In a traditional classroom, instructors rely on visual cues—blank stares, confused expressions, or raised hands—to gauge whether students are […]

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]]> AI Course Compass: A Seven-Phase Framework for Ethical, Equitable, and Adaptive Course Design https://onlinelearningconsortium.org/olc-insights/2025/05/ai-course-compass/ Fri, 30 May 2025 06:00:11 +0000 https://onlinelearningconsortium.org/?p=17465 Introduction Without clear strategies, AI integration risks widening existing disparities and undermining academic standards. The AI Course Compass: A Seven-Phase Framework for Ethical, Equitable, and Adaptive Course Design (AI Course Compass Framework) addresses the critical gap of higher education’s AI integration through a structured seven-phase model that balances innovation with systemic ethics. While existing frameworks […]

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]]> AI Is Reshaping Learning Roles—Here’s How to Future-Proof Your Team https://onlinelearningconsortium.org/olc-insights/2025/05/ai-is-reshaping-learning-roles/ Thu, 29 May 2025 17:56:35 +0000 https://onlinelearningconsortium.org/?p=17517 AI is changing how we work—but more importantly, it’s changing the roles we play. Across K–12 education, higher education, and corporate learning, I keep hearing the same questions: What roles are at risk? What new skills will our teams need? How do we help people adapt without losing what makes learning human? These are questions […]

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]]> OLC Facilitator Spotlight: Reed Hepler https://onlinelearningconsortium.org/olc-insights/2025/05/facilitator-spotlight-reed-hepler/ Wed, 28 May 2025 18:25:34 +0000 https://onlinelearningconsortium.org/?p=17451 In this edition of our Facilitator Spotlight Series, we chatted with Reed Hepler on summer professional learning. He also shares tips for those just starting out on their AI learning journey or setting strategies that scale. Reed facilitates one of the many AI-focused workshops in the Center for Professional Learning. Q: Does the summer look […]

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]]> More Than Just a Login: How to Build Virtual Relationships That Truly Engage Online Learners https://onlinelearningconsortium.org/olc-insights/2025/05/more-than-just-a-login/ Wed, 21 May 2025 19:09:00 +0000 https://onlinelearningconsortium.org/?p=17387 The rise of online learning has transformed education, expanding access, flexibility, and opportunity. But while we’ve made significant strides in instructional design and technology tools, one essential component often lags behind: relationships. Whether you’re teaching middle schoolers in a virtual academy or adult learners in an online graduate program, connection is the gateway to engagement, […]

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]]> Collaborative Dynamics between Instructional Designer and Subject Matter Expert: A Journey of Tailored Learning in Higher Education https://onlinelearningconsortium.org/olc-insights/2025/05/collaborative-dynamics/ Wed, 14 May 2025 20:13:50 +0000 https://onlinelearningconsortium.org/?p=17309 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 […]

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]]> Seeing the Unseen: Raising Awareness of Invisible Disabilities https://onlinelearningconsortium.org/olc-insights/2025/05/seeing-the-unseen/ Mon, 12 May 2025 21:54:26 +0000 https://onlinelearningconsortium.org/?p=17255 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 […]

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]]> OLC Volunteer Spotlight: A Conversation with Andrew Wiss https://onlinelearningconsortium.org/olc-insights/2025/05/volunteer-spotlight-andrew-wiss/ Wed, 07 May 2025 17:37:37 +0000 https://onlinelearningconsortium.org/?p=17220 Welcome to the OLC’s “Volunteer Spotlight” series, where we highlight the valuable contributions of just some of the many OLC volunteers who dedicate their time and expertise to serving the community. This month, we shine the spotlight on Dr. Andrew (Andy) Wiss, a passionate advocate for innovation in online and digital education. I had the […]

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]]> Balancing Learner & Educator Preferences in Digital Courses: Practical Strategies from the Field https://onlinelearningconsortium.org/olc-insights/2025/05/balancing-learner-and-educator-preferences/ Tue, 06 May 2025 22:31:32 +0000 https://onlinelearningconsortium.org/?p=17198 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 […]

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]]> Rising Through Resilience: 10 Ways to Empower Students to Thrive in the Face of Adversity https://onlinelearningconsortium.org/olc-insights/2025/05/rising-through-resilience/ Thu, 01 May 2025 17:46:21 +0000 https://onlinelearningconsortium.org/?p=17032 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 […]

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