The spring semester is underway, and it finally feels like we’ve settled into the new year. It’s time to dust off the blogging routine after a year of reconnecting with our purpose. It’s a familiar space: creating a content schedule with deadlines and potential topics; brainstorming new ideas; outlining drafts of posts; and iterating through the words which will eventually be published on Model eLearning. 

Yet, much changed in the past few years. We’re not the same team that started Model eLearning. And that’s okay. Designers must remain flexible—and embrace change—as they adapt to the needs of situation and solve tough problems. So we want to be all the more intentional with the blog—to share resources and exchange meaningful words with educators and designers adapting to the ever-changing needs of our learners, organizations, and lives.

From Pause to Purpose: A New Chapter for Model eLearning

When our team started Model eLearning in 2016, we could not have known we’d be still blogging ten years later. Our top posts cover topics such as alternative discussion boards; content curation; accessibility and universal design for learning; technology and tools; communication and storytelling; and teaching strategies like the ARCS Model for Motivation, providing feedback to students, and community of inquiry (CoI) model. These topics continue to inspire our design.

Quality design requires critical thinking and analysis; developing meaningful learning outcomes and relevant content; and evaluating outcomes to iterate and improve design choices. This year, we’ll look at topics such as designing and developing learner-centered experiences; evaluating design guidelines, processes, procedures, and services; and infusing tools into course design. 

Additionally, we want to open a conversation around how artificial intelligence (AI) shapes how we look at course design; work with SME; and teach in an ever-changing digital environment. We’ll discuss teaching strategies such as AI guidelines within the classroom and how to design courses which encourage students use critical thinking while using AI technologies. The pedagogy of choosing and using educational tools remains foundational as we enter this new era of technology.

We’re thrilled to return to the professional development that blogging brings to our team and community. And we’re hoping to hear from you. What opportunities to learn are you excited about this year?