Skip to: Navigation | Content | Sidebar | Footer

Category Archives:
Inside Online Learning

The Public Nature of Social Media Participation

A member of my personal learning network (PLN) posted a question on LinkedIn that essentially asked, “What topics should be included in an Introduction to Social Media course”? There are multiple ways to approach the subject matter and my response was that new users should think of social media updates as a “type of publication, […]


Essential Social Media for Online Students

I get it. Not everyone is as excited about social media as I am. This semester I am requiring Twitter use in my online class and it’s been met with an overall lack of enthusiasm. But as social media continues to have an impact on so many facets of higher education and the workplace, I’m […]


Now’s the Time to Think About Internships

If you are on any college-related mailing lists, no doubt you’re receiving messages about internship opportunities. As an online student you may or may not be required to complete an internship as part of your formal degree program, but even if you’re not, it can be a great way to get the practical experience employers […]


The Many Literacies of Online Learning

You’ve registered for your first online class … what’s next? Taking an online course may be a way to follow your interests as a lifelong learner or pursue specific career goals. Before you get started, you need to know that you’ll learn a lot more than just what is described in the course catalog. This […]


7 Mobile Apps that Put Your New Technology to Work

Did you get a new smartphone or tablet (i.e., iPad, Kindle, Nexus) over the holidays? If so, you may already be trying out some of the many mobile apps. Mobile technologies are more popular than ever. The Pew Internet & American Life Project reports “as of September 2012, 45% of all American adults own a […]


Online Education’s Overnight Success

Many recent conversations with friends and colleagues in the industry have revolved around what seems like an overnight shift in the overall acceptance of online education. We’ve spent years, decades even, swimming against the traditional education stream – risking possible career suicide and enduring disapproval from academic peers – advocating the benefits of online learning. […]


A Starter Guide for Veterans Studying Online

Whether you are returning to school after military service or enrolling for the first time with civilian career goals in mind, there’s a lot to figure out before you start your first class. I not only made the transition myself, from active duty to full-time student, but also assisted students in my first-year seminar courses […]


Is it Time to Panic in Your Online Course?

It never fails. Every time I teach an online course, I receive email messages from students that read something like this: “I’m really freaking out here!” Over the summer this happened more than usual as problems with the learning management system cut students off before finishing their online exams. In some cases the system submitted […]


Cast Your Vote! End of Year Awards in EdTech

Chances are if you are reading this post you are no stranger to online resources and include them in your professional development and coursework. More and more eLearning professionals are sharing their expertise and practical advice through a range of media, helping us to do what we do. How can you thank those who influence […]


How to Overcome the Common Challenges of Online Learning

If you aren’t familiar with online learning, but are considering all of your education options, it’s important to factor in the benefits and challenges as you make decisions about what will help you reach your learning and career goals. Last year I answered the following question on Quora: What are the most challenging aspects of […]