Best Practices in Engaging Online Learners Through Active and Experiential Learning Strategies

Best Practices in Engaging Online Learners Through Active and Experiential Learning Strategies, Third Edition, is a practical guide for all instructors, instructional designers, and online learning administrators developing, teaching, and leading online, hybrid, and/or blended learning courses and programs who want to provide supportive, engaging, and interactive learner experiences. This book situates learning theories and sciences to support the integration of active and experiential learning approaches and activities into online learning environments. Topics explored include artificial intelligence, simulations, digital games, social media integration, project- and scenario-based learning, virtual labs, and online micro-credentialing as they relate to the development of authentic skill-building, communication, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills in learners. New and emerging immersive technologies including virtual and augmented reality along with artificial intelligence are expanded in this updated third edition with examples of how they can be used in online courses to actively engage learners in experiential experiences. Readers will find guidelines for the development of increased social presence and collaborative learning experiences, digital gaming and edutainment, civic and career connection, competency-based learning, and field-based and clinical experiences. Additionally, the authors provide effective learning strategies, discipline specific examples, templates and additional resources that align learner engagement with assessment practices and course outcomes.

Stephanie Smith Budhai is an Associate Professor in the School of Education at the University of Delaware and an award winning author who has spent over 15 years designing, developing, teaching, and assessing online courses and programs. Stephanie holds a Ph.D. in Learning Technologies and a MS in Library and Information Science as well as certifications in instructional technology and technology education. Dr. Budhai’s work has been internationally recognized and she has published over eighty practitioner articles and 10 books to support teaching, learning, and technology in education, two of which have been translated into Arabic.

Ke’Anna Brown Skipwith is the Director of Academic Innovation and Strategic Initiatives and serves as the Interim Executive Director for the Office of Digital and Online Learning at Howard University. In these roles, she leads the development of new academic programs through a collaborative, multi-stage review and approval process, partnering with academic departments, institutional leaders, and key stakeholders to expand program offerings, including online learning opportunities for global and non-traditional learners. With over 15 years of experience designing and developing online programs, Ke’Anna has been instrumental in implementing teaching and learning practices that elevate the student learning experience.