Embedded Files
About L.E.I
About L.E.I
L.E.I. is weaving connections into every online course and building quality and compassion in online teaching.
Join LEI to design courses that connect and inspire. Learning with Empathy and Innovation (L.E.I.) is a professional development program from the Center for Community Engagement (CCE) designed to support faculty in creating meaningful, student-centered online learning experiences.
Why L.E.I. Empathy and Innovation Training is important!
Why L.E.I. Empathy and Innovation Training is important!
Letʻs look at the Data...
Attrition & Retention
Attrition & Retention
It’s not always easy to keep track of students — especially in online Asynchronous courses where engagement can fade quickly. The good news is that there are simple, meaningful ways to make your teaching life easier while helping students stay connected and succeed.
A recent review of courses revealed elevated withdrawal and attrition rates, particularly during weeks three through five — a critical time for student success. Some courses showed DFW rates between 13% and 36%, while others maintained more typical ranges near 8–10%. Across the board, this early disengagement pattern signals an opportunity for timely, targeted support and more connected course design.
The Lamakū with Empathy and Innovation (L.E.I.) — was created to help instructors meet these challenges with confidence and care. Through short, practical modules, faculty learn how to use Lamakū (D2L) to design engaging, inclusive courses and build early connections that reduce attrition and strengthen student belonging. But remember, you are the awesome content expert, and the tool is just as it states, something to use with your content to make more connectivity with your students online.
Join the L.E.I. community and discover how small, intentional changes can bring more light, balance, and connection into your teaching — and make a lasting difference for your students.
In this program, you will:
Grow your confidence in using Lamakū (D2L) to design and gain technology skills in teaching online courses.
Create with empathy by using technology tool-inclusive practices that help every student feel seen and supported.
Learn together in a caring community that shares ideas and inspires growth.
Grounded in the spirit of aloha and the belief that teaching begins with empathy, LEI provides opportunities for instructors to explore innovative approaches to course design, technology integration, and digital pedagogy. Through:
Micro-trainings
Reflective learning
Strengthen their ability to build online environments that are inclusive, engaging, and responsive to students’ needs.
L.E.I. encourages collaboration, curiosity, and care — weaving together the values of empathy and innovation to help every instructor grow with confidence using technology tools in Lamakū.
🌺 Whether you’re new to Lamakū or ready to elevate your online teaching, LEI offers the tools, community, and inspiration to help your courses flourish.
🌿 LEI Pathways
🌿 LEI Pathways
Every instructor’s journey with Lamakū and online teaching is unique. The LEI Pathways provide flexible entry points to meet faculty where they are — from getting started to designing fully engaging, student-centered online courses. Therefore, to weave the lei there are different pathways you can choose from in micro asynchronous training. Below are the different pathways you can choose depending on your comfort level.
Foundations of Empathy & Design
Foundations of Empathy & Design
For faculty new to Lamakū or online teaching, this pathway focuses on the essentials — building confidence with tools, organizing course content, and understanding the student experience in online learning.
Goal: Establish a strong foundation in Lamakū while learning to design with empathy and clarity.
Building Confidence: Teaching with Connection
Building Confidence: Teaching with Connection
Once the basics are in place, this pathway supports deeper learning in communication, engagement, and accessibility. Faculty explore strategies to create inclusive, interactive spaces that keep students motivated and connected.
Goal: Strengthen your teaching presence and foster meaningful engagement in your online or hybrid classroom.
Innovating with Empathy: Designing for Impact
Innovating with Empathy: Designing for Impact
For faculty ready to enhance their courses with advanced design strategies, AI integration, or new teaching tools, this pathway emphasizes creativity and reflection. Faculty collaborate on innovative course elements that improve learning outcomes and student belonging.
Goal: Lead with innovation, guided by empathy — designing online courses that inspire and empower.
✨ Each LEI Pathway weaves together learning, reflection, and collaboration.
✨ Each LEI Pathway weaves together learning, reflection, and collaboration.
Faculty can engage at their own pace, join themed workshops, or complete all three stages to become a LEI Certified Instructor, recognized for excellence in compassionate and innovative teaching.
Want to learn more about the L.E.I.Program go to the dropdown arrow at the top right and select Getting Started with Empathy and Design or select this link directly to the page.
About me: Neva "Kanani" Supe-Roque
About me: Neva "Kanani" Supe-Roque
As an instructional designer and educator, I bridge technology and empathy to support faculty in creating engaging, student-centered learning. My work focuses on building confidence, community, and innovation through thoughtful design and collaborative professional development.
If you ever need support or want to find out more about our program, donʻt hesitate to email me at lamahilo@hawaii.edu or call my office at 808-932-7016
Resources
Resources
Archived Faculty Resources
Lamakū at UH Hilo Newsletters
The Lamakū at UH Hilo launched a new newsletter to provide tutorials, tips, resources, training opportunities, and important news.
Page updated
Report abuse