Published June 2024

Description: This project, Building Engagement in Online Learning, is a best practices guide developed as part of my graduate coursework in exemplary course design. The guide synthesizes research-based strategies for fostering student engagement in online courses and translates them into practical, instructor-friendly recommendations. It highlights the importance of learner interaction, personalized feedback, varied instructional materials, and flexible assessment options to enhance motivation, build community, and improve overall course quality. 

Resources and Tools: Canva, Heyzine

Project Objectives: 

1. Identify key factors that influence student engagement and satisfaction in online learning environments. 

2. Propose methods for integrating interactive and diverse learning materials that align with measurable objectives.

3. Explore assessment options that give learners choice and autonomy while meeting course objectives.

4. Provide instructors with a practical framework to enhance learner engagement and motivation in online education.

Published May 2024

Click the link to register for this Canvas course. Use code: E3PFCK 

*Please note that if you do not have a Canvas account, you may have to register for a free account first.

Instructure (Canvas) Privacy Policy

Description: This project, Preparing for a Solo Hike, is a training module designed for members of the League of Outdoor Women (LOW) to build confidence and competence in solo hiking. The course blends myth-busting discussions, practical safety strategies, and hands-on activities to address cultural fears and real outdoor challenges. Through trail analysis, packing simulations, and collaborative safety planning, learners develop both the mindset and the practical skills needed to plan and execute a safe solo hike. Instructional design strategies such as task analysis, active learning, and formative/summative assessment ensure participants leave with immediately applicable knowledge. 

Resources and Tools: Canvas, YouTube, Canva, PowerPoint, AllTrails

Project Objectives: 

1. Address and dispel common myths and cultural narratives surrounding women and solo hiking.

2. Teach learners how to identify appropriate trails for their personal skill level using digital tools such as the AllTrails app.

3. Provide opportunities for learners to practice decision-making through interactive group activities and scenario-based problem solving.

4. Foster community support by encouraging learners to share experiences and resources with peers beyond the training session.

5. Evaluate learner confidence and preparedness before and after the training to inform future course iterations.

Published June 2025

Description: This project, Course Design Process, is an instructional design infographic created to clearly communicate the step-by-step approach used to build high-quality online and hybrid courses. The visual format highlights each stage of the design cycle—from initial meeting and course mapping to alignment checks, syllabus drafting, and module development—culminating in a Quality Matters (QM) review. The infographic serves as both a quick reference for faculty partners and a promotional piece to showcase the structured, collaborative design process used by instructional designers. 

Resources and Tools: Venngage, UNA ETS website

Project Objectives: 

1. Illustrate a clear and accessible overview of the course design process for faculty and stakeholders.

2. Communicate the collaborative roles of subject matter experts and instructional designers throughout the development process.

3. Highlight the importance of alignment between learning objectives, activities, and assessments.

4. Emphasize best practices in building engaging learning activities and accessible course materials.

5. Showcase quality assurance practices, including the Quality Matters (QM) review, as a standard part of the process.

6. Provide a concise, visual tool that reinforces transparency and consistency in instructional design services.

Published May 2025

Description: This project, Leave No Trace Gamified Training, is an interactive, story-based learning experience designed to teach outdoor volunteers the seven principles of Leave No Trace (LNT). Built as a prototype in Canva, the training places learners in the role of a Steward-in-Training at a fictional outdoor camp. Participants explore locations such as the Mess Hall and Boathouse, where they identify environmental issues, apply LNT principles, and receive immediate feedback. The experience integrates narrative, clickable hotspots, scenario-based challenges, and digital badges to increase engagement and reinforce responsible outdoor behavior. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory, Experiential Learning, and Situated Learning, the design emphasizes autonomy, reflection, and real-world application. 

Resources and Tools: Canva

Project Objectives: 

1. Translate the seven principles of Leave No Trace into engaging, context-driven training scenarios.

2. Increase learner motivation and knowledge retention through gamification elements such as quests, feedback, and achievement badges.

3. Provide volunteers with realistic practice in identifying and solving environmental stewardship challenges.

4. Reinforce behavior change by situating training in authentic outdoor contexts that mirror learners’ real roles.

5. Apply instructional design theories (Self-Determination, Experiential Learning, Behaviorism, and Situated Learning) to foster autonomy, competence, and ethical decision-making.

Published March 2023

Description: This project, Breathing New Life into Your Google Slides, is an instructional infographic designed to help presenters create more engaging and visually dynamic slide decks. Using simple, actionable tips, the infographic guides presenters away from text-heavy slides and toward visual storytelling techniques. It emphasizes strategies such as minimizing on-screen text, using images to reinforce key points, and embedding videos directly into slides to enhance audience engagement. The design serves as a quick reference tool for educators, trainers, and professionals who want to deliver more impactful presentations. 

Resources and Tools: Canva

Project Objectives:

1. Identify common pitfalls of traditional slide presentations and how they affect audience engagement.

2. Provide presenters with a quick-reference tool that supports more interactive, engaging, and professional presentations.