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

1. Leaning into Learning Theories to Universally Design Engaged Online Experiences 2. Navigating Artificial Intelligence in Virtual Learning Spaces 3. Building Social Presence and Collaborative Online Learning Communities 4. Designing Engaging Opportunities in Project-Based Learning, Scenario-Based Learning, and Virtual Labs 5. Creating Real World Connections through Immersive Learning Experiences 6. Incorporating Digital Games, Edutainment, and Social Learning Experiences 7. Leveraging Learning Analytics and Assessment Data to Evaluate Online Learning

Biography

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.

"In the age of generative AI (GenAI) where students have access to tools that can automate their thinking, communication, and even learning, teaching online has become increasingly more challenging. If I were looking for one book to read that would not only help me navigate teaching online in the age of AI, but thrive in this era, it would be this book! The third edition of Best Practices in Engaging Online Learners Through Active and Experiential Learning Strategies offers a thoughtful, well-organized collection of strategies for engaging learners in meaningful, authentic experiences in online settings. The book features a collection of incredible resources and ideas that any teacher, including those who teach online and in-person, can benefit from. The newest addition is particularly helpful for several reasons, including 1) situating the strategies and ideas within well-established learning theories; 2) incorporating emerging technologies and trends, including GenAI, eSports, and learning analytics; and 3) providing a balanced perspective of technology, including how to critique it and ethical considerations, like data privacy, to keep in mind when determining whether to use these tools. I give this book my HIGHEST recommendation!"

--Torrey Trust, Ph.D.

Professor, Learning Technology, Teacher Education and Curriculum Studies

College of Education, University of Massachusetts Amherst

 

“Whether you are new to online teaching or an experienced faculty member looking for ideas to expand your online teaching repertoire, Best Practices in Engaging Online Learners Through Active and Experiential Learning Strategies, 3rd Edition is for you! In a surprisingly compact volume, Stephanie Smith Budhai and Ke’Anna Brown Skipwith provide an appropriate blend of theory with a wealth of strategies, practical ideas, and resources that you can implement immediately into your online courses.”

--Anthony Piña, Ed.D.

Chief Online Learning Officer, Illinois State University

 

“Budhai and Skipwith deliver an indispensable third edition that moves beyond emergency remote instruction toward intentional, engaging online pedagogy. Grounded in UDL 3.0 and learning sciences, it offers practical strategies for integrating AI, immersive technologies, and authentic assessment. As one who has led and advised this work globally, I can attest this is a vital resource for instructors, designers, and academic leaders.”

--Dr. Morris Thomas PhD, MBA, PMP

Howard University