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Distance Learning Insights

The Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration (OJDLA) is a peer-reviewed electronic journal offered free each quarter. The journal welcomes manuscripts based on the original work of practitioners and researchers with specific focus or implications for the management of distance education programs.


Summer 2025 - Volume 28, Issue 2

Exploring Variations in Online University Students’ Perception of Belonging

Headshot of Nicole Lavy-Joy, MSW, LCSW
Nicole Lavy-Joy, MSW, LCSW
Headshot of Erin Stevenson, PhD, MSW
Erin Stevenson, PhD, MSW
Headshot of Gina Sandlin, MSW, LISW
Gina Sandlin, MSW, LISW
Headshot of Alexandra Scroggins MSW, CSW
Alexandra Scroggins MSW, CSW

As faculty continue to focus on creating supportive learning environments for students, both on campus and online, it is essential to analyze the sense of belonging and how it is intentionally nurtured in our educational settings. With the expansion of online enrollment and the changing…

Developing Employability Skills: A Case Study of Synchronous and Asynchronous Modalities

Headshot of A. Mark Gray, Ph.D.
A. Mark Gray, Ph.D.
Headshot of Michelle E. Bartlett, Ph.D.
Michelle E. Bartlett, Ph.D.

In today’s workforce, soft skills such as communication and adaptability are increasingly critical for career success, yet many graduates lack these competencies. As online learning continues to expand, questions arise about its effectiveness in cultivating essential workplace skills. This…

Developing Effective Online Instructors: A Practical Application of the Community of Inquiry Model

Headshot of Matthew Dingo, M.Ed.
Matthew Dingo, M.Ed.
Headshot of Jana Hitchcock, M.Ed.
Jana Hitchcock, M.Ed.
Headshot of Penny Ralston-Berg, M.S.
Penny Ralston-Berg, M.S.

This paper outlines the course, Essentials of Online Teaching, at Penn State's World Campus. The course leverages the Community of Inquiry (CoI) model to quickly develop effective online instructors by focusing on four key behaviors: communication, facilitation, feedback, and fostering a climate…

An Exploration of Mentoring Programs for Online Instructional Designers in Higher Education

Headshot of Rae Mancilla
Rae Mancilla
Headshot of Barbara Frey
Barbara Frey

This research explores programs designed to support the mentorship of online instructional designers in higher education. The study investigated the characteristics of mentorship within institutions as well as professional development opportunities offered through external providers.…

From the Editor

Headshot of editor

For those involved in keeping up with the ever-changing regulatory environment of online learning, it’s important to note what is is happening within the states. While the current administration has signaled an intent to return education policy-making to the states, an unintended consequence may be a patchwork of laws that affect any institution offering online courses to students in multiple states.

But let’s look at what has happened in a couple of “red” states over the past few months. In March, Texas passed legislation strengthening the rights of parents to enroll their children in virtual courses and virtual K-12 schools. Texas Governor Abbott praised Senate Bill 569 for expanding access and providing a new framework for funding. On the other hand, the Ohio Senate just rejected a bill this month that would have regulated OMPs (Online Program Management companies). Diminishing the impact of OPMs has been increasingly on the radar, primarily for their recruiting practices, as student debt continues to climb.

Education policy will be one of many topics we’ll discuss at our upcoming Distance Learning Administration Conference in July. As usual, we’ll be at the beautiful Jekyll Island Club Hotel, known by many as the birthplace of certain federal policies more than 100 years ago. It’s our 25th annual meeting – I hope to see you there.

Peace to all,

Melanie N. Clay, Ph.D.

OJDLA Editor-in-Chief

June 16, 2025