Instructor: Ryan McCabe and Danyelle O’Brien

Target audience: New and emerging distance learning leadership

Course Description:

This foundational course prepares emerging Distance Learning Leaders (DLLs) with the essential knowledge and skills to support and enhance online education at their institutions. Through an exploration of distance education history, instructional design models, course quality frameworks, legal and ethical standards, and emerging technologies, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the distance learning landscape. Interactive assignments will engage participants in institutional research, collaboration with stakeholders, and applied learning focused on quality course design, accessibility, and inclusive practices.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the historical evolution of distance learning, with specific reference to their own institution’s development and current practices.
2. Compare and contrast key instructional design models (e.g., ADDIE, CoI, SAM, UDL, Backward Design) and analyze their relevance for online learning.
3. Evaluate the quality of an online course using established frameworks such as Quality Matters (QM), OLC Scorecard, or OSCQR.
4. Identify the institutional roles and responsibilities related to legal and ethical compliance in online education, including accreditation, accessibility, RSI, and state authorization.
5. Collaborate with campus stakeholders such as teaching and learning centers, CIOs, or LMS administrators to enhance institutional support for online learning.
6. Explain emerging modalities and technologies in distance education, including hybrid, HyFlex, gamification, MOOCs, OER, and competency-based learning.
7. Apply Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to increase accessibility and engagement in online course environments.

Instructor: Ryan McCabe and Danyelle O’Brien

Target audience: New and emerging distance learning leadership

Course Description:

This course provides Distance Learning Leaders (DLLs) with the strategic and organizational knowledge needed to lead and support online education within diverse institutional contexts effectively. Participants will explore institutional structures, funding models, policy development, and data-informed decision-making, with a focus on centering student success as the core of their leadership practice. Emphasis will be placed on building collaborative relationships across departments, supporting change management, and fostering inclusive online communities that promote retention and engagement. Practical activities will guide participants in analyzing their institution’s organizational framework, identifying key data and policy resources, and aligning budgetary decisions with strategic goals.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Analyze the organizational structure of online education at their institution and assess the impact of centralized versus decentralized models on program delivery and faculty engagement.
2. Articulate the importance of student success in online learning environments and apply strategies to support student engagement, retention, and community-building.
3. Facilitate productive partnerships with academic departments and faculty through change management approaches and inclusive collaboration.
4. Interpret course-level and institutional data to inform program planning and evaluate the effectiveness of online initiatives.
5. Develop basic budget models that reflect common funding strategies for online education and prioritize investments that enhance quality and access.
6. Evaluate existing institutional policies related to distance education and contribute to the drafting, revision, or navigation of new policy proposals that support online learning growth and sustainability.

Instructor: Ryan McCabe and Danyelle O’Brien

Target audience: New and emerging distance learning leadership

Course Description:

This capstone course empowers Distance Learning Leaders (DLLs) to develop and articulate a strategic plan for advancing online education within their institution or system. Participants will examine future-focused leadership, systems-level collaboration, and the business strategy behind sustainable online learning enterprises. Through the development of personal leadership philosophies, SWOT analyses, and vision statements, participants will synthesize their learning to create actionable plans that align with institutional goals and respond to the evolving educational landscape. Emphasis is placed on cultivating relationships, navigating challenges, and seizing opportunities to build robust, mission-aligned online learning ecosystems.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Demonstrate future-focused leadership by identifying trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the online education landscape.
2. Develop a strategic plan for distance learning that aligns with institutional mission, student needs, and system-level priorities.
3. Compose a leadership philosophy and vision statement that articulates their guiding principles and strategic intent as a Distance Learning Leader.
4. Conduct a SWOT analysis to evaluate institutional readiness, capacity, and competitive positioning in online education.
5. Apply business strategy principles to identify growth opportunities, build internal support, and ensure long-term sustainability of online programs.
6. Present a draft distance learning strategic plan and incorporate feedback to refine and strengthen the proposal.

Instructor: Ryan McCabe and Danyelle O’Brien

Target audience: New and emerging distance learning leadership

Course Description:

This culminating course prepares Distance Learning Leaders (DLLs) to lead with vision, resilience, and collaboration. Participants will explore the traits and career pathways of successful DLLs, engage in reflective practice, and develop strategies to sustain distance learning efforts beyond individual leadership. Emphasis is placed on cultivating campus champions, embedding initiatives into institutional culture, and staying current with emerging technologies. The course also highlights the importance of mentorship, professional development, and cross-campus collaboration. Participants will complete and present a strategic institutional plan, supported by an actionable timeline, communication strategy, and leadership philosophy.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Analyze the traits, motivations, and career paths of successful Distance Learning Leaders and reflect on their own professional identity and leadership potential.
2. Design strategies to embed distance learning initiatives into institutional structures, reducing dependence on individual leadership transitions.
3. Cultivate faculty and staff champions to advance and sustain online learning goals across the institution.
4. Identify and pursue professional development, mentorship, and networking opportunities that support continuous growth as a DLL.
5. Evaluate emerging educational technologies and propose innovative applications for their institution.
6. Develop and present a finalized institutional plan for distance learning, including strategic goals, a timeline for implementation, and a targeted communication strategy.