TOOLS TO CREATE INTERACTIVE DIGITAL COMMUNITIES AS OUR WORLD EMBRACES VIRTUAL LEARNING

This interview study offers educators practical tips on using tools to improve online learning experiences. Eleven instructors, professors, and instructional designers were interviewed about the challenges they faced designing and teaching online university courses in Florida. This study aimed to explore how educators and instructional designers innovated learning design to improve instructor presence, engagement, and interactivity. In the wake of a pandemic that expedited the adoption of online learning, this paper is intended to offer advice for educators transitioning from emergency remote learning to strategic online course design that integrates emerging technology. This paper is intended to share what educators learned by experimenting with interactive 360-degree multimedia, virtual reality, videography, and visual design in learning management systems. Some of the tools featured in this paper include Roblox, Flipside, Plotagon, Articulate 360, Canvas, Kaltura, and video conferencing apps.