Online Learning

New OLC Program to Support Digital Learning Research

• By Rhea Kelly
• 02/13/18

The Online Learning Consortium (OLC) is launching a new program that provides hands-on research and networking opportunities for current and recently graduated doctoral students in the field of digital learning. Participants in the OLC Emerging Scholars program can contribute to projects in the OLC Research Center, collaborate with researchers at institutions and organizations around the world, and network with peers and mentors.

"Emerging Scholars is a unique program in the digital learning arena," said Kathleen Ives, OLC's CEO and executive director, in a statement. "It complements our other graduate student initiative, which provides the opportunity for graduate students to present at OLC conferences. These two programs offer the OLC community the chance to engage with the next generation of digital learning researchers and practitioners, and help them advance their careers."

OLC kicked off the program by naming its first four Emerging Scholars, who will serve a two-year term:

• Elaine Beirne, Ph.D. candidate, Dublin City University;
• Katherine McAlvage, instructional designer in the Center for Learning and Technology, Marylhurst University;
• Mary Rice, assistant professor of literacy, University of New Mexico; and
• Matthew Romanoski, senior instructional designer in the Office of Digital Learning, University of Arizona.

"These graduate students bring unique professional perspectives and research interests from varied institutions, and we are thrilled to welcome them as Emerging Scholars," said Jill Buban, OLC senior director of research and innovation. "It's also exciting to launch a program like Emerging Scholars — perhaps the first of its kind in the digital learning space to provide doctoral students an opportunity for hands-on research and networking within the field."

For more information on the Emerging Scholars program, visit the OLC site.