OLJJun 1, 2026
Editorial: June 2026
Professional conferences bridge virtual gaps and foster critical collaborations to disseminate online learning research.
eLearn MagazineAugust 13, 2026
Embracing Restorative Thinking: A paradigm shift in online education
LaVonne Riggs-Zeigen, Elizabeth Larson, Thomas D. Dyer
Online education must shift from passive content delivery to a restorative model that prioritizes social connection and student well-being.
What it found
The paper contrasts traditional, content-heavy online instruction with a 'restorative thinking' model. This restorative approach prioritizes student engagement, mindfulness, social-emotional learning, and community building. By fostering social presence and relational competence, the model transforms online environments into supportive, connected spaces that enhance student well-being.
What it means for your work
Instructional designers should deliberately design spaces for peer-to-peer connection and reflection rather than just delivering content. Integrate mindfulness, collaborative activities, and social-emotional check-ins into the course structure. Prioritize establishing a strong social presence for instructors and learners alike to build a supportive community.
Related studies
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In online discussions, students synthesize and integrate ideas most deeply when they see the practical utility of the topic.
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Experiential Learning in Action: Teaching Kolb’s Theory Through Origami in Asynchronous Environments
Simple, physical tasks like origami can successfully teach complex theories online when paired with structured video reflections.
JAIDJan 1, 2026
Co-Creating Practice-Based Scholarship to Advance Community-Centered Learning Experience Design in an Online Graduate Accessibility Course: A Practitioner-Scholar Co-Created Case Study
Engaging graduate students in co-creating design-based research transforms them into active, networked practice-based scholars.
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