Episode cover
Ep. 49: The Next Era of Online Learning: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities
April 25, 2025 · 24 min

Higher education is changing fast, and online learning is at the center of it all. In this episode, Dr. Whitney Kilgore, Co-founder and Chief Academic Officer of iDesign, joins Ray to unpack the biggest trends shaping the future of education. From the rise of AI to the importance of instructional design, Whitney shares why some institutions are leading the charge while others struggle to keep up.

Join us as we discuss: 

[10:57] How to stay human-centered when integrating AI into education[18:32] Why instructional design starts with alignment and how it ensures rigor[23:58] What institutions are getting wrong about online learning

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for “Mastering the Next” in your favorite podcast player.

Guest Name: Dr. Whitney Kilgore, Co-Founder and Chief Academic Officer of iDesign

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitneykilgore

Guest Bio: Whitney Kilgore is co-founder and chief academic officer of iDesign, a partner to universities that wish to build, grow, and support online and blended course program offerings. iDesign provides concierge, white-glove instructional design support to faculty partners and ensure that faculty feel comfortable, informed, and in control throughout the process of creating online learning experiences for their students. Whitney is currently working on research related to care theory in online learning and the impact to practice of humanizing online teaching and learning. She resides in North Texas with her husband, their four children, two dogs, and a cat. They enjoy hiking, swimming, and wearing their masks.

- - - -Connect With Our Host:Dr. Ray Lutzkyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lutzky/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:Mastering the Next is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register