Faculty Profiles

Professor Lowell’s scholarship focuses on blended and online learning through the design, development, and integration of instructional methods, tools, and technologies (web apps, virtual reality, etc.), for collaborative, situated, , experiential, authentic learning experiences. She recently served as an editor of the special issue of TechTrends focused on authentic learning in distance education, and she is the co-editor of the book, Leading and Managing e-Learning: What the e-Learning Leader Needs to Know.

Professor Lowell is the incoming Chair of the American Educational Research Association (AERA) Instructional Technologies SIG, the Chair of the Leadership Development Committee of the Association of Educational Communications and Technologies (AECT), the Interim AECT Board Representative for the AECT Division of Distance Learning, and a Past-President of the AECT Division of Distance Learning.

Selected Publications

• Lowell, V. L., & Moore, R. L. (2020). Developing practical knowledge and skills of online instructional design students through authentic learning and real-world activities. TechTrends, 64(4), 581-590. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-020-00518-z
• Lowell, V. L., & Campion, L. (2020) Introduction to TechTrends special issue: Authentic learning experiences via distance learning, TechTrends, 64(4), 548-549. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-020-00523-2 †
• Alamari, H., Lowell, V. L., Watson, B., & Watson, S. (2020). Using personalized learning as an instructional approach experience to motivate learners in online higher education: Learner self-determination and intrinsic motivation. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 52(3), 322-352. https://doi.org/10.1080/15391523.2020.1728449 †
• Yang, M., Lowell, V. L., Talafha, A., & Harbor, J. (2020). Transfer of training, trainee’s attitudes and best practices in training design: A multiple-case study. TechTrends, 64(1).
• Richardson, J. R., Leftwich-Ottenbreit, A., Brush, T, Karlin, M., Shelton, B., Leary, H., Lowell, V. L., Exter, M., & Shin, S. (2020). Innovations in instructional design and technology programs: A view from PIDT 2018. TechTrends. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-019-00445-8
• Lowell, V. L., & Hanshaw, G. (2019). Improving performance, self-efficacy, and motivation: Structured online training and authentic learning. In J. Stefaniak (Ed.) Cases on Learning Design and Human Performance Technology. Hershey, PA, USA: IGI Global.
• Hanshaw, G., & Lowell, V. L. (2019). Leading edge training for leading edges: Experiential learning to improve human performance and product quality. In J. Stefaniak (Ed.) Cases on Learning Design and Human Performance Technology. Hershey, PA, USA: IGI Global.
• Lowell V. L., & Morris. J. (2019). Leading changes to professional training in the multigenerational office: Generational attitudes and preferences toward learning and technology. Performance Improvement Quarterly. doi: 10.1002/piq.21290
• Lowell V. L., & Morris. J. (2019). Multigenerational college classrooms: Equity end learning with technology. The International Journal of Information and Learning Technologies, 36(1). https://doi.org/10.1108/IJILT-06-2018-0068.
• Lowell V. L., & Alshammari, A. (2018). Experiential learning experiences in an online 3-D virtual environment for skill development: Interviewing and mental health diagnosis role-playing. Educational Technology Research and Development, 67(4).
• Lowell, V. L., & Ashby, I. V. (2018). Supporting the development of collaboration and feedback skills of instructional designers. Journal of Computing in Higher Education, 30(1). 1-21. doi:10.1007/s12528-018-9170-8
• Pina. T., Lowell, V. L. & Harris, B. (Eds.) (2017). What the e-Learning leader needs to know: Leading and managing e-Learning. Springer Publishing.
• Lowell, V. L. & Exter, M. (2017). Leading a collaborative effort: Providing effective training and support for online adjunct instructors. International Journal of Designs for Learning.
• Ashby, I. V., & Walker, V. L. (2015). Acculturation into a collaborative online learning environment. 38th Annual Proceedings of the Annual Convention of the Association of Educational Technologies, Volume 2: Selected Papers on the Practice of Educational Communications and Technology, Indianapolis, Indiana. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED570118.pdf#page=8
• Ashby, I., & Walker, V. L. (2015). Acculturation into a collaborative online learning environment. Association of Educational Communications and Technologies Conference, Indianapolis, IN.
• Walker, V. L. (2010, Winter/Spring). Virtual Leadership. Thoughts on the Matter. Christian Leader. Regent University.
• Walker, V. L. (2009). Traditional and 3D virtual learning activities: Evaluating cognitive, affective, and psychomotor learning. Learning Technologies Conference, Mooloolaba Queensland, Australia.
• Walker, V. L., & Rockinson-Szapkiw, A. J. (2009). Educational opportunities for clinical counseling simulations in Second Life. Innovate, 5(5). http://www.innovateonline.info/index.php?view=article&id=711&action=synopsis
• Walker, V. L. (2009). 3D virtual learning in counselor education: Using Second Life in counselor skill development. Journal of Virtual World Research, 2(1).https://journals.tdl.org/jvwr/article/view/423/463
• Rockinson-Szapkiw, A. J., & Walker, V. L. (2009). Web 2.0: Facilitating interactivity and collaborative relationships in an online human service counseling skills course. Journal of Technology in Human Services, 27(3), 175-193. doi:10.1080/15228830903093031

• EDCI 51300 — Foundations of Learning Design and Technology: An Introduction to the Field
• EDCI 56800 — Partnering with Web-Based Tools for Learner Centered Environments
• EDCI 56900 — Introduction to E-Learning
• EDCI 57700 — Strategic Assessment and Evaluation – Program Evaluation
• EDCI 66000 — Seminar in Learning, Design and Technology
• EDCI 66000b — Unpacking Research: Writing Literature Reviews