What if the way we approach E-Learning could be fundamentally transformed? The sudden shift to online education revealed deep challenges but also unlocked a wealth of innovative strategies. Today, E-Learning is more than just remote instruction; it’s about engagement, accessibility, and meaningful interaction across virtual spaces.
Experts like Monica Burns Ed.d. Edtech, a leading EdTech author and podcaster, discovered new ways to empower classrooms through technology. Bob Kerrey, former U.S. Senator and President Emeritus of The New School, recognized how scientific principles in Stephen Kosslyn's work reshaped online education. Meanwhile, Sonya Christian, Chancellor of the California Community Colleges, highlights the vital role of mobile-friendly course design in widening access.
While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific teaching contexts, student populations, or technology preferences might consider creating a personalized E-Learning book that builds on these insights for a custom learning journey.
Bob Kerrey, former U.S. Senator and President Emeritus of The New School, highlights how this book is crucial for anyone navigating the shift to online education, especially after the pandemic forced many into virtual classrooms. He states, "Every parent and student who were already online learners or who have been pushed by the pandemic into the online world should read this book. Professor Kosslyn has dedicated his academic life to the study of how human beings learn and has developed extremely valuable lessons in how to thrive in a virtual classroom." This endorsement reflects how the book reshaped Kerrey's understanding of online learning's potential. Likewise, Aaron Rasmussen, Founder and CEO of Outlier.org, praises its blend of theory and practical application, calling it his go-to recommendation for curriculum teams aiming to build effective active learning courses.
Former U.S. Senator; President Emeritus, The New School
“Every parent and student who were already online learners or who have been pushed by the pandemic into the online world should read this book. Professor Kosslyn has dedicated his academic life to the study of how human beings learn and has developed extremely valuable lessons in how to thrive in a virtual classroom.”
Stephen M. Kosslyn is currently the Founder, President and Chief Academic Officer of Foundry College and is Founder and President of Active Learning Sciences. Prior to that, he was Founding Dean and Chief Academic Officer of the Minerva Schools at the Keck Graduate Institute. He previously served as Director of the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University after having been chair of the Department of Psychology, Dean of Social Science, and the John Lindsley Professor of Psychology at Harvard University. While at Harvard, he was also co-director of the Mind of the Market Lab at Harvard Business School and a member of the Department of Neurology at the Massachusetts General Hospital. He received a B.A. from UCLA and a Ph.D. from Stanford University, both in psychology. Kosslyn's research has focused on the nature of visual cognition, visual communication, and the science of learning; he has authored or coauthored 15 books and over 350 papers on these topics. Kosslyn has received numerous honors, including the National Academy of Sciences Initiatives in Research Award, a Guggenheim Fellowship, three honorary Doctorates (University of Caen, University of Paris Descartes, Bern University), and election to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
The way this book reshaped expert thinking about online education is striking. Stephen M. Kosslyn, drawing from decades of psychological research and leadership roles at Harvard and Stanford, centers his approach on five scientifically grounded principles: deep processing, chunking, building associations, dual coding, and deliberate practice. You’ll gain concrete techniques to transform static online courses into engaging, memorable experiences, with clear examples on crafting your own active learning activities tailored to any subject. Whether you’re an instructor designing a new course or improving an existing one, this book equips you to boost student engagement and learning retention effectively.
Douglas Fisher is professor and chair of educational leadership at San Diego State University and a teacher leader at Health Sciences High and Middle College. His extensive experience as an early intervention teacher and administrator, combined with his recognition in the Reading Hall of Fame, grounds this book in both research and practical insight. Driven by a commitment to effective education regardless of setting, Fisher co-authored this guide to help educators prepare distance learning with intentionality and equity, leveraging evidence-based strategies to foster meaningful student outcomes.
Douglas Fisher is professor and chair of educational leadership at San Diego State University and a teacher leader at Health Sciences High and Middle College. Previously, Doug was an early intervention teacher and elementary school educator. He is a credentialed English teacher and administrator in California. In 2022, he was inducted into the Reading Hall of Fame by the Literacy Research Association. He has published numerous articles on reading and literacy, differentiated instruction, and curriculum design, as well as books such as The Teacher Clarity Playbook 2/e, Your Introduction to PLC+, The Illustrated Guide to Teacher Credibility, The Teaching Reading Playbook, and Welcome to Teaching!.
Douglas Fisher, a respected professor and chair of educational leadership with extensive classroom and administrative experience, brings rigorous expertise to the challenges of distance learning. Drawing on research from VISIBLE LEARNING®, this book teaches you how to design instruction that maintains equity and accelerates student progress in virtual settings. You'll find concrete strategies for building teacher credibility, fostering student self-regulation, and applying diverse instructional approaches, including direct instruction and peer learning. The book also addresses unique issues for young learners and offers reflection prompts to refine your practice. It’s particularly suited for K-12 educators aiming to move beyond crisis teaching toward intentional, impactful online education.
This AI-created book on e-learning design is crafted based on your background, skill level, and goals. You share which aspects of course creation and optimization matter most to you, and the book focuses precisely on those elements. It makes sense to have a personalized guide here because e-learning varies widely by audience, technology, and objectives. A custom book ensures you get targeted strategies that suit your unique teaching context rather than broad, one-size-fits-all advice.
TailoredRead AI creates personalized nonfiction books that adapt to your unique background, goals, and interests. Instead of reading generic content, you get a custom book written specifically for your profession, experience level, and learning objectives. Whether you're a beginner looking for fundamentals or an expert seeking advanced insights, TailoredRead crafts a book that speaks directly to you. Learn more.
This personalized book provides a tailored approach to designing, implementing, and optimizing e-learning courses that fit your specific educational context and goals. It emphasizes practical strategies for course structure, learner engagement, technology integration, and assessment customization. By focusing on your unique teaching environment and target audience, it cuts through irrelevant advice common in generic guides, offering actionable insights on content delivery methods, multimedia use, and accessibility considerations. The book also addresses ongoing course evaluation and improvement, ensuring your e-learning initiatives remain effective and responsive to learner needs. Its personalized framework supports efficient course development, making this guide an invaluable resource for educators and instructional designers seeking focused, adaptable e-learning solutions.
Sonya Christian, Chancellor of the California Community Colleges, emphasizes the growing importance of mobile course design, especially as digital learning demands surged during the pandemic and smartphones became central to student life. She highlights how Alex Rockey carefully addresses access issues and instructor concerns, noting that "the book is an engaging read with simple tips for educators seeking to make their courses mobile friendly while making the case that smartphones can be an effective learning tool for students with busy lives." This perspective reshaped how Sonya views mobile learning's role in higher education. Likewise, Michelle Pacansky-Brock, an online education leader, praised the book for reframing smartphones as educational tools, not distractions, offering practical strategies that changed her approach to course design.
“Effective digital course design that includes the use of smartphones has become more important than ever, whether because of the growing use of apps, the sudden demand for fully digital courses during COVID, or simply the evolving need for interactive and immersive instruction that once took place primarily in a physical classroom. In her book, The Mobile Course Design Journey: Transforming Access in Higher Education, Dr. Rockey offers a summary of issues and advantages to offering mobile-friendly instruction. Dr. Rockey gives careful consideration to student access issues and addresses concerns that some instructors may have about successfully transitioning to courses in a mobile environment. The book is an engaging read with simple tips for educators seeking to make their courses mobile friendly while making the case that smartphones can be an effective learning tool for students with busy lives.”
Alex Rockey is a professor in Academic Technology at Bakersfield College. She has a PhD in Education from UC Davis. With more than 10 years of experience as an educator in K-16 contexts, she has expertise in teaching and researching how and why students use phones for learning, mobile-friendly course design, mobile learning, emerging technologies, and online education. Alex is passionate about the potential of online education and mobile-friendly course design to increase access to higher education and has experienced first-hand how education can transform the lives of individuals and their families.
What started as Alex Rockey's deep involvement in academic technology and education research became a focused guide on transforming mobile learning in higher education. You’ll learn how to design courses that fully leverage smartphones to enhance accessibility and engagement, with practical tools like mobile-friendliness rubrics and workshop toolkits. The book breaks down how to progressively adapt course content to fit mobile formats, addressing real concerns about student access and instructor transition. If your work involves college or university teaching and you want to meet students where they are—with their phones—this book offers clear, thoughtful strategies without overselling the technology itself.
Lindy Hockenbary is an educator specializing in helping teachers integrate technology to enhance learning. She has held roles as a classroom teacher, curriculum writer, and technology integration specialist, which uniquely positions her to address the real challenges of online instruction. Her experiences guiding educators through the rapid shift to virtual classrooms in 2020 led to this book, which compiles her insights and training expertise into a practical guide for K-12 teachers navigating digital learning environments.
by Lindy Hockenbary, Nikki Vradenburg, Traci Piltz··You?
About the Author
Lindy Hockenbary is an educator whose strength is helping other educators utilize technology to enhance their students' learning experiences. She has spent her career in various roles in the education field, at one time or another playing the parts of classroom teacher, curriculum writer, and technology integration specialist. As someone who loves to learn, she spends her spare time pondering how to make learning better. As the go-to person for teachers with questions on integrating technology with instruction, she found herself guiding educators through the broad switch to online learning in early 2020. Lindy began writing a 'short' interactive notebook about her experiences with online learning. This quickly turned into 80 pages of content, which she used to author a chapter on online learning in Pamela Livingston Gaudet's book Like No Other School Year. Over the course of 2020, Lindy continued to lead training sessions for teachers on best practices for online learning. She compiled these experiences and writings as well as her instructional technology knowledge into this full guide to online and digital learning—and A Teacher's Guide to Online Learning was born. Lindy has a graduate degree in educational technology that she completed entirely online through Boise State University, and she loved every minute of it. When it comes to educational technology, Lindy's motto is 'use the tool that is right for the job.' Therefore, she tries to be well-rounded in the EdTech field and holds several edtech certifications: she is a Google for Education Certified Trainer and Educator Level 2, a Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) Master Trainer and Expert, a Minecraft Certified Trainer, a Hāpara Champion Trainer, and a Raspberry Pi Certified Educator. Lindy lives in Bozeman, Montana, USA, with her husband and pack of squishy-faced dogs.
Lindy Hockenbary’s journey as an educator deeply immersed in technology integration inspired this book, born from her firsthand experience guiding teachers through the sudden shift to online learning in 2020. You’ll find specific strategies for engaging K-12 students remotely, tackling challenges like virtual classroom management, student assessment without direct supervision, and fostering communication with families. The book doesn’t just offer generic tips; it dives into practical examples such as how to choose appropriate digital tools tailored to different teaching styles and learner needs, illustrated across its chapters. If you’re a K-12 teacher transitioning to or refining online instruction, this guide addresses your concerns with grounded solutions, though it’s less focused on higher education or advanced EdTech theory.
Simone C. O. Conceição, professor and chair at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, brings a rich background in adult and distance education to this work, supported by Les Howles' 30 years in educational technology and eLearning. Their combined experience led to this book focused on making online courses more engaging and meaningful by centering on the learner's experience. Their academic and practical expertise ensures the strategies presented are grounded in real-world educational challenges, making this a valuable read for anyone designing or teaching online.
Simone C. O. Conceição is a professor and chair in the Department of Administrative Leadership at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She received her doctorate in adult and distance education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her master's in adult and continuing education leadership from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She has served on the editorial board of six journals and has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals; written more than 20 book chapters; and authored five books on the topics of online education, adult learning, online student motivation and support, and faculty workload when teaching online. Les L. Howles has over 30 years professional experience in distance education, eLearning, media production, and instructional design. He has held multiple positions at the University of Wisconsin-Madison including director of Distance Education Professional Development, team leader for the Learning Solutions group and senior eLearning consultant. Throughout his career, Howles has developed and taught online courses, designed educational software, and led groups of professionals in creating innovative learning solutions for education and training. He has worked in multiple industries including higher education, corporate training, government, health care, K–12 and is an independent learning design strategist for Howles Associates. He serves on the editorial board of eLearn Magazine and has authored and coauthored numerous articles for professional publications. Howles holds undergraduate degrees from Saint Edward’s University and the State University of New York. He earned his graduate degree in Educational Technology from the University of Oregon. Howles has been a frequent presenter at regional, national, and international conferences and directed the Annual Distance Teaching & Learning Conference in Madison, Wisconsin.
Drawing from decades of expertise in adult and distance education, Simone C. O. Conceição and Les Howles developed this book to rethink how online courses engage learners beyond just delivering content. You’ll discover a learner-centered framework that treats an online course as a journey of interactions involving content, instructors, and peers, emphasizing personalization and deeper engagement. The book offers evidence-based principles across eight chapters, including a practical application of Design Thinking in course design, making it especially useful if you’re aiming to create meaningful, interactive online experiences rather than simply digitizing materials. Whether you’re new or experienced in online teaching, this approach encourages adopting empathy for learners, which transforms how courses come alive virtually.
This AI-created book on e-learning engagement is crafted to your specific teaching background, skill level, and goals. By focusing on daily actions, it creates a tailored roadmap that fits your unique context and helps you rapidly improve how you connect with students online. Instead of a one-size-fits-all guide, this book zeroes in on what matters for your course and teaching style, making your efforts more effective and meaningful.
TailoredRead AI creates personalized nonfiction books that adapt to your unique background, goals, and interests. Instead of reading generic content, you get a custom book written specifically for your profession, experience level, and learning objectives. Whether you're a beginner looking for fundamentals or an expert seeking advanced insights, TailoredRead crafts a book that speaks directly to you. Learn more.
This personalized book delivers a step-by-step daily action plan designed to enhance your online teaching effectiveness over a 30-day period. It offers a tailored approach to boosting student engagement and course impact by integrating practical strategies aligned with your specific teaching context and goals. The book emphasizes targeted daily activities that promote interaction, motivation, and retention within virtual learning environments. By cutting through generic advice, it fits your unique educational setting, helping you implement concrete improvements that transform your e-learning delivery rapidly and sustainably.
Ruth Colvin Clark has focused on evidence-based practice in workforce training design for over thirty years, while Richard E. Mayer is a psychology professor internationally recognized for his multimedia learning research. Together, they bring unmatched expertise to this book, distilling decades of study into practical guidelines that bridge theory and application for e-learning designers and consumers alike.
Ruth Colvin Clark has focused on evidence-based practice in design and development of workforce training materials for over three decades. Her recent books include Scenario-Based e-Learning and Evidence-Based Training, Second Edition. Richard E. Mayer is a professor of psychology at the University of California Santa Barbara. He is an internationally recognized researcher in multimedia learning and has authored hundreds of research reports. He is the author of many books including Multimedia Learning, Computer Games for Learning, and editor of the Cambridge Handbook of Multimedia Learning, Second Edition.
When Ruth Colvin Clark and Richard E. Mayer first compiled their research-driven approach to multimedia learning, they challenged common e-learning assumptions by focusing on cognitive load theory to enhance instructional design. You learn how to present content effectively using text, graphics, and audio, with detailed guidance on personalization, coherence, and animation to boost learner engagement. The book also introduces evidence-based game design and methods to optimize practice and collaboration, making it especially useful for instructional designers and educators developing digital courses. For example, the chapter on the Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning lays out how to balance information to avoid overwhelming learners. If you create or consume e-learning content and want to understand what drives real learning improvements, this book offers solid, research-backed insights.
Best for faculty developing online teaching skills
Susan Ko brings over twenty years of leadership in faculty development for online education across institutions like City University of New York and University of Maryland University College. Holding a doctorate from Yale in East Asian Languages and Literatures, she combines deep academic insight with extensive teaching experience in both traditional and online settings. Alongside Steve Rossen, a former UCLA Faculty New Media Center manager, she crafted this guide to provide educators with practical, updated approaches to online teaching that reflect current technologies and pedagogical trends.
Susan Ko has spent more than twenty years creating and directing faculty development programs for online teaching at diverse institutions, including City University at New York and University of Maryland University College. She holds a doctorate from Yale University in East Asian Languages and Literatures and has years of experience teaching the humanities, world literature, and Asian Studies via both traditional and online formats. Steve Rossen, Instructional Technologist and Electronic Librarian, was formerly Manager of the Faculty New Media Center at UCLA.
What if everything you knew about online teaching was wrong? Susan Ko and Steve Rossen challenge conventional views by focusing on the practical "hows" and "whys" of effective online instruction rather than abstract theory. Drawing from decades of experience in faculty development and instructional technology, they walk you through updated methods including MOOCs, mobile learning, and learning analytics, supported by real faculty interviews and case studies. You'll gain clear insights into designing engaging courses, selecting multimedia tools, and understanding learner needs in a virtual environment. This guide suits educators committed to improving their online teaching craft with concrete examples and up-to-date strategies.
Marjorie Vai has been directly involved with online education and training for 25 years. Most recently she designed and developed the online graduate program in teaching English at The New School, USA. Her extensive experience lends authority to this guide, which presents a clear, standards-based approach to online course design that balances pedagogy, organization, and visuals to benefit educators and learners alike.
Marjorie Vai has been directly involved with online education and training for 25 years. Most recently she designed and developed the online graduate program in teaching English at The New School, USA.
When Marjorie Vai first reexamined online course design, she challenged the common notion that flashy tech alone drives engagement. Drawing on her 25 years in online education, she offers a standards-based framework that ties pedagogical, organizational, and visual elements into a cohesive process. You’ll learn to transform a traditional syllabus into a clear, interactive online course outline, supported by checklists and real examples. This book suits educators and instructional designers ready to create courses that feel structured and learner-centered without unnecessary complexity.
Monica Burns Ed.d. Edtech, a well-known EdTech author and podcaster, highlights the fresh perspective this book offers educators navigating digital classrooms. She shares enthusiasm for this resource with her comment, "Awesome opportunity to grab this new book from @Jenallee1 👉", underscoring its practical value. Monica’s endorsement reflects how the book helped her rethink using Microsoft Teams to create engaging, accessible learning environments. Her recommendation signals this playbook’s relevance for teachers ready to embrace technology as a means to empower students rather than complicate teaching.
Jeni Long and Salleé Clark, known as 'Jenallee', have collectively served in education for over 40 years. They are currently Innovation Leaders at Castleberry ISD, creating content to empower educators with technology tools that enhance learning through their YouTube show, TikTok channel, blog, and Twitter accounts. They published their first book, The Microsoft Teams Playbook, in 2021 and are collaborating authors on the EduMatch book Amplify Learning: A Global Collaborative. Jenallee was awarded the Top 30 2022 EdTech Influencer Award by EdTech K-12 Magazine.
2021·180 pages·E-Learning, Educational Technology, Classroom Management, Microsoft Teams, Blended Learning
Unlike most e-learning guides that focus narrowly on software features, this book emerges from Jeni Long and Salleé Clark's extensive hands-on experience as education innovators. You’ll learn how to harness Microsoft Teams not just as a tool but as a platform to design lessons that foster student agency, collaboration, and accessibility. The authors break down practical ways to integrate Teams with partner apps and share over 70 lesson ideas that make technology meaningful for diverse learners. If you’re an educator aiming to create a classroom where technology truly empowers students rather than distracts, this guide offers a grounded, teacher-centered approach.
Andrew Ramdayal is a recognized project management expert and educator, known for his engaging teaching style and comprehensive resources. He has dedicated his career to helping professionals succeed in project management, particularly through his innovative study materials and online courses. His work has been instrumental in guiding countless individuals to pass the PMP exam on their first attempt, making this book and accompanying e-learning course a valuable tool for those preparing for the PMP certification.
Andrew Ramdayal is a recognized project management expert and educator, known for his engaging teaching style and comprehensive resources. He has dedicated his career to helping professionals succeed in project management, particularly through his innovative study materials and online courses. His work has been instrumental in guiding countless individuals to pass the PMP exam on their first attempt.
When Andrew Ramdayal realized how confusing and fragmented PMP exam preparation could be, he created this guide to streamline the process for aspiring project managers. Drawing from his extensive experience as an educator and project management expert, Ramdayal offers not just theory but a structured e-learning course featuring over 38 hours of video content and more than 1500 practice questions. You’ll gain mastery over Agile, Hybrid, and Traditional project management approaches, along with mindset strategies to navigate exam challenges confidently. This resource is tailored for professionals aiming to pass the PMP exam on their first try with a clear understanding of practical project management frameworks.
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Conclusion
Collectively, these 10 books chart a course through the complexities and opportunities of E-Learning—from cognitive science foundations to hands-on tools for virtual classrooms. They emphasize engagement, equity, and thoughtful design, helping educators meet students where they are.
If you’re navigating K-12 challenges, start with Douglas Fisher’s playbook and Lindy Hockenbary’s practical strategies. For higher education or mobile learning, Alex Rockey’s and Simone Conceição’s works offer targeted guidance. Meanwhile, those focused on instructional design and technology integration will find Ruth Clark and Monica Burns’ recommendations invaluable.
Once you've absorbed these expert insights, create a personalized E-Learning book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. Tailoring your learning path ensures you apply what matters most to your unique teaching and learning environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?
Start with "The Distance Learning Playbook, Grades K-12" by Douglas Fisher if you're a K-12 educator. It offers grounded strategies for engaging students in virtual classrooms and sets a strong foundation for online teaching.
Are these books too advanced for someone new to E-Learning?
Not at all. Many books like "A Teacher's Guide to Online Learning" provide practical, accessible advice suitable for beginners transitioning to online instruction.
What's the best order to read these books?
Begin with foundational texts like Fisher’s and Kosslyn’s, then explore design-focused books like Conceição’s and Vai’s. Finally, dive into specialized guides such as "The Microsoft Teams Playbook" for technology integration.
Can I skip around or do I need to read them cover to cover?
You can definitely skip around. Each book addresses different E-Learning aspects, so focus on topics most relevant to your current challenges or goals.
Are any of these books outdated given how fast E-Learning changes?
These books include recent editions and ongoing research, balancing foundational principles with current trends. For the latest personalization, consider creating a customized book tailored to your situation.
How can personalized E-Learning books complement these expert recommendations?
Personalized books build on these expert insights by focusing specifically on your background, goals, and challenges. They offer targeted strategies alongside proven frameworks. Learn more about creating your own E-Learning book.
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