Media Room

Dr. Tina Parscal, provost for University of the Rockies, presented at the Fifth International Conference on Design Principles and Practices in Rome, Italy. The conference was held at Sapienza University of Rome in February.

In partnership with Dr. Carole Hruskocy, associate professor at Regis University, Parscal presented “Instructional Design: The Impact of Online Learning.” The presentation was based on their collective experiences in online course development, instructional design and the results of a survey of instructional designers and online learning practitioners.

“The growth of online learning has resulted in a design shift from traditional, classroom courses to online and blended courses,” said Parscal. “Online learning has influenced the practice of instructional design in the areas of emergent learning theories, new delivery models such as the Rockies mobile application, audience analyses, assessment of student learning, media selection, and ultimately, how instructional designers design for effective teaching and learning.”

Prior to her appointment as provost, Parscal served University of the Rockies as director of Academic Quality. In this role, Parscal provided oversight of the quality of the university's curriculum design, instructional outcomes, degree programs and overall learning experience, while ensuring all campus and online instructional materials met or exceeded industry standards of quality. Parscal has consulted nationally and internationally and has published in the areas of online course design, quality assurance, adult learning, faculty development and cognitive apprenticeship strategies.

About University of the Rockies

University of the Rockies is a graduate school specializing in master's and doctorate degree programs in the social and behavioral sciences. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org), classes are offered online and at the University's Colorado Springs, Colorado, campus. For more information, please visit www.rockies.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 866.621.0124 x2513.