Ray J. Amirault (Lead Editor) holds a BS in computer science from The University of West Florida, and both an MSc and PhD in instructional systems from Florida State University. Ray has 20 years of experience in instructional design and e-learning, and has taught and designed courses and/or programs at The Florida State University, Florida Atlantic University, Wayne State University, and Illinois State University. Ray’s publications examine technology’s impact on education, often within the historical timeline of the university movement. Ray serves on the editorial board of three instructional technology journals, is a permanent editor for the International Section of the Quarterly Review of Distance Education, and has served as a solicitation reviewer for the National Science Foundation. He is currently an instructional technologist at Illinois State University. Ray is a native of suburban Chicago and is a photography enthusiast.
Jeroen Breman is the learning and development consultant for Grid U, the corporate university of Northwest Lineman College, at their Meridian, ID, campus. His current research interests focus organizational performance and workplace learning, instructional design, and blended learning solutions in remote learning environments.
Vanessa Dennen (vdennen@fsu.edu) is a professor and program coordinator of instructional systems and learning technologies at Florida State University where she teaches courses on instructional design and research methods for new and emerging technologies. Her research investigates social knowledge activities in online environments, looking at issues such as identity and network development, knowledge brokering and sharing, and privacy and ethical concerns. The computer-mediated environments in which her research has been situated include both formal and informal learning, with technologies ranging from learning management systems to social media tools. She also serves as co-editor-in-chief of The Internet and Higher Education.
Lisa A. Giacumo is an assistant professor of organizational performance and workplace learning in the College of Engineering at Boise State University. Her current research interests are at the intersection of instructional design and workplace learning, including: data-based performance improvement solutions, social and digital media in training and workplace learning, global training initiatives, and competency development in instructional designers.
Mary O’Brian holds a BS in special education, an MS in psychology, and a doctorate from Illinois State University. Mary has worked for over 30 years as a special educator, a school psychologist, school administrator, and a faculty member in various educational settings. She has completed programs for both online course design and online course facilitation. O’Brian has worked in the e-learning field for more than a decade, both as a faculty member and as a professional development provider. She currently directs on online professional development program for in-service educators.
Jay C. Percell is an assistant professor in the School of Teaching and Learning at Illinois State University. He teaches secondary and middle level education courses related to implementing literacy and technology across all content areas. His research interests include: educational technology, literacy/digital literacy, and alternative grading. Prior to moving to higher education, he spent a decade teaching high school English in Arizona and Colorado, and also served for 2 years as volunteer in the U.S. Peace Corps teaching overseas. Percell holds degrees from Illinois State University, Northern Arizona University, and the University of Northern Colorado. His passions include teaching, writing, and spending time with his family.
Steven Travers is an assistant adjunct professor of earth science at Heartland Community College in Normal, Illinois. He is an instructor in both the Earth Science and Technology Departments at the college. Prior to teaching, he worked for several years as an environmental consultant. Steven holds a BS in geology, an MS in geohydrology, and is currently a doctoral candidate in teaching and learning at Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois. Steven became interested in distance education while working the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Technology at Illinois State University, and from experiences with students at Heartland Community College.
Yusra Laila Visser (Coeditor) holds a PhD in instructional systems from Florida State University, and works for Illinois State University and the Learning Development Institute. Yusra has 20 years’ experience in the field, divided approximately equally between academia and applied settings (including business/industry, transnational organizations, nonprofits). She focuses on the intersection between strategic planning, learning, performance, instruction, and technology. She has particular interest in designing and deploying validated and innovative initiatives. While actively contributing to academic journals, Yusra has also coauthored two books, coedited two books, and contributed six book chapters, receiving four major book/publication awards in the process. In her “downtime” she enjoys traveling, water painting, and jewelry making.
