Laura McNeill
Ph.D., Instructional Leadership, Instructional Technology Concentration, University of Alabama
Dissertation: Teaching presence and engagement behaviors in an online computer applications course: A theoretical framework and empirical analysis
M.S., Interactive Technology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
M.A., Journalism and Public Relations, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
B.A., English, Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Clarion, PA
APPOINTMENTS
Assistant Professor of Instructional Technology August 2021 - present
Program Coordinator, MA Program in Instructional Technology
UA Graduate School Faculty, Associate Member
Department of Educational Leadership, Policy, and Technology Studies (ELPTS)
The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Senior Instructional Designer, Team Lead, & Assistant Vice President
Regions Bank, Birmingham, AL 2018 – 2021
Adjunct Faculty, Instructional Design & Technology Program
Samford University, Birmingham, AL 2017 - 2019
Adjunct Faculty, College of Education
University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 2017 - 2020
Leadership Trainer
Ascension Health Care, Birmingham, AL 2017 - 2018
Instructional Designer (Remote, Freelance)
iLaw, Tuscaloosa, AL 2017 - 2018
Instructional Design Manager
University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 2016 - 2017
Instructional Designer
University of Alabama 2015 - 2016
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Graduate, University of Alabama
CAT 531 Computer-Based Instructional Technologies
INTE 532 Instructional Technology Design
INTE 533 Online Teaching & Learning
INTE 539 Instructional Technology Internship
INTE 540 Planning & Managing Technology Projects
AIL 604 Distance Technologies
AHE 688 Mentored Teaching
Graduate, Samford University
IDTE 551 Instructional Design I
IDTE 570 e-Learning
IDTE 575 Issues and Trends in Instructional Design and Technology
IDTE 599 Advanced Practices in Instructional Design and Technology
Undergraduate, University of Alabama
CAT 200 Computer Education Applications
CAT 100 Computer Concepts and Applications
Dissertation Committee Membership
2022
Beavers, B. (Completed)
2023
Fike, J. (In progress).
Ramaiah, S. (In progress).
Jess, S. (In progress).
Mackey, V. (In progress).
Westerlund, J. (In progress)
LaRue, A. (in progress)
Searight, E. (in progress)
Mentored Teaching
Spring 2023
Tucker Johnson (MA program)
Dana Hooper (MA program)
Mary Lou Jones (MA program)
Amy Bethke (MA program)
Summer 2023
Chris Jenks (Ph.D. program)
Sierra Wyatt (MA program)
Summer 2022
Jill Westerlund (Ph.D. program)
Instructional Technology Interns
Fall 2022 – 6 Interns (1 Ph.D. student, 5 MA students)
Spring 2023 – 12 Interns (2 Ph.D. students, 10 MA students)
UNIVERSITY & DEPARTMENT SERVICE
2023 Invited Speaker, Clinical Faculty Connections
University of Alabama
2023 Member, Academic Advising Association
University of Alabama
2023 Mentor, CV Feedback Session
2023 Southeastern Universities Graduate Research Symposium (SUGRS)
2023 Invited Speaker
Social Media Strategies for Higher Education, Higher Education program
2023 DEI Member, Assistant Professor of Elementary Social Studies (Tenure Track)
2023 Nomination Author
Nellie Rose McCrory Faculty Excellence Award
2022 Special Education and Multiple Abilities Research Faculty Search Committee
Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Grant, Project PROTECT
2022-23 Instructional Technology Faculty Search Committee
2022 Participant and Student Recruiter, Executive Ed.D. Program Promotional Video
2021-23 Undergraduate Scholarship Awards Committee Member
2021-23 College of Education DEI Committee Member
2021-23 College of Education Technology Advisory Committee (TAC) Member
2021 Instructional Technology Faculty Search Committee
2018 Technology Educational Research Conference, Design Chair
INTERNATIONAL SERVICE
2023 AECT Conference Reviewer
2022 IAFOR International Conference Senior Reviewer
NATIONAL SERVICE
2022 AECT Conference Volunteer
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
2023 Invited Speaker and Coach, Marketing 405, Nonprofit Strategies and Entrepreneurship, The University of Alabama at Birmingham
2022 Presenter, All About Rubrics, Topkit.org (Teaching Online Preparation Toolkit)
2020 Invited Speaker, Hogwarts School of Leadership. The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Developing a
Leadership Program for Gringotts Bank
2917 Participant, Faculty Rubric Committee, University of Alabama at Birmingham
2015 Project Reviewer, C2L (Connect to Learn) Conference
2015 Breakout Leader, Women in Leadership Conference, Florida State University
RESEARCH
Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles
McNeill, L. & Fisk, D. (2022). Exploring Student Online Microlearning Experiences through Gagne’s Nine Events of Instruction. Tech Trends.
Beavers, B., Rice, M., McNeill, L., Benson, A. (2022). An Exploration of a Cohort Model Hybrid Ph.D. Program. Tech Trends.
McNeill, L., Rice, M., & Wright, V. (2019). A Confirmatory Factor Analysis of a Teaching Presence Instrument in an Online Computer Applications Course. Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration. 23(4).
McNeill, L. (2017). The Social Media Literacy Connection: Student Engagement in Online Learning, Midsouth Literacy Journal, 2(2).
Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles (in progress)
McNeill, L., Moon, J., & Edmonds, C. (2023). Student Engagement in a Gamified Learning Environment: A Data Mining Approach. (in progress)
McNeill, L. & Bushaala, S. (2023). The Transformative Power of Teaching Presence: Effective Teaching Presence as Defined by Online Students. (in progress)
McNeill, L. & Bushaala, S. (2023). Instructional Technology Students’ Reflections on A Virtual Internship Program. (in progress)
McNeill, L. (2023) Designing an Effective, Self-Directed Opioid Curriculum Initiative for a Public Agency Grant (in progress)
Conference Proceedings
McNeill, L., Beavers-Forrest, B., Rice, M. & Benson, A. (2022). Undergraduate Students’ Experiences with Online Microlearning through the Lens of Gagné’s Nine Events of Instruction. In E. Langran (Ed.), Proceedings of Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference (pp. 838-843). San Diego, CA, United States: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE).
Rice, M., Wright, V., McMath, J., McNeill, L., Wilson, M. (2019). Virtual Reality: Offering Virtually Unlimited Applications. Proceedings of the World Conference on E-Learning. New Orleans, LA: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE).
McNeill, L., Rice, M., & Wright, V. (2019). An Exploratory Factor Analysis of a Teaching Presence Instrument and the ICAP Framework in an Online Computer Applications Course. In G. Marks (Ed.), Proceedings of Global Learn 2019-Global Conference on Learning and Technology (pp. 310-317). Princeton-Mercer, NJ: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE).
McNeill, L. (2017). A Team Approach to Building Quality Learning Objects. Distance Learning
Administration Conference, Jekyll Island, SC.
McNeill, L., Wright, & V., Rice, M. (2016). Advantages and Barriers to Using Social Media in
Online Education. Distance Learning Administration Conference, Jekyll Island, SC.
Peer-Reviewed Conference Presentations
McNeill, L., Moon, J., & Edmonds, C. (October 2023). Student Engagement in a Gamified Learning Environment: A Data Mining Approach. (in progress)
McNeill, L. & Bushaala, S. (October 2023). The 100% Virtual Internship: Benefits, Challenges, and Lessons Learned. (in progress)
McNeill, L. (October 2023). Transforming the ALAHOPE Team Structure: Impacting Grant Work Efficiency and Effectiveness as an Instructional Designer. (in progress)
McNeill, L. & Feldman, S. (August 2023). DESIGN: Designing an Effective, Self-Directed Opioid Curriculum Initiative for a Public Agency Grant (in progress)
Moon, J., McNeill, L., & Edmonds, C. (June 2023). Gamification System Design for Promoting Heterophily in Accounting Education. iLRN 2023 (9th International Conference of the Immersive Learning Research Network). San Luis Obispo, California.
McNeill, L. (January 2023). Effective Teaching Presence as Defined by Online Learners. The IAFOR International Conference on Education in Hawaii (IICE2023). Honolulu, HI.
McNeill, L. (November 2022). Instructional Technology Students’ Reflections on a Virtual Internship Program. The 5th Conference on Innovative Research in Education (IRECONF). Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Rice, M., Beavers, B., Benson, A., & McNeill, L. (2022) What Matters Most? Students’ Experiences in a Hybrid Instructional Technology Ph.D. Program. Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT), Las Vegas, NV.
McNeill, L. & Beavers, B. (June 2022) Put Your Oxygen Mask on First: Using Mindfulness to Show up as Your Best Self in the Classroom. Alabama Educational Technology Conference (AETC). Mobile, AL.
McNeill, L. (June 2022). Fast, Focused, & Flexible: Microlearning Strategies to Boost Learner Engagement & Success. Alabama Educational Technology Conference (AETC). Mobile, AL.
McNeill, L., Rice, M., Benson, A., Beavers, B. (April 2022). Undergraduate Students’
Experiences with Online Microlearning through the Lens of Gagne’s Nine Events of Instruction. Proceedings of SITE 2022 - Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education. San Diego, CA: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE).
Beavers, B. & McNeill, L. (March 2022). Using Mindfulness to Create a Balance Between Living, Working, and Learning. The Conference on Meaningful Living and Learning in a Digital World, University of West Georgia, Savannah, GA.
McNeill, L. (2019). Quantitative Assessment of a Teaching Presence Instrument in an Online
Computer Application Course. Mid-South Educational Research Association, Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA.
Rice, M., Wright, V., McMath, J., McNeill, L., Wilson, M. (2019). Virtual Reality: Offering
Virtually Unlimited Applications. E-Learn - World Conference on E-Learning. New Orleans, Louisiana: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE).
McNeill, L., Rice, M., & Wright, V. (2019). An Exploratory Factor Analysis of a Teaching
Presence Instrument and the ICAP Framework in an Online Computer Applications Course. Global Learn 2019. Princeton-Mercer, New Jersey: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE).
McNeill, L. (2018). Virtual Office Hours: Bridging Student Isolation in Online Learning.
International Perspectives on University Teaching and Learning Symposium, Orlando, FL.
McNeill, L. (2018). Assessing Student Engagement in Online, Asynchronous College Courses.
Mid-South Educational Research Association Annual Conference, Pensacola, FL.
Berner, E., Feldman, S., Ozaydin, B., & McNeill, L. (2017). Innovative Approaches in Informatics Education. American Medical Informatics Association, Annual Symposium, Washington, DC.
McNeill, L. (2017). A Team Approach to Building Quality Learning Objects. Distance Learning
Administration Conference, Jekyll Island, SC.
McNeill, L. (2017). A Team Approach to Building Quality Learning Objects. Distance Learning
Administration Conference, Jekyll Island, SC.
McNeill, L., Wright, V., & Rice, M. (2016, June). Advantages and Barriers to Using Social
Media in Online Education. Distance Learning Administration Conference, Jekyll Island, SC.
Conference Presentations
McNeill, L. (Nov. 2022). Structuring Effective Asynchronous Online Courses Using Gagne's 9
Events. Alabama Instructional Design Network (AIDN) Fall Forum Conference, Birmingham, AL.
McNeill, L. (Nov. 2022). Boosting Teaching Presence & Learner Engagement Using Flip.
Alabama Instructional Design Network (AIDN) Fall Forum Conference, Birmingham, AL.
McNeill, L., & Jarnigan, K. (2019). Make Face-to-Face Teaching Life Easier: Borrow These Six
Online Best Practices. Samford University Conference on Teaching and Learning, Homewood, AL.
McNeill, L. (2019). The IDEA Model: A Collaborative Instructional Design Approach.
Transforming the Teaching and Learning Environment Conference, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID.
McNeill, L. (2018). Virtual Office Hours: Bridging Student Isolation in Online Learning.
International Perspectives on University Teaching and Learning Symposium, Orlando, FL.
McNeill, L. (2018). Testing the Burch Engagement Survey for Students (BESS). Alabama School
Library Association Conference, Corner, AL.
McNeill, L. (2018). Learner Engagement in Online Asynchronous Courses. AETC Conference,
Birmingham, AL.
McNeill, L. (2018). Learner Engagement: Quantity and Quality of Contact between Students
and Instructors in Online, Asynchronous Courses. TERC, Technology, Educational Research Conference, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL.
McNeill, L. (2018). Does Major Matter? Exploring Learner Engagement in Online,
Asynchronous Courses. ESPRMC Graduate Research Symposium, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL.
McNeill, L. (2017). REACT: A Case Study: Best Practices for Building an Interactive Online Course from a Face-to-Face Format. Scholars Institute, Huntsville, AL.
McNeill, L., & Bertrand, B. (2017). Promoting Individual Teamwork Skills in Online Graduate Education: Technology Tools and Best Practices. Scholars’ Institute, Tuscaloosa, AL.
McNeill, L. (2017). The IDEA Model Conceptual Framework. ESPRMC Graduate Research
Symposium, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL.
McNeill, L. (2017). Social Media Benefits and Barriers in Distance Learning. Pennsylvania’s
State System of Higher Education Virtual Conference, Harrisburg, PA.
McNeill, L. (2016). Social Media & Learning Engagement in Online Education. USCA National
Distance Learning Week Virtual Conference, Aiken, SC.
McNeill, L., & Hodges, J. (2016). IDEA 3.0: A Team Approach to Building Quality Courses.
USCA National Distance Learning Week Virtual Conference, Aiken, SC.
McNeill, L., & Moon, J. (2016). Ditch the Default, Engage the Learner: Presentation Best
Practices. Scholars Institute, Huntsville, AL.
Professional Publications
McNeill, L. (2019). New Technology Tools: How to Achieve Successful Student Buy-In.
Peergrade.io.
McNeill, L. (2018). Three Keys to Career Success: Action, Accomplishment, & Ability to Pivot,
In N. Desravines (Ed.), Women Leaders: Inspiring Stories. (pp. 149-161). WomElle Corp.
Grants
2023 $500 (in process)
2023 $500 (funded)
The Oxford Experience: Pilot Program for UA IT Ph.D. Students
The Office for Academic Affairs and the Capstone International Center (CIC)
International Travel Funding, University of Alabama
2022 $12,000 (unfunded)
An Exploration of Gamification’s Impact on Marginalized Students' Engagement Behaviors using ClassCred as an Online Discussion Board Platform
ORED Small Grants Program, College of Education, University of Alabama
2022 $500 (funded)
Instructional Technology Students’ Reflections on a Virtual Internship Program
The Office for Academic Affairs and the Capstone International Center (CIC)
International Travel Funding, University of Alabama
2021 $6,000 (unfunded)
An Evaluation of Teaching Presence Impact on Students' Online Engagement Behaviors
ORED Small Grants Program, College of Education, University of Alabama
2017 $5,000 (funded)
An Investigation of Performance Attributes of Individual Teamwork Skills in Online Graduate Education
Quality Enhancement Program, University of Alabama at Birmingham
AWARDS
2023 W. Ross Palmer Service to Students Award (nominated)
University of Alabama
2020 College of Education Annual Honors Day
University of Alabama, Honorable Mention, Dissertation Research
2019 James E. McLean Outstanding Paper Award
Mid-South Educational Research Association, Annual Conference
2019 Most Outstanding Graduate Student – Research in Instructional Technology Ph.D.
The University of Alabama, College of Education
2017 An Investigation of Performance Attributes of Individual Teamwork Skills in Online Graduate Education, Quality Enhancement Program, The University of Alabama at Birmingham
2017 University of Alabama at Birmingham Provost Award for Transformative Online Courses
Advanced Medical Nutrition
2017 University of Alabama at Birmingham Provost Award for Transformative Online Courses
Foundations in Low Vision
AFFILIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS
CERTIFICATIONS
Yellowdig June 2022
Instructor & Designer Certificate
Udemy May 2022
Project Management for Instructional Designers Certificate
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Finding Your Identity as a Clinical Faculty Member Mar 2023
University of Alabama
Applying for Foundation Funding Mar 2023
University of Alabama
Visual Methodologies: Reflecting on Research with Visual Materials Mar 2023
NVIVO
Reconnecting with Fun in Your Academic Work Mar 2023
University of Alabama
Clinical Faculty Work-Life Balance Feb 2023
University of Alabama
Mixed Methods Research with NVivo Feb 2023
NVIVO
Building Networks of Support in Academia Feb 2023
University of Alabama
Cultivating Rest in a Busy Time Nov 2022
University of Alabama
October Virtual Grants Lunch & Learn: NSF & NIH Oct 2022
University of Alabama
Compassion for Your Inner Critic Oct 2022
University of Alabama
Satisfaction & Sustainability in the New Semester Oct 2022
University of Alabama
Ethics in 8 Aug 2022
University of Alabama
Office of Research & Economic Development’s (ORED) Small Grants Program Aug 2022
University of Alabama
Introduction to Grants in the College of Education Aug 2022
University of Alabama
Prezi May 2022
How to Craft Messages that Inspire Action
Udemy May 2022
Project Management for Instructional Designers Certificate
University of Alabama, College of Continuing Studies May 2022
Initial Experience Workshop
University of Alabama April 2022
Renewable Contract Faculty Information Session
7taps April 2022
Microlearning Conference
Alabama Instructional Design Network April 2022
Unconference 2022
Learning Solutions
How to Achieve 90%+ Learner Engagement with Collaborative Learning April 2022
Blackboard Digital Teaching Symposium
Using Online Course Templates for Non-Traditional Programs April 2022
Blackboard Digital Teaching Symposium
Blackboard + Microsoft 365 for Mobile First Learning April 2022
Blackboard Digital Teaching Symposium
Achievement Unlocked!: Using Gamification to Increase Student Engagement April 2022
and Motivation
Quality Matters
Teaching Online Certificate 2021-2022
The University of Alabama
Pivot Training 2022
College of Education
COE Mentoring Program 2021-2022
College of Education
More than Click & Submit: How to Develop Interactive Content 2021
United States Distance Learning Association
Enrollment Builder Best-Practice Virtual Conference 2021
Regional Educational Laboratory at WestEd
Effective Survey Design and Communication of Survey Results 2021
The University of Alabama’s College of Education
Assessment Annual Report Workshop 2021
The University of Alabama College of Arts & Sciences
The Art of Teaching and the Science of Documenting Learning Outcomes 2021
The University of Alabama Libraries, Research and Social Science
Getting Started with NVivo 2021
The University of Alabama Libraries, Research and Social Science
NVivo and Literature Reviews 2021
The University of Alabama Graduate School
Workshop for Graduate Program Directors and Chairs 2021
The University of Alabama College of Education
Writing Force Retreat 2021
The University of Alabama Office of Information Technology
Creating Animated Images using Adobe Spark Mobile 2021
The University of Alabama
ELPTS Junior Faculty Group 2021
The University of Alabama Office of Information Technology
Cybersecurity Champion 2021
Graduate Certificate in College Teaching 2018
Online Educator Certificate 2018
Agile Development Process Training, Allen Interactions, 2018
SAM (Successive Approximation Model) Training, Allen Interactions 2018
What is Gamification and How Can It Promote a Growth Mindset? 2018
How Do Mini Lectures Improve Student Engagement? 2018
PROFESSIONAL ABILITIES
· 10+ years of experience in designing, developing, and delivering digital learning solutions
· Team lead for a 42-course Leadership/HR/Corporate Support/DEI portfolio
· Project oversight for six instructional designers and one graphic designer.
· Strong communication and problem-solving skills; ability to work with executives, managers, and subject matter experts across multiple and varied functional teams
· Use data, stakeholder/subject matter expert feedback, user experience, and professional experience/judgment to develop effective course/curriculum content
· Diagnose/deliver learning strategies to impact leadership, quality, and engagement
RELATED PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
Television Broadcasting, Social Media, and Public Relations Experience
Dissertation: Teaching presence and engagement behaviors in an online computer applications course: A theoretical framework and empirical analysis
M.S., Interactive Technology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
M.A., Journalism and Public Relations, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
B.A., English, Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Clarion, PA
APPOINTMENTS
Assistant Professor of Instructional Technology August 2021 - present
Program Coordinator, MA Program in Instructional Technology
UA Graduate School Faculty, Associate Member
Department of Educational Leadership, Policy, and Technology Studies (ELPTS)
The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
- Teach five courses for the Instructional Technology Ph.D. and M.A. curriculum
- Teach three courses for the CAT curriculum
- Advise 80 Instructional Technology M.A. students
- Oversee the Instructional Technology internship program for M.A. students, including coordination with external Fortune 500 companies
- Develop a strategic direction for the Instructional Technology M.A. Program
- Collaborate with the Instructional Technology faculty to evaluate curriculum needs and track student outcomes
- Lead all administrative and logistical decisions related to the Instructional Technology M.A. program, including recruitment, admissions, and enrollment
- Use social media, email, alumni referrals, testimonials, newsletters, and websites to build the Instructional Technology MA Program and UA brand
- Engage numerous marketing channels to communicate with and recruit 40+ prospective students annually, focusing on strong and diverse applicants
- Advise students during employment searches, including resume review, portfolio review, and writing recommendation letters
- Liaise with the Graduate School, College of Continuing Studies, and the UA Career Center for program support
- Coordination of technology tool workshops for graduate students, including Adobe Creative Cloud products, Chat GPT, and Articulate 360
- Serve on seven Ph.D. Instructional Technology dissertation committees annually
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Senior Instructional Designer, Team Lead, & Assistant Vice President
Regions Bank, Birmingham, AL 2018 – 2021
Adjunct Faculty, Instructional Design & Technology Program
Samford University, Birmingham, AL 2017 - 2019
Adjunct Faculty, College of Education
University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 2017 - 2020
Leadership Trainer
Ascension Health Care, Birmingham, AL 2017 - 2018
Instructional Designer (Remote, Freelance)
iLaw, Tuscaloosa, AL 2017 - 2018
Instructional Design Manager
University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 2016 - 2017
Instructional Designer
University of Alabama 2015 - 2016
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Graduate, University of Alabama
CAT 531 Computer-Based Instructional Technologies
INTE 532 Instructional Technology Design
INTE 533 Online Teaching & Learning
INTE 539 Instructional Technology Internship
INTE 540 Planning & Managing Technology Projects
AIL 604 Distance Technologies
AHE 688 Mentored Teaching
Graduate, Samford University
IDTE 551 Instructional Design I
IDTE 570 e-Learning
IDTE 575 Issues and Trends in Instructional Design and Technology
IDTE 599 Advanced Practices in Instructional Design and Technology
Undergraduate, University of Alabama
CAT 200 Computer Education Applications
CAT 100 Computer Concepts and Applications
Dissertation Committee Membership
2022
Beavers, B. (Completed)
2023
Fike, J. (In progress).
Ramaiah, S. (In progress).
Jess, S. (In progress).
Mackey, V. (In progress).
Westerlund, J. (In progress)
LaRue, A. (in progress)
Searight, E. (in progress)
Mentored Teaching
Spring 2023
Tucker Johnson (MA program)
Dana Hooper (MA program)
Mary Lou Jones (MA program)
Amy Bethke (MA program)
Summer 2023
Chris Jenks (Ph.D. program)
Sierra Wyatt (MA program)
Summer 2022
Jill Westerlund (Ph.D. program)
Instructional Technology Interns
Fall 2022 – 6 Interns (1 Ph.D. student, 5 MA students)
Spring 2023 – 12 Interns (2 Ph.D. students, 10 MA students)
UNIVERSITY & DEPARTMENT SERVICE
2023 Invited Speaker, Clinical Faculty Connections
University of Alabama
2023 Member, Academic Advising Association
University of Alabama
2023 Mentor, CV Feedback Session
2023 Southeastern Universities Graduate Research Symposium (SUGRS)
2023 Invited Speaker
Social Media Strategies for Higher Education, Higher Education program
2023 DEI Member, Assistant Professor of Elementary Social Studies (Tenure Track)
2023 Nomination Author
Nellie Rose McCrory Faculty Excellence Award
2022 Special Education and Multiple Abilities Research Faculty Search Committee
Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Grant, Project PROTECT
2022-23 Instructional Technology Faculty Search Committee
2022 Participant and Student Recruiter, Executive Ed.D. Program Promotional Video
2021-23 Undergraduate Scholarship Awards Committee Member
2021-23 College of Education DEI Committee Member
2021-23 College of Education Technology Advisory Committee (TAC) Member
2021 Instructional Technology Faculty Search Committee
2018 Technology Educational Research Conference, Design Chair
INTERNATIONAL SERVICE
2023 AECT Conference Reviewer
2022 IAFOR International Conference Senior Reviewer
NATIONAL SERVICE
2022 AECT Conference Volunteer
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
2023 Invited Speaker and Coach, Marketing 405, Nonprofit Strategies and Entrepreneurship, The University of Alabama at Birmingham
2022 Presenter, All About Rubrics, Topkit.org (Teaching Online Preparation Toolkit)
2020 Invited Speaker, Hogwarts School of Leadership. The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Developing a
Leadership Program for Gringotts Bank
2917 Participant, Faculty Rubric Committee, University of Alabama at Birmingham
2015 Project Reviewer, C2L (Connect to Learn) Conference
2015 Breakout Leader, Women in Leadership Conference, Florida State University
RESEARCH
Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles
McNeill, L. & Fisk, D. (2022). Exploring Student Online Microlearning Experiences through Gagne’s Nine Events of Instruction. Tech Trends.
Beavers, B., Rice, M., McNeill, L., Benson, A. (2022). An Exploration of a Cohort Model Hybrid Ph.D. Program. Tech Trends.
McNeill, L., Rice, M., & Wright, V. (2019). A Confirmatory Factor Analysis of a Teaching Presence Instrument in an Online Computer Applications Course. Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration. 23(4).
McNeill, L. (2017). The Social Media Literacy Connection: Student Engagement in Online Learning, Midsouth Literacy Journal, 2(2).
Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles (in progress)
McNeill, L., Moon, J., & Edmonds, C. (2023). Student Engagement in a Gamified Learning Environment: A Data Mining Approach. (in progress)
McNeill, L. & Bushaala, S. (2023). The Transformative Power of Teaching Presence: Effective Teaching Presence as Defined by Online Students. (in progress)
McNeill, L. & Bushaala, S. (2023). Instructional Technology Students’ Reflections on A Virtual Internship Program. (in progress)
McNeill, L. (2023) Designing an Effective, Self-Directed Opioid Curriculum Initiative for a Public Agency Grant (in progress)
Conference Proceedings
McNeill, L., Beavers-Forrest, B., Rice, M. & Benson, A. (2022). Undergraduate Students’ Experiences with Online Microlearning through the Lens of Gagné’s Nine Events of Instruction. In E. Langran (Ed.), Proceedings of Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference (pp. 838-843). San Diego, CA, United States: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE).
Rice, M., Wright, V., McMath, J., McNeill, L., Wilson, M. (2019). Virtual Reality: Offering Virtually Unlimited Applications. Proceedings of the World Conference on E-Learning. New Orleans, LA: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE).
McNeill, L., Rice, M., & Wright, V. (2019). An Exploratory Factor Analysis of a Teaching Presence Instrument and the ICAP Framework in an Online Computer Applications Course. In G. Marks (Ed.), Proceedings of Global Learn 2019-Global Conference on Learning and Technology (pp. 310-317). Princeton-Mercer, NJ: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE).
McNeill, L. (2017). A Team Approach to Building Quality Learning Objects. Distance Learning
Administration Conference, Jekyll Island, SC.
McNeill, L., Wright, & V., Rice, M. (2016). Advantages and Barriers to Using Social Media in
Online Education. Distance Learning Administration Conference, Jekyll Island, SC.
Peer-Reviewed Conference Presentations
McNeill, L., Moon, J., & Edmonds, C. (October 2023). Student Engagement in a Gamified Learning Environment: A Data Mining Approach. (in progress)
McNeill, L. & Bushaala, S. (October 2023). The 100% Virtual Internship: Benefits, Challenges, and Lessons Learned. (in progress)
McNeill, L. (October 2023). Transforming the ALAHOPE Team Structure: Impacting Grant Work Efficiency and Effectiveness as an Instructional Designer. (in progress)
McNeill, L. & Feldman, S. (August 2023). DESIGN: Designing an Effective, Self-Directed Opioid Curriculum Initiative for a Public Agency Grant (in progress)
Moon, J., McNeill, L., & Edmonds, C. (June 2023). Gamification System Design for Promoting Heterophily in Accounting Education. iLRN 2023 (9th International Conference of the Immersive Learning Research Network). San Luis Obispo, California.
McNeill, L. (January 2023). Effective Teaching Presence as Defined by Online Learners. The IAFOR International Conference on Education in Hawaii (IICE2023). Honolulu, HI.
McNeill, L. (November 2022). Instructional Technology Students’ Reflections on a Virtual Internship Program. The 5th Conference on Innovative Research in Education (IRECONF). Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Rice, M., Beavers, B., Benson, A., & McNeill, L. (2022) What Matters Most? Students’ Experiences in a Hybrid Instructional Technology Ph.D. Program. Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT), Las Vegas, NV.
McNeill, L. & Beavers, B. (June 2022) Put Your Oxygen Mask on First: Using Mindfulness to Show up as Your Best Self in the Classroom. Alabama Educational Technology Conference (AETC). Mobile, AL.
McNeill, L. (June 2022). Fast, Focused, & Flexible: Microlearning Strategies to Boost Learner Engagement & Success. Alabama Educational Technology Conference (AETC). Mobile, AL.
McNeill, L., Rice, M., Benson, A., Beavers, B. (April 2022). Undergraduate Students’
Experiences with Online Microlearning through the Lens of Gagne’s Nine Events of Instruction. Proceedings of SITE 2022 - Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education. San Diego, CA: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE).
Beavers, B. & McNeill, L. (March 2022). Using Mindfulness to Create a Balance Between Living, Working, and Learning. The Conference on Meaningful Living and Learning in a Digital World, University of West Georgia, Savannah, GA.
McNeill, L. (2019). Quantitative Assessment of a Teaching Presence Instrument in an Online
Computer Application Course. Mid-South Educational Research Association, Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA.
Rice, M., Wright, V., McMath, J., McNeill, L., Wilson, M. (2019). Virtual Reality: Offering
Virtually Unlimited Applications. E-Learn - World Conference on E-Learning. New Orleans, Louisiana: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE).
McNeill, L., Rice, M., & Wright, V. (2019). An Exploratory Factor Analysis of a Teaching
Presence Instrument and the ICAP Framework in an Online Computer Applications Course. Global Learn 2019. Princeton-Mercer, New Jersey: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE).
McNeill, L. (2018). Virtual Office Hours: Bridging Student Isolation in Online Learning.
International Perspectives on University Teaching and Learning Symposium, Orlando, FL.
McNeill, L. (2018). Assessing Student Engagement in Online, Asynchronous College Courses.
Mid-South Educational Research Association Annual Conference, Pensacola, FL.
Berner, E., Feldman, S., Ozaydin, B., & McNeill, L. (2017). Innovative Approaches in Informatics Education. American Medical Informatics Association, Annual Symposium, Washington, DC.
McNeill, L. (2017). A Team Approach to Building Quality Learning Objects. Distance Learning
Administration Conference, Jekyll Island, SC.
McNeill, L. (2017). A Team Approach to Building Quality Learning Objects. Distance Learning
Administration Conference, Jekyll Island, SC.
McNeill, L., Wright, V., & Rice, M. (2016, June). Advantages and Barriers to Using Social
Media in Online Education. Distance Learning Administration Conference, Jekyll Island, SC.
Conference Presentations
McNeill, L. (Nov. 2022). Structuring Effective Asynchronous Online Courses Using Gagne's 9
Events. Alabama Instructional Design Network (AIDN) Fall Forum Conference, Birmingham, AL.
McNeill, L. (Nov. 2022). Boosting Teaching Presence & Learner Engagement Using Flip.
Alabama Instructional Design Network (AIDN) Fall Forum Conference, Birmingham, AL.
McNeill, L., & Jarnigan, K. (2019). Make Face-to-Face Teaching Life Easier: Borrow These Six
Online Best Practices. Samford University Conference on Teaching and Learning, Homewood, AL.
McNeill, L. (2019). The IDEA Model: A Collaborative Instructional Design Approach.
Transforming the Teaching and Learning Environment Conference, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID.
McNeill, L. (2018). Virtual Office Hours: Bridging Student Isolation in Online Learning.
International Perspectives on University Teaching and Learning Symposium, Orlando, FL.
McNeill, L. (2018). Testing the Burch Engagement Survey for Students (BESS). Alabama School
Library Association Conference, Corner, AL.
McNeill, L. (2018). Learner Engagement in Online Asynchronous Courses. AETC Conference,
Birmingham, AL.
McNeill, L. (2018). Learner Engagement: Quantity and Quality of Contact between Students
and Instructors in Online, Asynchronous Courses. TERC, Technology, Educational Research Conference, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL.
McNeill, L. (2018). Does Major Matter? Exploring Learner Engagement in Online,
Asynchronous Courses. ESPRMC Graduate Research Symposium, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL.
McNeill, L. (2017). REACT: A Case Study: Best Practices for Building an Interactive Online Course from a Face-to-Face Format. Scholars Institute, Huntsville, AL.
McNeill, L., & Bertrand, B. (2017). Promoting Individual Teamwork Skills in Online Graduate Education: Technology Tools and Best Practices. Scholars’ Institute, Tuscaloosa, AL.
McNeill, L. (2017). The IDEA Model Conceptual Framework. ESPRMC Graduate Research
Symposium, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL.
McNeill, L. (2017). Social Media Benefits and Barriers in Distance Learning. Pennsylvania’s
State System of Higher Education Virtual Conference, Harrisburg, PA.
McNeill, L. (2016). Social Media & Learning Engagement in Online Education. USCA National
Distance Learning Week Virtual Conference, Aiken, SC.
McNeill, L., & Hodges, J. (2016). IDEA 3.0: A Team Approach to Building Quality Courses.
USCA National Distance Learning Week Virtual Conference, Aiken, SC.
McNeill, L., & Moon, J. (2016). Ditch the Default, Engage the Learner: Presentation Best
Practices. Scholars Institute, Huntsville, AL.
Professional Publications
McNeill, L. (2019). New Technology Tools: How to Achieve Successful Student Buy-In.
Peergrade.io.
McNeill, L. (2018). Three Keys to Career Success: Action, Accomplishment, & Ability to Pivot,
In N. Desravines (Ed.), Women Leaders: Inspiring Stories. (pp. 149-161). WomElle Corp.
Grants
2023 $500 (in process)
2023 $500 (funded)
The Oxford Experience: Pilot Program for UA IT Ph.D. Students
The Office for Academic Affairs and the Capstone International Center (CIC)
International Travel Funding, University of Alabama
2022 $12,000 (unfunded)
An Exploration of Gamification’s Impact on Marginalized Students' Engagement Behaviors using ClassCred as an Online Discussion Board Platform
ORED Small Grants Program, College of Education, University of Alabama
2022 $500 (funded)
Instructional Technology Students’ Reflections on a Virtual Internship Program
The Office for Academic Affairs and the Capstone International Center (CIC)
International Travel Funding, University of Alabama
2021 $6,000 (unfunded)
An Evaluation of Teaching Presence Impact on Students' Online Engagement Behaviors
ORED Small Grants Program, College of Education, University of Alabama
2017 $5,000 (funded)
An Investigation of Performance Attributes of Individual Teamwork Skills in Online Graduate Education
Quality Enhancement Program, University of Alabama at Birmingham
AWARDS
2023 W. Ross Palmer Service to Students Award (nominated)
University of Alabama
2020 College of Education Annual Honors Day
University of Alabama, Honorable Mention, Dissertation Research
2019 James E. McLean Outstanding Paper Award
Mid-South Educational Research Association, Annual Conference
2019 Most Outstanding Graduate Student – Research in Instructional Technology Ph.D.
The University of Alabama, College of Education
2017 An Investigation of Performance Attributes of Individual Teamwork Skills in Online Graduate Education, Quality Enhancement Program, The University of Alabama at Birmingham
2017 University of Alabama at Birmingham Provost Award for Transformative Online Courses
Advanced Medical Nutrition
2017 University of Alabama at Birmingham Provost Award for Transformative Online Courses
Foundations in Low Vision
AFFILIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS
- Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education (SITE)
- Instructional Design SIG
- Teaching & Learning with Emerging Technologies SIG
- Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT)
- Research & Theory Division
- Design & Development Division
- Emerging Learning Technologies Division
- Distance Learning Division
- Quality Matters Instructional Designers Association (QM)
- National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity
- The Learning Guild
- Alabama Instructional Design Network (AIDN)
- Florida Instructional Designer Network (FL-IDN)
- IDLance (US)
- COE & ELPTS Writing Groups (faculty and Ph.D. students)
CERTIFICATIONS
Yellowdig June 2022
Instructor & Designer Certificate
Udemy May 2022
Project Management for Instructional Designers Certificate
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Finding Your Identity as a Clinical Faculty Member Mar 2023
University of Alabama
Applying for Foundation Funding Mar 2023
University of Alabama
Visual Methodologies: Reflecting on Research with Visual Materials Mar 2023
NVIVO
Reconnecting with Fun in Your Academic Work Mar 2023
University of Alabama
Clinical Faculty Work-Life Balance Feb 2023
University of Alabama
Mixed Methods Research with NVivo Feb 2023
NVIVO
Building Networks of Support in Academia Feb 2023
University of Alabama
Cultivating Rest in a Busy Time Nov 2022
University of Alabama
October Virtual Grants Lunch & Learn: NSF & NIH Oct 2022
University of Alabama
Compassion for Your Inner Critic Oct 2022
University of Alabama
Satisfaction & Sustainability in the New Semester Oct 2022
University of Alabama
Ethics in 8 Aug 2022
University of Alabama
Office of Research & Economic Development’s (ORED) Small Grants Program Aug 2022
University of Alabama
Introduction to Grants in the College of Education Aug 2022
University of Alabama
Prezi May 2022
How to Craft Messages that Inspire Action
Udemy May 2022
Project Management for Instructional Designers Certificate
University of Alabama, College of Continuing Studies May 2022
Initial Experience Workshop
University of Alabama April 2022
Renewable Contract Faculty Information Session
7taps April 2022
Microlearning Conference
Alabama Instructional Design Network April 2022
Unconference 2022
Learning Solutions
How to Achieve 90%+ Learner Engagement with Collaborative Learning April 2022
Blackboard Digital Teaching Symposium
Using Online Course Templates for Non-Traditional Programs April 2022
Blackboard Digital Teaching Symposium
Blackboard + Microsoft 365 for Mobile First Learning April 2022
Blackboard Digital Teaching Symposium
Achievement Unlocked!: Using Gamification to Increase Student Engagement April 2022
and Motivation
Quality Matters
Teaching Online Certificate 2021-2022
The University of Alabama
Pivot Training 2022
College of Education
COE Mentoring Program 2021-2022
College of Education
More than Click & Submit: How to Develop Interactive Content 2021
United States Distance Learning Association
Enrollment Builder Best-Practice Virtual Conference 2021
Regional Educational Laboratory at WestEd
Effective Survey Design and Communication of Survey Results 2021
The University of Alabama’s College of Education
Assessment Annual Report Workshop 2021
The University of Alabama College of Arts & Sciences
The Art of Teaching and the Science of Documenting Learning Outcomes 2021
The University of Alabama Libraries, Research and Social Science
Getting Started with NVivo 2021
The University of Alabama Libraries, Research and Social Science
NVivo and Literature Reviews 2021
The University of Alabama Graduate School
Workshop for Graduate Program Directors and Chairs 2021
The University of Alabama College of Education
Writing Force Retreat 2021
The University of Alabama Office of Information Technology
Creating Animated Images using Adobe Spark Mobile 2021
The University of Alabama
ELPTS Junior Faculty Group 2021
The University of Alabama Office of Information Technology
Cybersecurity Champion 2021
Graduate Certificate in College Teaching 2018
Online Educator Certificate 2018
Agile Development Process Training, Allen Interactions, 2018
SAM (Successive Approximation Model) Training, Allen Interactions 2018
What is Gamification and How Can It Promote a Growth Mindset? 2018
How Do Mini Lectures Improve Student Engagement? 2018
PROFESSIONAL ABILITIES
· 10+ years of experience in designing, developing, and delivering digital learning solutions
· Team lead for a 42-course Leadership/HR/Corporate Support/DEI portfolio
· Project oversight for six instructional designers and one graphic designer.
· Strong communication and problem-solving skills; ability to work with executives, managers, and subject matter experts across multiple and varied functional teams
· Use data, stakeholder/subject matter expert feedback, user experience, and professional experience/judgment to develop effective course/curriculum content
· Diagnose/deliver learning strategies to impact leadership, quality, and engagement
RELATED PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
- Instructional Design (including Curriculum Design, Development, and Delivery)
- Quality Matters
- ISTE & AECT Accreditations
- Online Learning/Digital Solutions
- SME/Stakeholder Consultation and Coordination
- Executive Leadership Development/Training
- Articulate 360 (Rise/Storyline)
- Adobe Creative Suite including Photoshop and Premiere Pro (video editing)
- Camtasia
- Vyond, Powtoon
- Audacity (podcasting, audio)
- MS Office including MS Project
- Assessment (Peergrade.io, Rubrics, etc.)
- User Experience (UX)
- Canvas LMS
- Blackboard LMS
- Moodle LMS
- NVivo, Delve
Television Broadcasting, Social Media, and Public Relations Experience
- Social Media and Web Content Manager, Spring Hill College, Mobile, AL
- News Anchor and Medical Reporter, WTVY NEWS 4, Dothan, AL
- Best News Anchor, AP Broadcasters Association
- Best Specialized Reporter, AP Broadcasters Association
- Weekend News Anchor and Reporter, WWNY-TV 7, Watertown, NY
- Special Mention, Ft. Drum, AP Broadcasters Association
- Marketing and Media Relations Consultant, Delta Group, Buffalo, NY
- Public Relations Director, Niagara Falls Medical Center, Niagara Falls, NY
