About
Vision
Our vision is for UNCW to design, develop, and deliver high-quality online courses and programs that offer students more choice and ownership in their educational path using the enhancement of emerging pedagogical and technology strategies.
Mission
Our mission is to serve and support UNCW's community of online educators by focusing on high-quality instructional design principles, innovative instructional technologies, and accessible learning environments.
Values
To read more, visit our Values page.
Meet the Team

Dr. Jeremy Dickerson
Assistant ProvostAssociate Professor of
Instructional Technology, WCE
910-962-2368
dickersonj@uncw.edu
Hoggard Hall 123

Amy Ostrom
Director of Distance Educationand eLearning
910-962-3929
ostroma@uncw.edu
Hoggard Hall 130
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View Welcome Video and Introduction
Degrees and Certifications:
- MAT in Special Education, University of South Carolina
- B.A. in English Education, Erskine College
Focus Areas:
- Faculty development
- Online teaching/delivery strategies
- Authentic assessment practices
- Humanizing online learning
Professional Organization Memberships:
- Online Learning Consortium
- Quality Matters Instructional Designer Association

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View Welcome Video and Introduction
Degrees and Certifications:
- M.S. in Instructional Technology, University of North Carolina Wilmington
- M.Ed. in Curriculum, Instruction, and Supervision, University of North Carolina-Wilmington
- B.A. in British Literature, Washington College
Focus Areas:
- Instructor social presence
- Motivational theory
- Project-based learning
Professional Organization Memberships:
- Online Learning Consortium
Publications and Presentations:
- Taper, C. & Webb, A. (2014). Can PBL and SDL be BFFs? Implementing PBL in a Self-Directed Learning Environment. Poster session presented at the meeting of the Association for Educational Communications and Technology.
- Pastore, R. & Taper, C. (2014). Gamification in the College Classroom. Poster session presented at the meeting of the Association for Educational Communications and Technology.
- Taper, C. (2018) , “Using Design to Increase Learner Motivation.” OLC Innovate.
- Irvin, E., Taper, C., Igoe, L., & Pastore, R. (2015). Using Twitter in an Undergraduate Setting: Five Recommendations from a Foreign Language Class. eLearn Magazine.
- Boykin, J., Harbour, M., & Taper, C. (2015). Book Review: Hacking Society: How Reality is Broken Constructs Gaming as a Necessary Cure-All. SAGE Journals.

Zach Morgan
Instructional Designer/View Full Profile
View Welcome Video and Introduction
Degrees and Certifications:
- M.S. in Instructional Technology, University of North Carolina Wilmington
- B.M. in Bassoon Performance, Florida State University
Focus Areas:
- Humanizing online learning
- Online course design and development
- Quality Matters
Professional Organization Memberships:
- Online Learning Consortium

Brittany Denning
Instructional DesignerView Full Profile
Degrees and Certifications:
- M.L.S., Appalachian State
- B.A in Elementary Education, University of North Carolina Wilmington
- Online Learning and Professional Development Certification, Appalachian State
- LinkedIn Learning

Jennifer Sias
Instructional DesignerView Full Profile
Degrees and Certifications:
- M.A. in Humanities, Literary Studies Concentration. Marshall University. Summa Cum Laude.
- M.S.L.S, Academic Libraries Concentration, University of Kentucky. Summa Cum Laude.
- B.A. Language Arts and Journalism Education/News Editorial, Marshall University. Magna Cum Laude.
- Independent Applying the QM Rubric (APPQMR), Quality Matters
Focus Areas:
- Coming Soon

Degrees and Certifications:
- M.S. in Instructional Technology, University of North Carolina Wilmington
- B.A in Elementary Education, University of North Carolina Wilmington
- QM - Certified Applying the QM Rubric Online Facilitator
- QM - Peer Reviewer Course Certification
- QM - Teaching Online Certification
Focus Areas:
- Coming Soon

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Degrees and Certifications:
- B.S. in Information Technology, University of North Carolina Wilmington
- Associate in Arts, Coastal Carolina Community College
- Multimedia and Instructional Web Development Certificate, University of North Carolina Wilmington
Focus Areas:
- Creation of instructional videos
- Graphic design
- Echo360 (Universal Capture)
- Creation of instructional materials

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Degrees and Certifications:
- B.A. in Communication Studies, University of North Carolina Wilmington
- Associate in Arts, Wake Technical Community College
- ATD, Virtual Training & Facilitation Certificate
Focus Areas:
- Accessibility
- Canvas
- Communication and marketing
- Voice Thread

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Degrees and Certifications:
- M.A. in Communications, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
- B.S. in Communications, Wingate University
Focus Areas:
- Instructional video production
- Motion graphics
- Video innovative projects
Professional Organization Memberships:
- Kappa Tau Alpha Honor Society
Awards
- 2021 Telly Award Silver Winner | Editor/Director: "UNCW-Fort Fisher Field Trip" UNC Wilmington
- 2007 Telly Award Bronze Winner | Editor/Director: "IBO CRIBZ" (Documentary Series) Heroic Inspirations & Marketing Ministries
- 2005 Telly Award Finalist | Editor/Director: "Tribute to Bulldog Hockey" (Documentary) Marketing Ministries
- 2005 Telly Award Finalist | Producer/Editor: "Jaguar Sport America" (Documentary)
- 2005 The Videographer Awards - Award of Distinction | Producer/Editor: "Jaguar Sport America" (Documentary)
- 2004 Axiem Awards - Silver Award | Producer/Editor: "Jaguar Sport America" (Documentary)
- 2004 The Accolade Competition - Silver Award | Producer/Editor: "Jaguar Sport America" (Documentary)
- 1996 Telly Award Finalist | Editor: "Country Crossroads" (Syndicated TV Program) Radio & TV Commission, SBC

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Degrees and Certifications:
- B.A. in Communication Studies, University of North Carolina Wilmington
- B.A. in Film Studies, University of North Carolina Wilmington
- Adobe Certified Associate in Digital Video - Adobe Premiere Pro
Focus Areas:
- Broadcast media production
- Graphic design
- Video editing
- Video production


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Degrees and Certifications:
- B.S. in Business Administration, University of North Carolina Wilmington
Focus Areas:
- Distance Education Orientation
- NCSARA