Discover how Genially transforms online learning through interactive, multimodal experiences—perfect for kinesthetic, visual, and auditory learners. This session features dynamic examples, quick polls, and take-home ideas for creating accessible, no-code content. Walk away with scalable strategies grounded in UDL and digital pedagogy that truly make learning click.

Session Summary

As the demand for engaging, accessible, and outcomes-driven online learning continues to grow, educators and instructional designers are seeking tools and strategies that go beyond static content delivery. We’re all striving for learning that invites students into the learning process and keeps them curious! This session explores how Genially—a no-code, interactive content creation platform—can transform passive digital experiences into dynamic, learner-centered environments that support engagement, retention, and accessibility.

Many online courses still rely heavily on passive, text-based content and linear navigation, leaving limited room for exploration, agency, or active participation. We’ll show you how Genially tackles this challenge by providing opportunities to integrate movement-based, exploratory, and gamified experiences into online learning environments. These multimodal elements support kinesthetic, visual, and auditory learners while aligning with UDL principles and evidence-based digital pedagogy—that research has consistently shown to boost motivation, retention, and learner satisfaction. 

In alignment with the conference’s focus on innovative and effective digital learning design, this session positions Genially within a broader conversation about the future of online learning—one that values interactivity, learner agency, and engagement while promoting accessibility and measurable outcomes. As online education evolves, we must adapt our design strategies to meet learners where they are: inside digital spaces that demand clarity, creativity, and connection.

This session is particularly relevant for instructional designers, faculty, eLearning developers, and digital learning leaders who are:

1. interested in expanding their toolkit with easy-to-use, no-code tools that integrate seamlessly with existing platforms;
2. seeking accessible, scalable ways to boost learner interaction in asynchronous or synchronous courses, grounded in UDL and evidence-based digital pedagogy; and 
3. looking to design learning experiences that support diverse learners, including those who benefit from movement, visual cues, and embedded feedback.

Plan for Interactivity

To foster engagement and model best practices in online learning design, this session will incorporate several interactive strategies:

• Live Demonstrations. Participants will experience examples of Genially’s interactive content types, including interactive infographics, branching narratives, and gamified activities, experiencing them from a learner’s perspective.
• Real-Time Polls & Scenarios. Throughout the session, participants will engage brief polls and scenario-based decision prompts reflecting common instructional choices often faced in online course design. 
• Collaborative Idea Capture. Attendees will be invited to share ideas on how they might integrate similar interactive strategies into their own courses or programs (using a shared digital board).
• Live Q&A/Discussion. A facilitated discussion will close the session, inviting participants to ask questions, share insights, and explore application challenges and successes they may foresee with different contexts, delivery formats and/or learners.

This interactive structure is intentionally designed to sustain engagement, encourage experimentation, and demonstrate how active learning can be woven into online environments using multimodal, accessible tools.

Attendee Takeaways

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Discuss how movement-based and multimodal design elements can enhance accessibility, personalize learning experiences, and support measurable success.
2. Explain how interactive platforms like Genially support learner engagement, motivation, and kinesthetic involvement in online learning.
3. Align content and learning outcomes to the most effective Genially options based on best practices in UDL and digital pedagogy. 
4. Brainstorm ideas to implement Genially in course design based on strategies that are scalable, adaptable, no-code solutions suited to various disciplines and learning contexts.

This session invites participants to reimagine what interactivity can look like in online education. By exploring Genially’s capabilities and experiencing its potential first-hand, attendees will walk away with practical tools and creative inspiration for building inclusive, learner-driven digital experiences that truly “click.”

Amy N. Beard, M.Ed.

Mrs. at College of Health Care Professions

With over a decade of experience in instructional design, curriculum development, and faculty support, I’m a Senior Instructional Designer at the College of Health Care Professions. I lead the design and development of online courses that prioritize accessibility, engagement, and real-world application. My current focus is on certificate-level programs that support career-driven outcomes, with a strong emphasis on learner-centered design. I collaborate regularly with subject matter experts, program directors, instructional designers, technologists, and LMS administrators. I enjoy mentoring up-and-coming instructional designers, managing program curriculum, and creating easy-to-use templates that bring consistency to online learning design. In my spare time, I love to help educators implement educational technology into early childhood learning environments (using developmentally appropriate techniques), lead a brilliant group of Girl Scouts, and love to knit. I bring creative, supportive energy to every project I take on, with the goal of making learning experiences meaningful, inclusive, and fun.

Dawn Durston, MBA, M.S.Ed.

Instructional Technologist at College of Health Care Professions

I’man Instructional Designer and Adult Educator with over a decade of experience developing learner-centered educational experiences in both higher education and corporate settings. My work focuses on instructional design, online course development, and curriculum strategy, with a strong foundation in adult learning theory and digital learning technologies. Currently, I serve as an Instructional Technologist at The College of Health Care Professions, where I design and support engaging learning solutions for healthcare education. Throughout my career, I’ve collaborated with organizations like the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Arkansas State University, and Rural King, creating practical, scalable instructional programs that foster engagement, professional growth, and measurable learning outcomes.

Braden Riggins, MBA

Instructional Designer at College of Health Care Professions

I am an Instructional Designer with over 7 years of experience developing structured and intuitive learning experiences in corporate and academic settings. In my current role at The College of Health Care Professions, I collaborate with faculty and subject matter experts to create relevant and engaging courses that support a diverse student population in healthcare and professional fields.

In previous roles, I designed, developed, and facilitated onboarding programs, compliance training, and leadership development courses that served hundreds of employees, helping to shape my current approach to accessible and purposeful learning design. This commitment to structure and clarity has also been reinforced by my leadership experience in the Arkansas Army National Guard, where I have managed teams, coordinated training, and demonstrated the value of adaptability and clear communication in high-responsibility environments.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband, our three dogs, and our cat. I stay active through running, biking, and swimming, and I remain connected to my community by volunteering regularly with the American Red Cross. 

Aleida Hernandez

Instructional Designer at College of Health Care Professions

With more than 15 years of experience in higher education, especially in the area of online learning, Aleida Hernandez is an effective instructional designer at CHCP (The College of Health Care Professions). She brings a cross-cultural perspective to instructional strategy and specializes in educational design, bi-literate editing, and bilingual (English-Spanish) content development. As a QM-Certified professional, Miss Hernandez is committed to advancing easily accessible, excellent online learning opportunities. Her research focuses on supporting diverse learners in digital contexts by coordinating education with intentional design.

Rachael Hartman, M.S.

Instructional Designer at College of Healthcare Professions

I’m an Instructional Designer with a background in communications, human services, and print publishing. I currently serve at The College of Health Care Professions, where I work with SMEs and the ID Team to develop blended and e-learning programs. I bring strengths in writing, editing, visual design, storytelling, and learner-centered strategy. Over the years, I’ve worked with diverse learners—from military personnel to international ESL students—led over 10,000 virtual lessons and taught undergraduate psychology online. I also run a small publishing company where I enjoy helping authors bring their manuscripts to print. I believe learning should be accessible, meaningful, and fun.