Online Instructional Technology Program - Valdosta State University

Check this out! IT faculty member Dr. Steve Downey is presenting his work on AI at the COEHS Kaizen Day event.

👉Check out this highlight!

Valdosta State University has been recognized by Learn.org as the No. 1 college in the nation for affordable online doctoral programs, highlighting its commitment to providing high-quality, accessible graduate education. VSU offers the Doctor of Education in Adult Learning and Development, the Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction: P–12 Disciplinary Concentration, the Doctor of Education in Leadership, and the Doctor of Public Administration. 👍👍The LTWD department is proud to host three of these four programs.👏👏

As part of the University System of Georgia, VSU also provides nearly 70 online and hybrid programs across multiple degree levels. This recognition is further supported by national rankings from Newsweek, U.S. News & World Report, and The Princeton Review, reinforcing VSU’s strong reputation in online education.

📄 Read the full story here for more details.

Learn.org, a leading higher education resource, has recognized Valdosta State University as the No. 1 college in the nation for affordable online doctoral programs.

Affordability remains a cornerstone of VSU’s mission, and this recognition reinforces the university’s reputation as a leader in value-driven higher education. https://bit.ly/3PSlvFw 🔥
VSU College of Education and Human Services VSU College of Humanities and Social Sciences

🎉Celebrating the Success of the 2026 Online GAIT IT Forum! (Screenshot included)

Continuing the success of another annual online GAIT IT Forum, chaired by Dr. Taralynn Hartsell, a professor in the C&I and IT groups within our department, the event brought together IT faculty, professionals, P-12 teachers, and students to share their work and ideas. Dr. Hartsell opened the forum by highlighting the benefits of using concept-mapping tools and concluded the event by recognizing the outstanding work of all presenters on March 14, 2026.

Dr. E-Ling Hsiao, a professor in the IT group, also presented her work, “AI Training on Responsible AI Use for P–12 Students: A Digital Citizenship Perspective.” The session explored how Ribble’s nine elements of digital citizenship, used as an overarching structure, combined with the S3 framework for specific sub-concepts, can help clarify the essential components of training on responsible AI use for P-12 students. The presentation also included suggested learning activities and relevant resources for teachers.

👏 The forum is free to attend. We look forward to welcoming you next March! https://www.gaitgeorgia.org/

Happy Faculty Friday! This week we are highlight Dr. Jiyoon Jung- a valuable member of COEHS and the department of Leadership, Technology, & Workforce Development. Comment below any positive impacts that Dr. Jung has had on you as either a student, faculty, or alumni!

📣 Opportunity for IT Alumni!

There is an IT position (Distance Learning Specialist) available in Honolulu, HI. It is a tenure-track position. If you are interested, consider applying!

If you need a reference or recommendation letter, please contact Dr. Hsiao at [email protected] or reach out to the instructor/advisor you worked with most closely.

https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/hawaiiedu/jobs/5237998/instructor-cc-distance-learning-specialist-82397

🌟 LTWD Faculty Spotlight – Dr. Ivan Nikolov

Dr. Ivan Nikolov is a professor in the Adult Ed and IT groups within our department. He holds doctorates in “Economics and Organization of Labor” and “Educational Administration and Higher Education” and has led major international education initiatives, including serving as Executive Director of the Illinois International High School Initiative and Director of VSU’s Center for International Programs (2005–2023).

His work spans international higher education, global exchange programs, multicultural education, project management, and instructional design. Dr. Nikolov has taught a wide range of courses, preparing technical leaders to thrive in diverse and global environments.

Check out the attached image for fun facts about Dr. Nikolov — we are lucky to have him in LTWD!

VSU’s Doctor of Education Programs Recognized by Princeton Review - Valdosta State University VALDOSTA — Valdosta State University has earned a spot on The Princeton Review’s list of the Best Online Doctor of Education Programs for 2026. This annual recognition reflects the university’s sustained commitment to academic excellence, flexibility, and student support in advanced online edu...

🤩🤩Faculty Spotlight!

Today we’re featuring Dr. Steve Downey — professor and department head in LTWD!

Dr. Downey earned his Ph.D. in Education from the University of Illinois and both his M.Ed. and B.S.B.A. from the University of Missouri. His career includes experience in both K–12 and higher education as a teacher, researcher, and faculty member.

His research interests include artificial intelligence, virtual worlds, technology-based learning, computer-mediated communication, human-computer interaction, and semiotics.

We’re grateful to have his leadership and expertise in our department!