Q&A: Online Learning Through the Lens of Dr. Jill Winnington

Online learning has been around for nearly three decades. And yet, it is still an innovative feature at many colleges and universities in 2026.

Dr. Jill Winnington oversees Goldey-Beacom College’s online learning experience.

Her breadth of experience in this particular modality of learning is spurring innovative changes at Goldey-Beacom College, which will ultimately benefit students earned in an online course. That said, Dr. Winnington also sees a path for in-person learning as well.

“[T] here will always be value in interpersonal communication, which is easier in face-to-face learning. Face-to-face learning also allows students to feel connected to our physical campus.”

As online learning evolves into its fourth decade of existence, curiosity questions abound about its next iteration. Can online learning meet the needs of tomorrow’s students in an accessible manner?

“Students no longer choose online courses only because they live far from campus. Commuters may choose them to save time and money, while student-athletes may use them to balance academics with team commitments better,” says Dr. Winnington. 

The Financial Aid Office Newsletter recently chatted with Dr. Winnington. An edited excerpt of that conversation follows.

Financial Aid Office: What is your role at the College?

Dr. Winnington: I currently serve as the Director of Online Learning.

How has online learning transformed itself over the last three decades?

I can go back even further. I took my first distance education class in college in 1991, which was before the internet became widely used.

For that course, I received VHS tapes of the professor. Each week, I used the Post Office to mail the tapes and assignments back to my college, and my packet had to be postmarked by the assignment due date. We have come a long way. Today, online courses can closely mirror the face-to-face learning experience.

Learning management systems, such as Canvas, now allow students to interact easily with their professors and classmates. COVID accelerated this shift, as K-12 schools, colleges, and universities were forced to move to distance learning due to distancing requirements and mandated closures.

This shift partly explains the national trend of students seeking course formats that fit their needs. Students no longer choose online courses only because they live far from campus. Commuters may choose them to save time and money, while student-athletes may use them to balance academics with team commitments better.

Another exciting benefit of online learning is that it expands the reach of our dedicated faculty. Our faculty are subject-matter experts who genuinely care about each student, both in and out of the classroom. Online education allows more students to experience their caring, supportive leadership. Whether a course is face-to-face, online, or hybrid, our faculty remain committed to helping every student succeed.

What obstacles do students often face when they first encounter this modality?

The biggest obstacle is anxiety. Students often feel anxious when trying something new, especially before a course begins. Once the course starts and they experience their faculty members’ support, that anxiety often fades. Our faculty are present in the online classroom and work hard to help students feel comfortable. Although online and face-to-face courses differ, students in both formats benefit from our transformative faculty.

Where do you see the future of online learning and education going in the next three decades?

It is difficult to look three decades ahead, given the current pace of AI. I often compare AI’s rapid growth and impact to the early 1990s, when the internet drove a similar acceleration of change. I believe education will improve, especially in areas such as accessibility and support for students with disabilities and other learning needs. I can only imagine how much easier learning may become.

Online education will also become more personalized for both students and faculty. We already tailor learning to student needs, but future technology will allow us to do so on a much larger scale. Also, we will see education, including courses, degrees, and other credentials, become more flexible, with greater emphasis on skills and assessments that allow our students to apply knowledge. So, experiential learning will continue to grow, giving students more hands-on opportunities. The next three decades will be exciting!

What do you find enjoyable about college education?

The learning! I am truly a lifelong learner. It is sometimes hard, especially as an undergraduate student, to see the value of each course. Still, every course I have taken at any degree level has added value and enhanced my life. When I was earning my undergraduate degree, I had to take courses, and I thought, “When will I ever use this?” Take the Pythagorean theorem (a² + b² = c²). This is a great tool for squaring things, using the fact that (3² + 4² = 5²). So, when I was making my backyard garden, I did this to make the corners perfect 90 degrees.

Or when I took art history, I can’t tell you how many times things I learned popped up in my life, from taking pictures to understanding the impact of color on emotions.

Finally, all of my business courses, especially my graduate work at GBC. Every course added value to my life, especially in my career. The knowledge and skills have been invaluable! My graduate work at GBC refined both my quantitative and qualitative skills. I use both every day!

To any student or person thinking about going to college, it will be one of the most transformative experiences of your life. And you have to do it. There is never the perfect time; life happens to all of us, so you have to take the plunge!

Do you see a role for in-person learning in the years to come?

Absolutely! Online learning will become increasingly similar to face-to-face learning over time, especially as AI advances. However, there will always be value in interpersonal communication, which is easier in face-to-face learning. Face-to-face learning also allows students to feel connected to our physical campus. A big part of my role is to have online students feel the same connection.

What is the most challenging aspect of online learning that students are often unaware of with their instructor?

If a student is face-to-face or online, their professors only know what the student shares. Make sure you keep your professors close. They want to help, especially when you are having challenges outside of your studies.

Anything new or exciting coming from the GBC online learning space in the fall 2026 semester?

Lots of great things to come! One great thing is Student 101. Student 101 is a one-stop shop in a “course” in Canvas that consolidates the most-used student resources, including academic support, success services, key policies, and “what to do next” guidance into a single, mobile-friendly space.

We also continue to work behind the scenes to make every online course better!

Thank you, Dr. Winnington.