April Paschall Recognized for Excellence in Distance Learning
- published: 2024/11/01
- contact: Debbie Vihstadt - College of Public Affairs and Community Service
- phone: 402.554.3033
- email: dvihstadt@unomaha.edu
April Paschall, Ph.D., Senior Associate Director in the Division of Continuing Studies (DCS) is the recipient of the 2024 Outstanding Distance Learning Adult Educator Award by the American Association for Adult and Continuing Education (AAACE). This accolade, bestowed by the Commission for Distance Learning and Technology (CDLT), highlights Dr. Paschall’s transformative work in developing innovative online education practices that serve adult learners. The award was presented at the awards ceremony during the 2024 AAACE Annual Conference – Creating New Trajectories for Adult Education, held October 29 – November 1. As this year’s award winner, Dr. Paschall introduced her work and contributions to distance learning at the CDLT pre-conference and will present a post conference webinar in early 2025.
Dr. Paschall's contributions to the Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies (BMS) program at UNO have been pivotal in reshaping the academic experience for diverse, multigenerational learners, many of whom balance their studies with demanding personal and professional responsibilities. Her redesign of the Foundations Seminar and Capstone Seminar courses has been lauded for its emphasis on building self-directed learning skills and fostering a sense of community among non-traditional students.
“April’s approach to distance education goes beyond merely adapting content for online platforms,” said Cassie Mallette, an instructional designer and instructor at UNO. “She fundamentally rethinks how to connect with students in meaningful ways that honor their diverse experiences and aspirations.”
Dr. Paschall’s pedagogical approach integrates the Andragogy in Practice Model with Universal Design for Learning, employing high-impact practices that have set a new standard for online course design. Her commitment to providing learners to the skills they need to thrive in the fast-changing workplace includes assignments that utilize human centered design as a method to address “wicked problems.”
The hallmark of Dr. Paschall’s work lies in her innovative use of durable skill integration into Multidisciplinary Seminar courses. This initiative reflects her vision for a more connected and holistic educational experience that bridges the gap between academic achievement and real-world applications. The next phase of the initiative includes embedding durable skills badges to allow students to demonstrate their competencies and showcase their skills to current and future employers through digital microcredentials.
In addition to her contributions to course development, Dr. Paschall plays a vital role in mentoring adjunct instructors, ensuring that the quality and consistency of the program remain high across all sections. Her leadership and dedication have significantly improved the learner experience, making her a respected figure in the field of distance education.
Christine Billings, Director of the Division of Continuing Studies at UNO
Dr. Paschall's contributions to the Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies (BMS) program at UNO have been pivotal in reshaping the academic experience for diverse, multigenerational learners, many of whom balance their studies with demanding personal and professional responsibilities. Her redesign of the Foundations Seminar and Capstone Seminar courses has been lauded for its emphasis on building self-directed learning skills and fostering a sense of community among non-traditional students.
“April’s approach to distance education goes beyond merely adapting content for online platforms,” said Cassie Mallette, an instructional designer and instructor at UNO. “She fundamentally rethinks how to connect with students in meaningful ways that honor their diverse experiences and aspirations.”
Dr. Paschall’s pedagogical approach integrates the Andragogy in Practice Model with Universal Design for Learning, employing high-impact practices that have set a new standard for online course design. Her commitment to providing learners to the skills they need to thrive in the fast-changing workplace includes assignments that utilize human centered design as a method to address “wicked problems.”
The hallmark of Dr. Paschall’s work lies in her innovative use of durable skill integration into Multidisciplinary Seminar courses. This initiative reflects her vision for a more connected and holistic educational experience that bridges the gap between academic achievement and real-world applications. The next phase of the initiative includes embedding durable skills badges to allow students to demonstrate their competencies and showcase their skills to current and future employers through digital microcredentials.
In addition to her contributions to course development, Dr. Paschall plays a vital role in mentoring adjunct instructors, ensuring that the quality and consistency of the program remain high across all sections. Her leadership and dedication have significantly improved the learner experience, making her a respected figure in the field of distance education.
“Her commitment to creating engaging and effective online learning environments has had a profound impact on our students, our program, and our institution.”
“April’s work exemplifies the very best of what adult education can achieve when innovation meets empathy,” said Christine Billings, Director of the Division of Continuing Studies at UNO. “Her commitment to creating engaging and effective online learning environments has had a profound impact on our students, our program, and our institution.”
The University of Nebraska at Omaha takes great pride in Dr. Paschall’s accomplishments and looks forward to the continued success and innovation she will bring to the Division of Continuing Studies.
For more information about the Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies program and the Division of Continuing Studies, visit dcs.unomaha.edu.
The University of Nebraska at Omaha takes great pride in Dr. Paschall’s accomplishments and looks forward to the continued success and innovation she will bring to the Division of Continuing Studies.
For more information about the Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies program and the Division of Continuing Studies, visit dcs.unomaha.edu.