Teaching and Learning Studio

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Dr. Cristi Ford
Chief Learning Officer
Dr. Cristi Ford
Chief Learning Officer

Dr. Cristi Ford serves as the Chief Learning Officer at D2L. She brings more than 20 years of cumulative experience in higher education, secondary education, project management, program evaluation, training and student services to her role. In this role, she offers thought leadership and direction to the academic affairs unit of the organization. Her previous roles have allowed her to have impact in education from secondary and higher education settings within North America and as part of the international landscape. Her reach has allowed her to focus on building online education in the US and in Africa.

In addition to her experience building new online learning programs and research related to online teaching and learning, Dr. Ford possesses significant experience in the design and delivery of integrated educational support, training and transition services for young adults and children with neurodevelopment disabilities.

Dr. Ford was selected by the Online Learning Consortium as the 2022 OLC Fellow (the highest professional distinction offered by the association). She is a tireless advocate for quality online education and has leveraged her passion and expertise in many realms in the education space. She is known for utilizing her leadership in extraordinary ways to help institutions build capacity to launch and expand online programming through effective faculty development, instructional design and pedagogical practices.

Dr. Ford holds a PhD in Educational Leadership from the University of Missouri-Columbia and undergraduate and graduate degrees in the field of Psychology from Hampton University and University of Baltimore, respectively.

Latest Post
- Aug 31, 2026
  
  Beyond the Hype: How Embedded AI Can Help Higher Education Move from Experimentation to Instructional Impact
  
  Explore Digital Promise research on how embedded AI is helping educators save time, build trust, and support more effective teaching and learning.
Dr. Emma Zone
Senior Director, Academic Affairs

Dr. Emma Zone
Senior Director, Academic Affairs

Dr. Emma Zone is the Senior Director of Academic Affairs at D2L. Dr. Zone has nearly 25 years of experience teaching, leading, and driving change within and across organizations. In her role, she supports the thought leadership strategy and all functions of Academic Affairs.

Previously holding senior leadership roles in higher education and edtech, her work has centered on helping organizations redefine their learning strategies across modalities, with a passion for faculty engagement and access. Dr. Zone has teaching and curriculum development experience spanning the K-12, community college, and university levels.

Dr. Zone has been long committed to shepherding teaching and learning innovation, including leading large-scale institutional initiatives and courseware implementations. Dr. Zone served as the chair of the executive committee for the Courseware in Context framework, and she continues to share in the national conversation on the intersection of educational technology, optimizing teaching and learning, and institutional success.

Dr. Zone holds an EdD in Educational Leadership from Argosy University, master’s degrees from DePaul University and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan.

Read D2L’s Latest Research and Efficacy Studies

Moving AI from Experimentation to Impact

Explore Digital Promise research on how embedded AI is helping educators save time, build trust, and support more effective teaching and learning

Enhancing Feedback in Online Writing

A study from National Louis University explores student perceptions of video vs. written feedback in virtual classrooms.

Course Design That Drives Success

Research from Georgia Gwinnett College shows how different LMS structures can improve student outcomes in asynchronous courses.

Scaling Micro-Credentials with AI Scoring

This University of Florida study explores how automating assignment evaluation reduces costs and scales professional development.

Designing Active and Relevant Online Learning

Learn how Penn Foster’s Design Lab is reimagining a new model for learner-centered, skill-based course design.

Listen to Teach & Learn:
A Podcast for Curious Educators

Hosted by Dr. Cristi Ford and Dr. Emma Zone, the show features candid conversations with some of the sharpest minds in the K-20 education space.

We discuss trending educational topics, teaching strategies and delve into the issues plaguing our schools and higher education institutions today.

Listen now

Register for a Teaching & Learning Master Class

Time is precious, professional development money is tight and quality information about how to teach is hard to find.

That’s why we designed the D2L Master Class Series – a suite of free, high-quality courses focused on helping educators master the art and science of teaching. Each class covers a specific area of teaching and learning and features engaging experts in conversation about the how, what, and why of teaching.

The best part? Classes take less than 60 minutes. If you’re seeking a micro-credential, a 30 minute assessment is available for certification purposes.

Join your peers from around the globe and start learning from master practitioners.

Read the Teaching & Learning Studio Blog

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Content for Educators, by Educators

Your Hosts

Stay up to date with our Teaching and Learning Studio Newsletter

Read D2L’s Latest Research and Efficacy Studies

Moving AI from Experimentation to Impact

Enhancing Feedback in Online Writing

Course Design That Drives Success

Scaling Micro-Credentials with AI Scoring

Designing Active and Relevant Online Learning

Have an idea for a research project involving D2L Brightspace?

Listen to Teach & Learn:
A Podcast for Curious Educators

Register for a Teaching & Learning Master Class

Read the Teaching & Learning Studio Blog

D2L Research Minute: Reducing Cognitive Load Through Course Design

AI Strategy Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All. And That’s the Point.

In the Age of AI, How Do We Know Learning Happened?

What the 2026 Time for Class Report Tells Us About Higher Ed

Authenticity in the Age of AI: Using Video Note to Humanize Online Learning

Ignite Your Online Learning Joy With High-Impact Design for Online Courses

Teaching and Learning Studio

Content for Educators, by Educators

Your Hosts

Dr. Cristi Ford

Latest Post

Dr. Emma Zone

Stay up to date with our Teaching and Learning Studio Newsletter

Read D2L’s Latest Research and Efficacy Studies

Moving AI from Experimentation to Impact

Enhancing Feedback in Online Writing

Course Design That Drives Success

Scaling Micro-Credentials with AI Scoring

Designing Active and Relevant Online Learning

Have an idea for a research project involving D2L Brightspace?

Listen to Teach & Learn:A Podcast for Curious Educators

Register for a Teaching & Learning Master Class

Read the Teaching & Learning Studio Blog

Listen to Teach & Learn:
A Podcast for Curious Educators