Laura McNeill, Ph.D. is an assistant professor at the University of Alabama in the College of Education, Department of Educational Leadership, Policy, and Technology. She also serves as the Instructional Technology master’s degree program coordinator.
Previously, Dr. McNeill served as a senior instructional designer at Regions Bank, Ascension, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Texas A&M’s School of Law, and the University of Alabama. She is an instructional design consultant for the Jefferson County Department of Health and IDLance.
Research: Distance learning and Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) environments with a specific focus on instructor presence, student engagement, and curriculum design in online environments. In addition, Dr. McNeill explores online learning and instructional design through ChatGPT and generative AI, microlearning, and gamification. She also serves as an instructional and curriculum methodologist.
Methods/Methodologies: mixed methodologies, including data-driven inductive analysis, inductive thematic analysis, deductive thematic analysis, design based research, and exploratory factor analysis.
She holds a Ph.D. in Instructional Leadership (concentration in Instructional Technology) from the University of Alabama. Dr. McNeill is the author of ten books, including HarperCollins suspense novels Center of Gravity and Sister Dear. She also writes under the pen name, Lauren Clark.