Meet ELT's New Digital Learning Designers

Meet ELT's New Digital Learning Designers

In July, 2024, Extension Learning Technologies welcomed two new Digital Learning Designers to our team! These designers collaborate with educators and other Extension staff to create effective and engaging learning experiences. While much of their work is focused on online courses, they are available to provide consultation and assistance for all of your digital learning needs.

You might have attended their breakout sessions on artificial intelligence at the All Extension Conference, seen them in a program team meeting, or even collaborated with them already. If you haven’t had the chance to connect with them yet, this is a great opportunity to learn more about their work and the expertise they bring to ELT.

They even hung out with a few of us at the Minnesota State Fair after attending a 4-H program:

Front row: Karen Matthes, Amy Baker. Middle row: Kristie Gaalswyk-Pomerenke, Caleb Twiggs, Shona Burke. Back row: Emma Morin, Patrice Johnson

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background before joining Extension?

Emma: My background is in higher education and student affairs. Most recently, I worked at Minnesota State University, Mankato as an academic advisor and course instructor. What I enjoyed most about that role was the curriculum development side of things—it’s what got me interested in instructional design. While in that role, I spent a couple of years taking instructional design courses and building my portfolio, which eventually brought me here.

Shona: Education has been the throughline of my professional and personal life. I’ve always loved the fall season with its “back-to-school” excitement for learning and new experiences. I’m fortunate to have spent 11 “seasons” now at the University of Minnesota, where I previously held a program manager/curriculum developer role within a CEHD research center. Prior to the U., I worked as an editor in educational publishing and a classroom teacher to curious, bright-eyed first graders.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

Emma: In college, I played in a woodwind quintet that performed for the king and queen of Sweden while they were visiting Minnesota.


In this image, you can see the back of my head (center) while Queen Silvia (left) listens.

Shona: I was born and raised in Alaska in a cabin that my dad built that had no plumbing until I was two years old. I often fantasize about living “off the grid” but I’m not nearly as tough as my parents!

What’s your favorite part of working as a digital learning designer?

Emma: I most enjoy working with educators to turn their ideas into reality and exploring new possibilities together. I know from experience as a course instructor how overwhelming it can be to tackle these projects on top of everything else, so I love being able to lighten that load and make the process exciting and approachable.

Shona: Working in collaboration with educators to design and develop meaningful learning experiences is the best part of my role. Technology is always changing and that offers an opportunity for continuous learning and growth. I love when I can bring new technological awareness and solutions to instructional design challenges.

Each Extension program team is paired with a dedicated Digital Learning Designer to build strong relationships and partnerships. Whether you need help designing an online course, exploring new tools, or improving accessibility, your connector is there to collaborate with you. To find your connector, visit the Digital Learning Connector Intranet page.