Ariel Fleurimond’s Talk

Bridging the Gap: Faculty Hesitancy and the Workforce Imperative of Online Learning

The rise of online learning during and after the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped higher education, offering new opportunities to align academic experiences with workforce demands. However, faculty hesitancy toward adopting online teaching continues to pose significant barriers, possibly impacting other aspect of enrollment pipelines and student preparation for digitally-driven workplaces. This presentation, Bridging the Gap: Faculty Hesitancy and the Workforce Imperative of Online Learning, explores the internal and external factors influencing faculty perceptions and the possible implications.

Drawing on research and personal experience, the session highlights the disconnect between faculty perceptions and administrative perceptions of the potential of online education. Attendees will gain insights into research in this area and set the stage for a larger discussion around how online modalities can equip graduates with essential skills.

The presentation offers strategies for overcoming faculty hesitancy, including professional development, institutional support, and innovative approaches to course design. The session will also explore future research directions to bridge the gap between education and workforce readiness, fostering collaboration between faculty, administrators, and industry stakeholders. Together, we can ensure that online learning serves as a robust pipeline for workforce-ready graduates in an evolving global economy.

About Ariel Fleurimond

Ariel Fleurimond is a dedicated practitioner and researcher in online learning and higher education. With nearly two decades of experience in education, Ariel has dedicated her career to reimagining how we design, deliver, and experience learning in a rapidly changing world.

As the Senior Director of Instructional Design and Curriculum Support at Columbia University, Ariel leads multidisciplinary teams that transform traditional education into immersive, engaging online and hybrid experiences. She has worked with faculty to develop courses that span diverse fields—from Social Work to Strategic Communication, Technology Management to Human Capital Management—empowering learners to thrive in both academic and professional landscapes. Ariel also serves as adjunct faculty at Columbia University’s Teachers College and SUNY Brockport, where she shares her expertise with the next generation of educators and instructional designers.

Ariel’s journey began in 2005 as a student observer in a 2nd-grade classroom in New York City, a role that ignited her passion for education and innovation. Over the years, she has become a trusted partner to faculty and institutions, navigating the complexities of digital transformation with a focus on change management, support strategies, and the future of work. Her research interests reflect her commitment to tackling the big questions facing education today: How can we create sustainable, accessible, impactful online learning? And how can we meet the needs of various university stakeholders in these endeavors?

Ariel’s work extends beyond higher education to include community impact. She has served on the Board of Directors for B~STEM, a non-profit dedicated to increasing access to STEM opportunities for underrepresented groups, and as an advisory board member for We Connect the Dots, an organization inspiring students to explore careers in STEAM and higher education.

Outside of her professional work, Ariel is a passionate creator, hobby voice actor, artist, musician, and gamer—bringing her love for creativity and technology into every aspect of her work. Whether she’s crafting engaging learning experiences, mentoring early career instructional designers, or exploring the intersection of education and technology, Ariel is on a mission to inspire a future where learning is limitless, inclusive, and transformative.

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