As the college’s learning design unit, the John A. Dutton e-Education Institute works in close partnership with the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences' five academic departments to design, develop, and manage the college's online certificate and degree programs, as well as to support the college's faculty in the delivery of resident instruction offerings.
The college serves as a leader in distance teaching and learning at Penn State. To date, our college boasts 19 certificate and degree programs online and more than 130 online courses. We have been able to extend the reach of a high-quality, rigorous, and research-based Penn State education to more than 5,900 undergraduates and more than 1,250 working adult professionals around the globe.
Embodying the Best Practices in e-Education
The Institute's experienced team of learning designers and multimedia and web-based technology specialists partner with the college's faculty to cultivate the college’s capacity to create online courses and programs that embody the best practices of e-Education. Each general phase of our learning design process—analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation—is informed by tested pedagogical and androgogical learning theories and practices.
Learn more
To learn more about the institute, please visit the John A. Dutton Institute for Teaching and Learning Excellence website.
John A. Dutton Institute for Teaching and Learning Excellence News
Two Penn State students help Allentown create city's first climate action plan
Two Penn State students are playing an instrumental role in helping the city of Allentown, Pennsylvania, develop its first climate action plan.
Earth and Mineral Sciences faculty and students honored at college's awards ceremony
Penn State's College of Earth and Mineral Sciences (EMS) recognized exceptional students and faculty for their academic excellence, service and leadership during its annual Wilson Awards Celebration, held on March 30.
Three graduate students receive awards in 2025 Three Minute Thesis competition
Three Penn State graduate students, including Patrick Sarpong, doctoral candidate in energy and mineral engineering, received awards in the 2025 Three Minute Thesis competition.
Online energy and sustainability policy degree programs changed this grad’s life
In 2012, Kelli Volkomer was a stay-at-home mom who had been raising her two children for nearly a decade. She valued the opportunity to spend time with them when they were young, she said, and had a passion for making the world a better place for them.
Sending a 'We Are!' to these Penn Staters — Jan. 28
Maria Scalzi Wherley, learning designer and writer-in-residence at the John A. Dutton Institute for Teaching and Learning Excellence in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, was one of 16 Penn Staters recently recognized as part of the University's regular “We Are!” feature.
Sending a 'We Are!' to Noelle Capparelle -- Nov. 11
As part of our regular “We Are!” feature, we recognize 12 Penn Staters who have gone above and beyond what’s asked of them in their work at the University, including Noelle Capparelle.
Local Climate Action Program and World Campus alum honored in Orange County
Penn State’s Local Climate Action Program (LCAP) is making a valuable impact beyond Pennsylvania’s borders, thanks in part to recent World Campus Energy and Sustainability Policy graduate, Joe Thompson.
Sustainability educator lends expertise on new front: State Game Commission
At first glance, Haley Sankey doesn’t seem a likely candidate for the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s appointed board of commissioners.
Dutton launches learning tool to link educators to best research-based practices
The John A. Dutton e-Education Institute has launched the Teaching and Learning Showcase, a web-based resource designed to help faculty members create inspiring educational materials and experiences.
July 28 webinar: 'How Technology and Learning Science Can Change Your Teaching'
Jane Sutterlin and Maria Wherley, both instructional designers in the John A. Dutton E-education Institute, will discuss how technology and learning science can improve teaching. The webinar will be broadcast from 10 to 11 a.m. EST on Wednesday, July 28.
