Professor Dr. Colla Macdonald

Biography

Colla Jean MacDonald is a Distinguished Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Ottawa, cross-appointed in the Faculty of Medicine. She is a senior researcher at the Élisabeth Bruyère Research Institute, focusing on curriculum design and evaluation in e-learning environments. With over 70 published refereed articles, book chapters, and conference proceedings, Professor MacDonald has led significant research projects funded by various organizations including SSHRC and CIHR, exploring topics such as Physician Wellness, Dementia Care, and Global Health. She is currently supervising seven PhD students in researching emerging technologies in education and is known for her development of the Demand-Driven Learning Model and the W(e)Learn framework, which align with quality standards in Canada, UK, and New Zealand. Her contributions to online learning have been recognized, earning her the International WebCT Exemplary Course Award twice. Additionally, she has eBooks published by Bentham Science Publishers, further solidifying her authority in the field of online and distance education.

Research Interests