Larisa Olesova 

Clinical Assistant Professor

Larisa Olesova

Phone

(352) 273-4220

Email

Address

School of Teaching and Learning, PO Box 117048, Gainesville, FL 32611

Connect

About

Larisa Olesova is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Educational Technology program. Her research areas are online teaching and learning, cognitive presence, and metacognition, learning analytics and social network analysis, instructional strategies, Community of Inquiry, collaborative learning, asynchronous learning environment, instructional design, faculty development, feedback, cross-cultural differences, and non-native speakers of English.

As a former instructional designer, she is interested in connecting research and practice to make online teaching and learning more effective and efficient. Her recent research on cognitive presence initiated the Online Learning special issue “Advances in Cognitive Presence” where Larisa served on the editorial board.

Affiliations

  • School of Teaching and Learning
  • Institute for Advanced Learning Technologies

Research Interests

Cognition, Collaboration and Teaming, Design and Development of Educational Technology Interventions, Educational / Instructional Design, Emerging Technologies, Evidence-based Practices, Online and Distance Education, Technology, Technology Trends and Issues

Education

  • Ph.D. 2011 Purdue University Learning Design & Technology
  • M.A. 1999 Yakutsk State University (Russia) Education
  • BA/M.A. 1989 Yakutsk State University (Russia) English and Literature

Professional Appointments

  • 2026-2027: Affiliated Faculty, Department of Information Sciences and Technology, George Mason University
  • 2012-2022: Senior Instructional Designer/Instructional Designer, Office of Digital Learning Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning, George Mason University
  • 2015-2022: Adjunct Faculty, Division of Learning Technologies, College of Education and Human Development, George Mason University
  • 2011-2012: Instructor/Co-Instructor, Department of Curriculum, and Instruction, College of Education, Purdue University
  • 2008-2011: Research Assistant, The Office of the Vice President for Information Technology, Information Technology at Purdue (ITaP), Department of Engineering Education, College of Engineering, Purdue University
  • 2006-2010: Teaching Assistant, Department of Curriculum, and Instruction, College of Education, Purdue University
  • 2004-2006: Online Teaching and Training Specialist, Distance Education Center, Yakutsk State University, Russia
  • 1991-2013: Assistant Professor/Associate Professor, Department of Foreign Languages, North-Eastern Federal University, Russia

Activities and Honors

  • 2026: Rising Star Award. Center for Teaching Excellence. University of Florida.
  • 2025: International Educator 2025 Award. College of Education. University of Florida.
  • 2025: Excellence in Online and Blended Student Support Award, Online Learning Consortium (OLC).
  • 2024: Anthology Catalyst Award Student Success, Shared Metacognition Group.
  • 2023: Anthology Catalyst Award Student Success, Learning Analytics Group.
  • 2022: AECT DDL Best Practice Award
  • 2022: AECT DDL Best Qualitative Paper, 2nd place
  • 2019: AECT DDL Journal Article Award, Quantitative 2nd place
  • 2018: 2018 Blackboard Catalyst Award for Teaching and Learning
  • 2018: Effective Practice Award: The Cooperative Mentorship Model, Online Learning Consortium (OLC former Sloan-C)
  • 2016: Effective Practice Award: Enhancing Cognitive Presence in Online Case Discussions with Question Based on the Practical Inquiry Model, Online Learning Consortium (OLC – former Sloan-C)
  • 2016: Award for Contribution to International Relations in recognition of the 70th Anniversary of the Department of Foreign Languages, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic Sakha (Yakutia), Russia
  • 2015: Effective Practice Award: Designing and Implementing Experiential Learning though Multimedia Based Activities and Blogging, Online Learning Consortium (OLC – former Sloan-C)
  • 2015: Distance Education Best Practice Award: Designing Effective Question Prompts to Enhance Cognitive Presence in Case-Based Online Discussions, Association for Educational Technology and Communications
  • 2012: Distance Education Best Practice Award: Asynchronous Embedded Audio Feedback for Online Learners, Division of Distance Learning, Association for Educational Technology and Communications
  • 2011: Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Program. Teaching English as a Foreign Language for Siberian Students Majoring in Science, Math, and Technology.
  • 2011: Outstanding Practice by a Student(s) of Educational Technology in an International Setting, International Division, Association for Educational Technology and Communications
  • 2010: TESOL, The International Research Foundation for English Language Education (TIRF) Doctoral Dissertation Grant (DDG)
  • 2010: Purdue University, College of Education, Frank B. De Bruicker Graduate Scholarship in Educational Technology. Research Award.
  • 2006: The Program of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Program
  • 2005: Award for Excellence in Teaching, Yakutsk State University, Russia
  • 2005: Award for the Best Resource Center, Yakutsk State University, Russia
  • 2005: Award for the Best Department, Yakutsk State University, Russia

Selected Grants

Teaching Excellence and Achievement (TEA)

Role
  • Instructional Designer and Trainer
Funding Agency
  • International Research and Education Exchange Board Grant (IREX)
Project Period
  • 2009
Award Amount
  • $250,000

Teachers to Teachers: Language, Technology, Math, and Science Exchange Grant (LTMS Grant)

Role
  • Instructional Designer and Trainer
Funding Agency
  • American Councils for International Education ACTR/ACCELS
Project Period
  • 2008
Award Amount
  • $57,000

Teachers to Teachers: Language, Technology, Math, and Science Exchange Grant (LTMS Grant)

Role
  • Instructional Designer and Trainer
Funding Agency
  • American Councils for International Education ACTR/ACCELS
Award Amount
  • $100,000

Selected Publications

Articles
  • Olesova, L., Sadaf, A., & Yan, W. (2026). Exploring relationship between undergraduate students perceived Community of Inquiry, engagement, and shared metacognition in asynchronous online courses. Technology, Knowledge and Learning, 31, 383-407. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10758-026-09953-y (**Student co-author)
  • Harris, C., & Olesova, L. (2026). Instructional design project management through race and gender: Practice-based autoethnographic study. Journal of Applied Instructional Design, Special Issue “Practice-based Scholarship,” 15(1), 159-175. https://jaid.edtechbooks.org/jaid_15_1/emzaivlokl
  • Garcia de Hurtado, B., Olesova, L., & Harris, C. (2025). Dynamic instructional design decision-making: Three -level approach. TechTrends, 69, 771-782. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-025-01079-9
  • Olesova, L., Garcia de Hurtado, B., & Yu, J. (2025). Integrating care ethics in GenAi-enhanced instructional design: A framework for inclusive and equitable higher education practices. Journal of Applied Instructional Design Special Issue “Advancing pedagogical and instructional design through Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education and Training Contexts,” 14(3), 83-107. https://doi.org/10.59668/2223.22576
  • Castellanos-Reyes, D., Olesova, L., & Sadaf, A. (2025). Transforming online learning research: Leveraging GPT large language models for automated content analysis of cognitive presence. The Internet and Higher Education, 65, 101001. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2025.101001
  • Olesova, L., Sadaf, A., Choi, H., Castellanos-Reyes, D., Gant, S., & Cabrales, L. (2025). Integrating network data literacy to explore meaningful interactions in asynchronous online courses: A practical coursework case example applying the i-SUN framework. In C. Schumacher & D. Ifenthaler (Eds.). International Perspectives on Educational Data Literacy: Frameworks, Contexts, and Practices (pp.239-261). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003511991 (**Student co-author)
  • Richardson, J., Fiock, H., Olesova, L., & Stenbom, S. (2024). Evidence-based practices for developing a community of inquiry. In T. Martindale, T. B. Amankwatia, L.D. Cifuentes, & A.A. Piña (Eds.), Handbook of Research in Online Learning (pp. 276-306). Leiden, The Netherlands: Koninklijke Brill NV. https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004702813_012
  • de Oliveira, L., & Olesova, L. (2024). Competencies applied to teaching an ESOL methods course moved to the online environment. In M.V. Dominguez, C. Buxton, & L.C. Gaibisso (Eds.), Pedagogies for Equitable Access: Reimagining Multilingual Education for an Uncertain World. Promoting Culturally Sustaining Teachers and Teacher Educators (pp.1-17). Information Age Publishing.
  • Olesova, L., Alexeeva, N., & Emelyanova, Z. (2024). Approaches of PLEs implementation in Higher Education. In Y. Sun & X. Xiaoshu (Eds.), The Development of Personal Learning Environments in Higher Education: Promoting Culturally Responsive Teaching and Learner Autonomy (pp.195-210). Taylor & Francis Group, LLC Inc: Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003285243-20
  • Sadaf, A., & Olesova, L. (2024). Strategies to promote cognitive presence in online courses: A 20-year systematic review of empirical research. In M. Cleveland-Innes, S. Stenbom, & R. Garrison (Eds.), The Design of Digital Learning Environments: Online and Blended Applications of the Community of Inquiry (pp.234-255). New York: Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003246206
  • Olesova, L. (2024, September 15). How can I supplement my teaching materials with multimedia and realia? Ask a TESOL leader. TESOL Connections, 2.9. https://www.tesol.org/articleslist/articles/ask-a-tesol-leader-september-2024/
  • Sadaf, A., Olesova, L., & Choi, H. (2024). Empowering learning networks: Insights from Social Network Analysis in inquiry-based discussions. Online Learning Journal, 28(4), 200-227. https://doi.org/10.24059/olj.v28i4.4635
  • Olesova, L., & Sadaf, A. (2024). Exploring differences between students’ interactions, online presence, and cognitive presence. Distance Education, 45(2), 297-314. https://doi.org/10.1080/01587919.2024.2338726
  • Olesova, L., Sadaf, A., Boicu, M., Foxwell, H.J., Pham, T.L.B., & Rytikova, I. (2024, October 26-28). Understanding the influence of program of study and age on shared metacognition within the community of inquiry in STEM education. In D.G. Sampson, D. Ifenthaler, & P. Isaias (Eds.), 21st International Conference on Cognition and Exploratory Learning in Digital Age (CELDA 2024) (pp. 249-257). International Association for Development of the Information Society (IADIS). https://www.iadisportal.org/celda-2024-proceedings (**Student co-author)
  • Olesova, L., Sadaf, A., Rytikova, I., Boicu, M., & Foxwell, H.J. (2024, March 10). Examining differences of metacognition between STEM and non-STEM students in engineering education, education. In The ASEE (American Society for Engineering Education) Southeastern Section Meeting. Marietta, GA., United States. https://doi.org/10.18260/1-2--45526
  • Olesova, L., Boicu, M., Foxwell, H.J., & Rytikova, I. (2024, March). Transforming STEM education through inquiry-based collaborative approach: Examination of metacognition and cognitive presence. In The ASEE (American Society for Engineering Education) Southeastern Section Meeting. Marietta, GA., United States. https://doi.org/10.18260/1-2--45576
  • Olesova, L., & Sadaf, A. (2023, October 21-23). Online presence, metacognition, and course design within the Community of Inquiry. In G.S. Demetrios, D. Ifenthaler, & P. Isaias (Eds.), Proceedings of the International Conference on Cognition and Exploratory Learning in Digital Age (CELDA 2023) (pp.60-66). International Association for Development of the Information Society (IADIS). https://doi.org/10.33965/CELDA2023_202306L008
  • Olesova, L., Garcia de Hurtado, B., & Yu, J. (2023). Careers in Higher Education for non-Faculty. In R. E. West & H. Leary (Eds.). Becoming an LIDT Professional. EdTech Books. https://edtechbooks.org/becoming_an_lidt_pro/nonfaculty_highered
  • Olesova, L., Liao, D., Rytikova, L., Boicu, M., & Foxwell, H. (2023, June). Metacognition in graduate engineering courses. In 2023 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition. Baltimore, MD., United States. https://peer.asee.org/43629
  • Rytikova, L., Liao, D., Olesova, L., Boicu, M., & Foxwell, H. (2023, March). Cognitive presence learning for graduate engineering education. In The ASEE (American Society for Engineering Education) Southeastern Section Conference. Arlington, VA. https://doi.org/10.18260/1-2--44992
  • Sadaf, A., Kim, S.Y., & Olesova, L. (2022). Relationship between metacognition and online community of inquiry in an online case-based course. Online Learning Journal, 26(4), 79-93. https://doi.org/10.24059/olj.v26i4.3474
  • Kim, Y., & Olesova, L. (2022). Expanding online professional learning in the post-COVID era: The potential of the Universal Design for Learning framework. Journal of Applied Instructional Design, 11(2), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.51869/104
  • Sadaf, A., & Olesova, L. (2022). A systematic review of strategies to develop students’ cognitive presence in online courses. In 8th International Conference on Higher Education Advances (HEAd'22), 65-73. https://doi.org/10.4995/HEAd22.2022.14700
Other Publications
  • Olesova, L., Mercer, R., Copeland, K., & Kumar, S. (2024). Reshaping practices: Digital feedback for adults. In K. Elufiede & P. Coberly-Holt (Eds.), Enriching the Adult Learners Experience in Higher Education. Adult Higher Education Alliance Proceedings (48th, Online and In-Person, March 13-15, 2024) (pp.28-36). https://eric.ed.gov/?q=Olesova&ff1=dtyIn_2024&id=ED660755 (**Student co-author)
  • dos Santos, A., Olesova, L., Vicentini, C., de Oliveira, L. (2023, May 1). ChatGPT in ELT: Writing affordances and activities. TESOL Connections. https://tcnewsletter.s3.amazonaws.com/newsmanager.commpartners.com/tesolc/issues/2023-05-01/2.html (**Student co-author)
  • Olesova, L., Sadaf, A., Kumar, S., Martin, F., Ritzhaupt, A.D., Bonk, C.J., Lowenthal, P., Snelson, C., Westine, C., & Sun, T. (2022). Reviews of research on online learners. In M. Simonson & D. Seepersaud (Eds.), 45th Annual Proceedings of AECT 2022 Convention, Selected Research and Development Papers (Volume 1, pp. 250-258). Las Vegas, NV. https://www.tresystems.com/proceedings/documents/2022_proceedings.pdf
  • Olesova, L., Sadaf, A., Kumar, S., Ozogul, G., Zhu, M., Moore, R.L., Miller, C., & Phillips, T.M. (2022). Cognitive presence in online courses: Design and facilitation of collaborative learning. In M. Simonson & D. Seepersaud (Eds.), 45th Annual Proceedings of AECT 2022 Convention, Selected Papers on the Practice of Educational Communications (Volume 2, pp. 684-693). Las Vegas, NV. https://www.tresystems.com/proceedings/documents/2022_proceedings.pdf