Joan Thormann, Ph.D., is a professor in the department of Educational Technology at Lesley University. Since 1996, she has been developing and teaching courses online. Her recent research has focused on examining online teaching strategies such as using synchronous conferencing and student moderating to build learning communities and engender greater student ownership of the learning process. She is also investigating the efficacy of incorporating Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in online courses to support all students. Professor Thormann has served on many advisory boards and presented at over 100 conferences nationally and internationally. She edits a column on technology and special needs for Learning and Leading with Technology. In addition to numerous published articles, she has co-authored books about technology and education.