Dr. Mark Douglas

• Position: Assistant Professor
• Department: Instructional Design and Technology
• Office Location: Building 85, Room 179
• mdouglas@uwf.edu
• Campus: 850.474.2308
• Personal UWF Website

Biography

After graduating from Florida State University with a bachelor’s degree in social science education, Dr. Mark Douglas began his career as a secondary social studies teacher, teaching history, geography, government, and creative writing. His experiences in the classroom sparked a continued interest in how people learn and how thoughtful instructional design can create meaningful learning experiences.

While teaching, Dr. Douglas continued his own educational journey at the University of West Florida, earning a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in secondary education and a specialist degree in educational research and administration. He later returned to UWF to earn his doctorate in Instructional Design and Technology, bringing together his experiences as an educator with his growing interest in instructional design, technology, and human performance.

Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Douglas became the first instructional designer at Gulf Coast State College in Panama City, Florida, where he supported faculty and programs in designing effective learning experiences and integrating technology into teaching and training.

Degrees & Institutions

• Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Instructional Design and Technology, University of West Florida
• Educational Specialist (Ed.S.), Educational Research and Administration, University of West Florida
• Master of Education (M.Ed.), Curriculum and Instruction in Secondary Education, University of West Florida
• Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Social Science Education, Florida State University

Research

Dr. Mark Douglas’s research explores how instructional design, emerging technologies, and innovative learning strategies can be used to create engaging learning experiences and improve learning and performance. His research interests include:

• Game-Based and Simulation-Based Learning: Designing engaging, experiential learning environments that support knowledge development, skill acquisition, and performance improvement.
• Artificial Intelligence in Education: Exploring the use of AI to enhance instructional design, personalize learning, support learners, and improve educational and training outcomes.
• Adaptive and Personalized Learning: Investigating how technology can adapt learning experiences to individual learner needs, abilities, and performance.
• Learning Analytics: Using learner data to better understand engagement, learning, and performance and inform instructional decision-making.
• Human Performance Technology: Applying instructional and non-instructional strategies to identify and address performance challenges in educational and workplace settings.
• Workforce Learning and Development: Designing technology-enhanced learning experiences that prepare individuals for evolving workplace demands and support organizational performance.
• Instructional Design and Emerging Technologies: Examining how instructional design theory and learning science can guide the thoughtful integration of emerging technologies into education and training.

Special Interests

Outside of his work in instructional design and technology, Dr. Mark Douglas is an author of middle-grade and young adult fiction. His writing reflects his interests in storytelling, history, adventure, and engaging young readers. He is the author of the Maddie Jones Mysteries, a series that combines history, mystery, and adventure for young readers. Through his writing, Dr. Douglas enjoys creating stories that spark curiosity, encourage imagination, and inspire young people to discover the power of storytelling.

Publications

Douglas, M. E. (2022). Exploration of at-risk students’ experiences and engagement with game-based learning. [Doctoral dissertation, University of West Florida]. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global.

Douglas, M. E. (2013). Citizenship education & the development of moral individuals and active citizens. [Action research, University of West Florida].

Douglas, M. E. (pending). Game-based learning and at-risk students.

Douglas, M. E. (pending). Flow theory and classroom engagement.

See full list in CV, above.