Penn State’s online faculty are innovators who redefine what’s possible in teaching and learning.
Anna Divinsky is one of the faculty members, and she is breaking down barriers to make art education accessible and engaging for online learners.
Divinsky is an associate teaching professor of integrative arts from Penn State’s College of Arts and Architecture and teaches art online through Penn State World Campus.
Traditionally, art courses rely on in-person studio environments, but Divinsky has transformed this model through technology-driven strategies, immersive virtual spaces, and a strong focus on community. She wants students to experience the creativity, collaboration, and critique that define studio art — no matter where they are.
With two decades of experience, Divinsky has pioneered initiatives such as Penn State’s first Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), interactive engagement opportunities, and a virtual museum for student artwork. Her work blends artistry and innovation, creating opportunities for learners to connect, experiment, and thrive in digital spaces. She aims to replicate the energy of a studio virtually through critiques, peer feedback, and immersive spaces.
Divinsky serves as the program coordinator for the Undergraduate Certificate in Digital Arts and the Bachelor of Design in Digital Multimedia Design (DMD) programs, both offered online through Penn State World Campus. In this role, she works closely with students and faculty to provide a high-quality, engaging learning experience.
Divinsky connects with students through one-on-one meetings, mid-course surveys, and ongoing communication, while also mentoring faculty by co-hosting meetings and sharing best practices. Her leadership focuses on fostering community, supporting student success, and creating innovative opportunities for collaboration across courses.
Read about Divinsky’s passion for teaching art online in the Q&A below.
How does your teaching philosophy shape student learning?
My philosophy centers on creating community and building individual connections as catalysts for effective learning. I apply the Universal Design for Learning framework and use technology to replicate an in-person studio environment in asynchronous courses. Student-centered learning is essential — I strive to accommodate diverse learning styles, encourage self-reflection, and give students autonomy to connect course material to their life experiences.
What I enjoy most is getting to know the diversity of students who take online courses. I love learning about them through their artwork and writing and seeing them grow as they progress through my course and complete their digital arts certificates or digital multimedia design degrees.
What strategies do you use to help online art students succeed and stay engaged?
Building community is the most powerful way I can support online learners. I strive to be active and present throughout the course so students feel heard, mentored, and motivated. My goal is for them to see me as an ally they can always reach out to. This commitment is demonstrated in my syllabus, weekly announcements, assignment directions, Zoom orientations, and personalized written and audio feedback. I also offer optional synchronous critique sessions and encourage students to schedule one-on-one meetings whenever they need help.
Peer feedback is another key component — students review each other’s work for every assignment, creating an additional layer of support and connection.
Here’s what students have said about their experience:
- “The design of the course and inclusive online art gallery created a wonderful experience.”
- “Professor Divinsky provided a safe place for us to be our authentic selves.”
- “Your help this semester was beyond appreciated … The writing component was key for me.”
Beyond the virtual classroom, I create opportunities for students to connect through events and projects:
- Center for Pedagogy in Arts and Design Open House (CPAD): In the fall of 2025, students from the digital multimedia design program showcased their multimedia art installations. One student presented an interactive environment that created an impression, maximizing the idea of “re-enchantment” through the older style of animation she strives to resuscitate digitally. Another student presented an immersive collage and an augmented reality installation.
- AI quilt-making events: At CPAD’s Fall 2024 Open House and the Spring 2025 Teaching and Learning with Technology Symposium, participants used guided AI prompts to reflect on heritage and create personalized textile swatches for a collaborative quilt installation. These projects demonstrate how generative AI can foster creativity and community while offering interdisciplinary applications for project-based learning.
- Nest, a digital exhibit by students in Art 10: Introduction to Visual Studies: In spring 2024, students in Art 10: Introduction to Visual Studies created handmade nests using repurposed materials for a sustainability-themed assignment. Their work was featured in a digital exhibit at the Palmer Museum of Art’s Sustainability Expo, exploring themes of home, community, and refuge while connecting artmaking to environmental awareness.
These experiences help students see themselves as part of a creative, supportive network — both online and on Penn State’s campus.
What are some experiential learning projects you’ve designed for online art courses?
I’ve developed numerous projects that give students hands-on, creative experiences while building community. In 2013, I re-created Art 10: Introduction to Visual Studies as Penn State’s first Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on Coursera, offering course materials — including an iBook, videos, apps, and creative activities — to tens of thousands of learners worldwide. This was at a time when open educational resources were still new, and it helped transform access to art education.
In 2022, as a Teaching and Learning with Technology Faculty Fellow, I explored ways to foster community through virtual exhibitions and critiques using Spatial.io, a platform that allows students to create personalized 3D spaces and avatars. This immersive approach had a monumental impact on the quality of student work and engagement.
Most recently, I’ve been collaborating with the Center for Immersive Experiences to design a custom virtual museum for Art 10. This space enables students to exhibit their artwork, upload writing, and provide synchronous and asynchronous feedback — replicating the experience of an in-person gallery in a fully online environment. These projects not only teach art but also introduce students to emerging technologies, preparing them for creative work in digital spaces.
What accomplishments in online art education are you most proud of, and why?
I’m proud of the ways I’ve been able to innovate and expand access to art education.
One highlight was creating Penn State’s first MOOC based on Art 10: Introduction to Visual Studies, which reached tens of thousands of learners and helped position Penn State as a leader in open educational resources. More recently, I served as a Teaching and Learning with Technology Faculty Fellow from 2022 to 2024, where I explored immersive platforms like Spatial.io to create virtual spaces for student exhibitions and critiques.
Receiving the Teaching and Learning with Technology Impact Award in 2024 was an incredible honor — it recognizes faculty who transform education through technology. I’ve also secured multiple Opportunity Grants to fund projects like the development of a custom virtual museum for Art 10 in collaboration with the Center for Immersive Experiences. This museum allows students to showcase their artwork and provide feedback in an interactive environment that mirrors an in-person gallery. Now we are working on the next version of the virtual museum, which will be designed by Michael Collins, associate teaching professor of art and the digital multimedia design program’s curriculum coordinator. Alongside these achievements, being promoted to Associate Teaching Professor and serving on the Teaching and Learning Technologies Faculty Advisory Committee have been meaningful milestones in my career.
Inside the virtual museum
- What it is: A custom immersive space for Art 10 students to exhibit artwork, upload writing, and give feedback.
- Why it matters: Replicates the experience of an in-person gallery for online learners.
- Tech behind it: Built-in collaboration with Penn State’s Center for Immersive Experiences using Unity.
- Future plans: Expand to other courses and interdisciplinary collaborations.
Can you share inspiring student success stories from your online art classes?
I recall a student who was both an artist and an adult learner returning to school. He expressed deep gratitude to me for my support throughout the semester, noting that timely assistance and open communication made a significant difference — so much so that without it, he might have dropped all of his classes.
The student wrote: “Your help throughout the semester was beyond appreciated. Knowing you were there to help us students in a timely, supportive manner made coming to you for help much easier.”
Who has helped you be a successful art educator?
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Office of Digital Learning, Integrative Arts, the Penn State College of Arts and Architecture and the School of Visual Arts, Teaching and Learning with Technology, the Office of the President and the Senior Vice President for Research, the Center for Immersive Experiences, Penn State World Campus, the Center for Pedagogy in Arts and Design, and the Sustainable Communities Collaborative.
I especially want to thank colleagues Gary Chinn, Chris Stubbs, Brendan Berthold, Bill Rose, and Michael Collins for their support, collaboration, and inspiration. The contributions of these units and individuals have significantly impacted my work at Penn State and continue to motivate and inspire me.
Helping students thrive — one creative journey at a time
Anna Divinsky’s work demonstrates how technology and creativity can come together to create meaningful, inclusive learning experiences. Her dedication to building community and fostering engagement ensures that students don’t just learn — they thrive.
Learn more about the online digital arts and design programs offered through Penn State World Campus.
