The pandemic forced educational institutions to rely more on distance learning than ever before. Although much of the instruction was equivalent, some was not. So why are some digital learning experiences considerably more engaging? The popularity of gaming technology has shown that if the core of the instruction is taught in a novel manner that the learning experience becomes inherently engaging. Key concepts then become incidental learning occurring in another context which drives the learning. Just as a reader determines what book to choose by reading its abstract, the digital instruction should captivate leaners by appealing to that which they are predisposed and focusing on the experience instead of the training task. Myriad tools are used in digital learning to heighten the experience including simulation, gaming, video podcasts, etc. In most instances, however, they are additions but not a part of the experience. Their incorporation into the instructional flow requires the development of teaching strategies that compel the student to complete the instructional program. Teaching strategies examined include, project-based learning, digital storytelling, themes, and gaming, all of which act as a diverse family of instructional strategies that seamlessly link the learning of academic content by focusing teaching and learning on concrete applications in a specific context.