5/3/2024 - 5/3/2024
Presenters: Seth Fleischauer and Travis Moyer, Banyan Global Learning
A session designed to demystify AI and give educators the necessary tools to maximize efficiency, shift mindsets, and support student wellness through innovative and ethical use of AI.
Seth Fleischauer is the president of Banyan Global Learning, which he founded in 2008 after teaching elementary school via NYC Teaching Fellows. With Banyan, Seth helps schools leverage technology for teacher and student wellness, including with AI Literacy PD for teachers and live virtual programs for students. Seth's programs have reached more than 10,000 students on three continents and touched the lives of teachers and students globally. He is a frequent presenter at elite edtech conferences and the host of two podcasts: "Make It Mindful: An Education Podcast" and "Why Distance Learning?"
With a solid foundation in microbiology, Travis Moyer made a significant shift from lab research to high school science teaching, eagerly embracing the integration of technology into educational practices. At Banyan Global Learning, he started by crafting curriculum and teaching, quickly moving up to manage the elementary distance learning program. Amid the global pivot to virtual classrooms, Travis led the creation of projects focusing on Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and digital citizenship, prioritizing character education through virtual means.
Currently leading AI integration for K-12 teacher development at Banyan, Travis leverages Large Language Models (LLMs) to innovate professional learning content. He advocates for the transformative potential of AI and virtual learning environments in reshaping educational practices towards personalized and immersive learning experiences. With a dedication to the ethical deployment and comprehensive understanding of AI in education, Travis is guiding educators and students towards a future enriched by AI in daily learning.
Location: Zoom Meeting
5/10/2024 - 5/10/2024
Presenters: Sheila Fry, The Babb Group
This session is designed to empower participants with the skills and insights needed to elevate interaction in online discussions through the refinement of three key elements: crafting better questions, enhancing faculty involvement, and fostering inclusive expectations. Participants will explore effective question design strategies that stimulate critical thinking and encourage diverse perspectives. The workshop will delve into the role of faculty in facilitating meaningful discussions, offering practical tips for increased engagement and fostering a supportive online community. Additionally, the session will address the importance of setting inclusive expectations to create a welcoming space for all participants. By the end of the session, attendees will possess a comprehensive toolkit to enhance the vibrancy and inclusivity of online discussions, ultimately fostering a more enriching and collaborative learning environment.
Sheila Fry, MBA, and COO is an experienced educator with over 20 years of experience in teaching and curriculum development. She has facilitated a vast number of online classes in several disciplines ranging from math to business administration for both community colleges and universities. This diverse background, coupled with her connections to leaders at many institutions, informs her work as the COO of The Babb Group. At The Babb Group, Fry combines her corporate and education experiences to help institutions create engaging online learning programs that meet the needs of both learners and the organization. Fry manages course development, creating engaging learner experiences, managing instructional design projects, learning management system guidance, and curriculum analysis.
Location: Zoom Meeting
5/17/2024 - 5/17/2024
Presenters: Lisa Clark, Anthology
Join us for an enlightening webinar on "Teaching with AI: Squelching Fears, Saving Time, and Generating New Ideas." In this session, we'll explore how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing education by addressing some of the most common concerns, streamlining tasks, and sparking creativity in developing content and student engagement. Whether you're a seasoned educator or just dipping your toes into AI integration, this webinar will provide valuable insights and practical strategies to harness the power of AI in your teaching practice. Don't miss out on this opportunity to discover how AI can enhance your classroom experience and empower both you and your students.
Dr. Lisa Clark is a Senior Product Manager at Anthology, a leading provider of software solutions for the higher education sector. With over 20 years of experience in distance education, she is passionate about improving online learning outcomes and experiences for students and faculty. She holds an EdD in Higher Education Teaching & Learning from Gwynedd Mercy University, where she researched best practices for online course development and faculty preparedness.
In her current role, she is responsible for researching, collaborating on designs, and helping to deliver features within the Anthology Learn Ultra LMS, a cloud-based platform that offers engaging and pedagogically sound workflows. She works closely with development and design teams, as well as with global clients and partners, to optimize and integrate the LMS solutions. She also presents demonstrations and roadmap sessions and leads strategic discussions on various topics related to student success, online pedagogy, and innovation. Dr. Clark is a published researcher and a regular presenter at professional conferences on distance learning.
Location: Zoom Meeting
5/31/2024 - 5/31/2024
Presenters: Dr. Jeff Seaman, Dr. Nicole Johnson, and Dr. Julia Seaman
It's no secret there's considerable interest in the potential role Artificial Intelligence (AI) has to play in education. Some believe it will totally revamp how we teach, while others see it as a passing fad. Some predict minor changes to our education system, while still others are unsure of the impact AI will have, but remain very worried. The ongoing Digital Learning Pulse Survey project asked over 1,300 faculty, administrators, and trustees how they believed AI would impact their institution, where they expected any changes to occur, and if they thought their institution was ready. These results will be presented and discussed with time for audience questions and comments as part of a panel discussion.
The results are surprising. Respondents differ on how much impact they expect AI will have in the next five years, ranging from "massive" to "none," and differ on where they expect AI-derived changes to occur. One thing the overwhelming majority do agree on is that their institution is not prepared.
Location: Zoom Meeting
6/17/2024 - 6/20/2024
2024 USDLA National Conference and Award Ceremony
Dates: June 17th – 20th
The host location will be the Marriott St. Louis Grand
Join us in St. Louis at the Marriott Grand for our annual conference! Experience the vibrant, authentic spirit of St. Louis, Missouri with a prime downtown location near the St. Louis Zoo, City Museum, Busch Stadium, Ballpark Village, and the Gateway Arch. The downtown St. Louis hotel is a National Historic Landmark that was originally the Statler Hotel, an icon of the St. Louis skyline since the 1900s.
In between sessions you can relax in the guest rooms and suites featuring plush bedding, high-speed Wi-Fi and scenic downtown views. Attendees can also maintain their workout routine in the well-equipped fitness center. After USDLA sponsored activities, delight your palate with contemporary American cuisine and cocktails at the Zenia Bar & Grille restaurant.
The conference promises something for everyone:
- Keynote Addresses
- Conference Kickoff Party
- Pre-Conference Sessions
- Over 60 Concurrent Sessions
- Virtual Option for Select Sessions
- Multiple Keynotes from Industry Leaders
- International Awards Celebration
- Bill Jackson Memorial Walk/Run
- Night on the Town
- Public Policy Forum
- Closing Keynote Address
Our USDLA National Conference has long been an event where we mingle, discuss technology and learn from an audience broader than our own. Nothing can replace those live in-person interactions and conference feedback has always focused on those personal relationships made with one another.
For our 37th anniversary will be focusing on tracks that are in high demand as we continue to navigate both remote and in-person learning strategies. These tracks include:
- Micro-certifications
- Leadership tracks
- HyFlex Strategies for Success
- Student Engagement Techniques
- Professional Development for the Online Staff/Faculty
- Policy, Regulation and Governance in Distance Education
- Distance and Digital Leadership
- Ensuring Quality, Flexibility and Access (OER, Hyflex, and more)
- Innovative Techniques and Technologies
- Best Practices in Instructional Design and Learner Engagement
- Great IDEAs: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility
- What’s Next for Distance Education
Location: Marriott St. Louis Grand
800 Washington Ave
St. Louis, MO 63101
Please visit usdla.org/2024-national-conference/ for all up to date conference details
9/25/2024 - 9/25/2024
Please save the date for this special event on Public Policy and AI
Details will be added shortly.
Location: Zoom Meeting
11/4/2024 - 11/8/2024
Please save the date for the annual NDLW programming.
Details will be added shortly.
Location: Zoom Meeting
1/21/2025 - 1/24/2025
Please save the date for this special event on Public Policy event
Details will be added shortly.
Location: Zoom Meeting