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2025 USDLA National Conference

Welcome to St Louis! All times listed below are Central Standard Time.
This schedule was last updated 01/12/2025
Tuesday, June 17, 2025  11:00pm - 3:00pm
Virtual Conference Day 1
Zoom link will be sent to the email address you used to register for the conference at least 48 hours prior to the event.

12:00 pm - 12:30 pm ET | 11:00 am - 11:30 am CT Welcome and Conference Orientation
12:30 pm - 1:15 pm ET | 11:30am - 12:15 pm CT Using Conversation Protocols to Engage All Learners with Natalie Berger
1:30 pm - 2:15 pm | 12:30 pm - 1:15 pm CT From Reactive to Proactive Accessibility: Practical and Scalable Considerations for Every Organization with Carli Cockrell
2:30 pm - 3:15 pm | 1:30 pm - 2:15 pm CT Distance and Digital Education Leadership and Best Practices in Instructional Design and Learner Engagement with Emily Mulvihill
Distance and Digital Education Leadership and Best Practices in Instructional Design and Learner Engagement
Emily Mulvihill
CSU Pueblo 
In this concurrent session, K-20 educators will learn more about best practices of building an online program from the ground up. The focus will be best practices in learner engagement and instructional design as well as a focus on recruiting and retaining students through relationship building and leadership.
From Reactive to Proactive Accessibility: Practical and Scalable Considerations for Every Organization
Carli Cockrell
Moodle 
Accessibility is a journey, and not a sprint. It takes time to build a framework that works for your school or organization, and it is most successful when there is a shared commitment across all levels of the organization to build a proactive accessibility community. How does an organization get started on their journey to proactive accessibility? In this session, we will explore how reactive accessibility happens and the impact to digital learners, and how organizations can use organizational policy, awareness and training campaigns, accessibility guidelines, technology tools, and course reviews to move from reactive accessibility to proactive accessibility practices. You don't have to hold a specific job title, know how to code, or have lived experience in disability to be an accessibility champion in your organization!
Using Conversation Protocols to Engage All Learners
Natalie Berger
Virtual Learning Academy Charter School 
Julie Moore 
Kennesaw State University 
How do you keep learners engaged in meaningful discussion and work during synchronous sessions? Protocols are conversation structures that provide focus, meaning, and a process for examining work, exploring texts, engaging with dilemmas, and building community. Conversation protocols have been used in K-12 teacher professional development to support professional learning communities for several decades. Protocols offer a series of steps and guidelines that groups can follow to structure a conversation in order to meet a particular goal. Protocols contain, on average, four to eight defined steps, and many of them provide time frames for each of the steps. A facilitator leads the group through the protocol steps and ensures that the group stays within the given structure.

This interactive session will explore the use of conversation protocols in synchronous (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet) environments. In this session, participants will engage in a virtual conversation protocol, reflect on the experience, learn about the types of protocols and how they can be used, and consider implications for their own work. In addition, tips and resources for using protocols in both synchronous and asynchronous virtual settings will be shared.
Wednesday, June 18, 2025  11:00am - 4:30pm
Virtual Conference Day 2
Zoom link will be sent to the email address you used to register for the conference at least 48 hours prior to the event.
 
12:00 pm - 12:30 pm ET | 11:00 am - 11:30am CT Welcome and Announcements
12:30 pm - 1:15 pm ET | 11:30 am - 12:15 pm CT Leveraging Generative AI Tools for Course Materials Accessibility with Mounika Reddy Ragula
1:30 pm - 2:15 pm ET | 12:30pm - 1:15 pm CT Community, Collaboration & Consistency! with Shahla Hockensmith
2:30 pm - 3:15 pm ET | 1:30 pm - 2:15pm CT Big League Digital Badging: A Home Run Success Strategy with Charlotte Russell Cox and Larrisha McGill-Youngblood 
3:30 pm - 4:15 pm | 2:30 pm - 3:15 pm CT Exploring AI and its Resources for Students with Disabilities in a Virtual Learning Environment with Rhonda Wakelyn
Big League Digital Badging: A Home Run Success Strategy
Charlotte Russell Cox
North Carolina Central University 
Larrisha McGill-Youngblood 
North Carolina Central University 
This session will explore the strategic implementation of digital badges using two leading platforms: Credly and Canvas badges. Through a comprehensive comparison and real-world application examples, we will demonstrate how these platforms create a powerful ecosystem for recognizing both student and faculty accomplishments.

Our session will examine the unique features and benefits of each platform, highlighting how they serve different yet complementary purposes in our academic environment. We will showcase how Canvas badges has the capabilities to track and award student achievements. Additionally, the session will focus on Credly's industry-recognized platform and how digital badges elevate professional development for faculty members.

Whether you are new to digital badging or looking to enhance your existing program, this session provides practical insights. The session will highlight how to leverage both Credly and Canvas badges to create a comprehensive digital credentialing strategy that benefits your entire academic community that serves students and faculty.
Community, Collaboration & Consistency!
Shahla Hockensmith
Strike School 
Learn about tools, processes, and techniques to help build community, increase collaboration, and nail down consistency. Strike School has successfully implemented these practices in its thriving, nationwide, 100% virtual school model. I will show you how to use Google tools and automated processes in a school environment, whether in a school building or online, to experience: easier, smoother & faster processes; less paperwork to slow you down; organization and management of information; seamless automation of essential tasks; effective and fast communication; efficient collaboration among staff; and accurate records for compliance and audits.
Exploring AI and its Resources for Students with Disabilities in a Virtual Learning Environment
Rhonda Wakelyn
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences 
We will look at current available tools and their use in an accessible learning environment. We will also examine the use of the tools in consideration of educational and learning pedagogies. Bring your thoughts, ideas, and questions as we explore the use of AI for students with disabilities in this thought-provoking and interactive session for educators of any experience level! This session is perfect for educators of all levels including K-12, and higher education who wish to explore the use of AI in innovative ways to make their virtual and distance learning environments more inclusive for students with disabilities.
Leveraging Generative AI Tools for Course Materials Accessibility
Mounika Reddy Ragula
Le Moyne College 
This facilitated discussion will explore the use of various generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools aimed at enhancing the accessibility of course materials. The facilitator will demonstrate the application of a specific GenAI tool designed to make instructional materials more accessible. A specific example of utilizing a GenAI tool to enhance the accessibility of poetry will be provided. The guided discussion will focus on the rationale for document remediation, the opportunities offered by generative AI tools, the strategies employed, the outcomes achieved, and the lessons learned throughout the process.
Monday, June 23, 2025  11:00am - 5:00pm
Registration
Monday, June 23, 2025  1:00pm - 4:00pm
3-Hour Pre-conference Workshop
The T2 Countdown: What You Need to Know About ADA Web Accessibility Guidance: You Only Have 9 Months to Comply!
Ray Rose
Mary Rice 
Why the timeline? Qualified persons are not protected from discrimination based on disability when trying to access public facilities or web-based programs and services, including access to educational institutions. Historically, accessibility has been framed in public policy with reference to physical settings (e.g., ramps, elevators), yet we are living in a digital world where many opportunities in educational institutions come from being able to access, use, and learn from digital materials., In the Spring of 2024 there was an update to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act whereby all web-based materials and mobile apps in public programs—including public educational institutions—must meet WCAG 2.1 AA, which are an internationally recognized set of web accessibility guidelines. The rule set a deadline for compliance in either two or three years based on the population of the area served. In this presentation, we will share more about WCAG as an organization, what the Levels A, AA, and even AAA are, and then help attendees plan timelines for how to meet the standards over the next several months. The goal will be to help attendees determine the scope of the material that they have in their institution; identify who in the community should be identified to be working on compliance, and then prioritize for success. Moreover, we will discuss long-term planning not just for thinking about digital material that already developed, but how to move forward to make digital instructional materials accessible from the outset.
Monday, June 23, 2025  1:15pm - 2:30pm
Pre-Conference Workshop Sessions #1
Human in the Loop Still Needed! The Generative AI Blind Spot
Myra Roldan
UnDesto AI 
In this interactive 45-minute workshop, we will get into the critical aspects of AI ethics and security, emphasizing your role of human oversight. This session is designed to provide practical insights and hands-on activities to uncover and mitigate the inherent biases in Generative AI, the necessity of human intervention, and the importance of data diversity, security.
Teching Autism: Leveraging AI to Increase Social Engagement in ASD Learners
Tish Gallon
TLC Life Plans/CDC 
Tye Wade 
This interactive workshop will explore the exciting potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize the education and social development of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Through engaging discussion participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of AI concepts and their application in supporting ASD learners.

Participants will discover AI-powered tools and technologies that can enhance social skills, communication abilities, and emotional intelligence. Learn how to effectively integrate these tools into the classroom or work environment to create engaging learning experiences. This workshop will provide valuable insights and practical strategies to empower educators and leaders to harness the power of AI for the benefit of their stakeholders.
Monday, June 23, 2025  2:45pm - 4:00pm
Pre-Conference Workshop Sessions #2
Start the Podcast! A low-cost, efficient, portable, and personalized way to deliver learning
Betty Dannewitz
ifyouaskbetty LLC 
Podcasting is an effective way to provide and consume self-paced, personalized training and development content, largely because its efficient and portable content fits easily into our busy lives. In this session, you will learn strategies to design, develop, and publish your very own podcast on any budget (even zero).
Stepping up to the plate: Facing the Age of AI head-on, integrating AI tools into the instructional design process
Frances Keefe
University of New Hampshire 
In less than five years, artificial intelligence has transformed how we think about designing and delivering learning experiences. This interactive workshop will explore integrating AI tools into the instructional design process. Participants will engage in hands-on activities to familiarize themselves with these technologies. Participants will leave the session with new strategies to enhance their instructional design best practices using new AI tools.
Learning Objectives:
1. Examine the role of AI in the instructional design process.
2. Explore various AI tools and technologies that can be integrated into the ID process.
3. Strengthen practical skills using AI tools through a series of hands-on activities.
4. Create an AI-enhanced instructional design plan for a specific learning scenario.
Monday, June 23, 2025  6:00pm - 7:30pm
Opening Reception
Tuesday, June 24, 2025  6:30am - 7:15am
Morning Stretch - Yoga
Tuesday, June 24, 2025  7:00am - 4:00pm
Registration
Tuesday, June 24, 2025  8:00am - 9:00am
Breakfast
Tuesday, June 24, 2025  8:45am - 9:00am
Opening Remarks
Tuesday, June 24, 2025  9:00am - 9:45am
Opening Keynote - Joe Sallustio
Commencement – A New Era in Higher Education Update, Joe Sallustio, Vice President, Industry Engagement at Ellucian and Co-Author of Commencement - Colleges and universities that provide millions of degree and non-degree credentials each year are a vital backbone of communities and economies. These institutions elevate the critical-thinking capacities of students and learners, and they provide crucial job skills and life skills to emerging workforces. But the skills we need, the ways in which we collaborate, and the very jobs available to graduates are changing. It’s time for higher education to start anew. It’s time for Commencement into a new era. Join us for a detailed insight into Joe’s new book and how you can help to seize the moment to change higher education forever.
Tuesday, June 24, 2025  10:00am - 10:45am
Concurrent Sessions #1
5 Steps to Digital Fluency: Preparing & Supporting Online Learners
Lindsey Barclay
Prince George's Community College 
Fred Scott 
Innovative Educators 
Fewer than half of incoming college students feel prepared for online learning—despite rapidly growing enrollment in digital programs. As institutions expand virtual offerings, closing the student readiness gap is critical. This session introduces a 5-step model to build digital fluency and better prepare students for success. Presenters will share how Prince George’s Community College redesigned its online orientation into a robust, revisitable onboarding experience that fosters connection, engagement, and skill-building. Discover practical strategies and scalable tools that equip learners with the confidence and resources they need to thrive in online environments.
Bridging Perspectives: Collaborating with Stakeholders to Adopt Inclusive Design Models in Distance Learning
Rebecca Reese
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design 
Creating inclusive distance learning environments requires collaboration across a diverse group of stakeholders, including faculty, instructional designers, administrators, and learners. However, aligning these perspectives to implement a more inclusive design model often presents challenges. This facilitated discussion will explore strategies for effectively working with stakeholders to adopt and implement inclusive design frameworks, such as Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Participants will engage in conversations about overcoming barriers, building buy-in, and fostering cross-disciplinary partnerships to create learning environments that work for everyone.
Overcoming Resistance to Structured Course Design
Ana Emlinger
Endicott College 
Many faculty members, particularly those concerned with academic freedom, often resist the idea of using templates in online course design. This presentation will explore how standardized online course templates can improve the quality of online courses while addressing challenges such as faculty buy-in and resistance to structured design. Strategies for effective implementation, including early faculty involvement will be addressed, and benefits for students and faculty by allowing flexibility in templates and a way to save time will be presented. Basic best practices in online teaching, as shown in the model, and the benefits of incorporating these practices into course design, not only for individual students, but for the institution as a whole will also be highlighted. Participants will learn about the importance of a consistent structure in the design of an online course and the value of following a step-by-step approach to overcome resistance and successfully implement the model throughout the institution, while respecting instructional autonomy.
Put Me in Coach: Gamified Storytelling Experiences to Foster Experiential Learning and Authentic Assessment
Stoney Gaddy
Tulane University School of Professional Advancement 
As Yogi Berra stated, "In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice - in practice there is". The session will start off showcasing Tulane University's Learning Experience Design (LXD) graduate certificate's immersive experience with their faux entity, The Lunate Institute. Students in the LXD program 'faux' work for The Lunate Institute (Tulane anagram) where they are placed in various scenarios to learn, plan, design, solve problems, and seize opportunities as they complete real-world projects (assessments) that culminate into a career-ready portfolio. The Lunate Institute has a cast of characters that permeate the program courses where students become familiar with the characters, their roles, and their quirks. We'll then dive into the world-building process of how we designed the faux entity, the realistic scenarios we wanted in the learning experience, the use of AI to assist in scenarios and case generation, and the deliverables (assessments) students are to complete. We'll also explore strategies that ensure students aren't creating everything from scratch to ensure an appropriate workload. Lastly, we'll take a 10,000 ft. view of how we mapped the entire curriculum to make sure that we are assessing and meeting all program learning outcomes in the right sequence.
The Value of SARA: Cost Savings and Compliance
Emilie Crawford
NC-SARA 
State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA) is an agreement amongst member states, districts, and territories that establishes comparable national standards and streamlines regulations, fees, and approvals for institutions offering interstate distance education programs. More than 2,400 institutions in 49 member states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands all voluntarily participate in SARA. The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) is a private nonprofit organization that works in partnership with the four regional compacts to coordinate the implementation of SARA nationally. This session will focus on how SARA helps participating institutions reduce compliance costs, highlight resources to help you stay in compliance, data that can support resource and management strategies, and updates on changes at the federal level impacting SARA. We will begin with an overview of the SARA landscape and move to SARA cost savings and data resources, share information on compliance resources, and provide updates on changes at the federal level that could impact SARA. We'll share information on tools and resources that NC-SARA provides to help institutions manage their SARA compliance including: -a Professional Licensure Directory with contact information for five postsecondary programs that lead to a professional license (counseling, nursing, psychology, social work, teacher education). -the SARA Learning Station as a one-stop shop to access NC-SARA's resources for learning about SARA. - The State Authorization Guide, a collection of state laws, regulations, and requirements for institutions serving out-of-state students.
Transformative Instruction: Connecting Malcolm Knowles Andragogy with Teaching Adults Online
Kevin Doran
University of Southern Maine 
Connecting with online students is critical and is imperative for learning to occur. This interactive session will explore challenges and opportunities for connecting with online learners in ways that support transformative learning. We will collaboratively explore Malcolm Knowles's assumptions on andragogy and Parker Palmer's work on instructor identification, identify specific needs of adult learners, and then connect this information to today's online learning environment. Once adult learner needs are identified, we will shift gears and examine current research and practical strategies for making deep and lasting connections with online students. Not only is it possible to make strong online connections with students, but it is imperative that we, as educators, trainers, instructors, and learning designers, implement instructional strategies that result in deep learning. As a result of attending this session, participants will gain insights into the needs of adult learners, understand the challenges and opportunities of teaching and learning online, understand the characteristics of successful online instructors, be exposed to current research on connecting with online students, and have new strategies to connect with online students - starting the next day!
Tuesday, June 24, 2025  11:00am - 11:45am
Concurrent Sessions #2
An Approach to Help Achieve Faculty Work/Life Balance
Jacquelyn Cato
Instructional Connections, LLC 
Online access to higher ed has risen drastically in recent years, but despite the positive aspects of online learning, there are also challenges. One of educators' most significant challenges is engaging students in online learning environments, while still maintaining work/life balance, as online education can seem like a 24/7 job! This poster session will equip attendees with strategies for enhanced work/life balance, improved student success, and explain the benefits of faculty support.
Contextual AI: Discipline-Specific Approaches to Digital Learning
Lauren Hays
University of Central Missouri 
The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) presents both unprecedented opportunities and critical challenges for online education. This presentation explores strategic, ethical, and pedagogically sound approaches to incorporating AI technologies into distance learning environments.

Specifically, effective AI integration in higher education demands a nuanced, discipline-specific approach that honors the unique epistemological foundations and intellectual practices of each academic domain. This presentation will explore how AI can be strategically implemented across diverse fields of study, recognizing that disciplinary contexts profoundly shape the most meaningful and ethical uses of AI. By examining discipline-specific examples-from data analysis in the sciences to textual interpretation in the humanities, from complex problem-solving in engineering to case-based reasoning in social sciences-participants will develop a sophisticated understanding of how AI can enhance, rather than replace, discipline-specific ways of knowing and learning in an online learning environment.

Ultimately, this presentation will synthesize insights into emerging AI technologies, offering practical, discipline-specific strategies for thoughtful technological integration that preserves and enhances the unique values and learning goals of various academic fields. By providing concrete examples, this session aims to empower educators and educational developers to integrate AI thoughtfully and effectively into online learning environments.
Designing courses for students with learning differences
Chuck sengstock
Landmark College 
Students with learning differences (LD), including ADHD, autism, executive function challenges, or a learning disability such as dyslexia, often struggle with traditional online learning. LC Online is different. Students with LD succeed. Why? Our online courses are designed differently based on research and approaches we have used for many years on campus and in our unique online offerings.
Engaging Hearts and Minds: How a Fandom Models Collaborative Learning
Rina Dakanay
American College of Education 
Can Fandom Communities be regarded as educational spaces? As models of collaborative learning? In this example, the BTS ARMY fandom, the fandom associated with the South Korean music group BTS, serves as a model for collaborative learning extending beyond social media and digital storytelling. This session presents the skills gained and perceptions of collaboration and learning of U.S. faculty who participated in a basic qualitative study. The same faculty participants were part of the BTS ARMY fandom. This study uncovered the elements of collaborative learning that shape a framework for higher education that integrates pathways involving inclusion, joy, learning, healing, and confidence. We will discuss how the BTS ARMY model can be applied to inform a framework for social media and digital storytelling based on fandom to support collaborative learning.
Home Run Lessons: Engaging Students with Digital Escape Rooms
Debra Luken
University of Central Florida 
Are you looking to boost engagement in your online course? Hit a home run by creating a digital escape room! Learn about simple and cost-effective ways you can customize them to your content. In this session, you'll learn key tips for developing a digital escape room, get helpful resources and suggestions, and explore examples of different tools, including AI.
Tuesday, June 24, 2025  12:00pm - 1:00pm
Lunch
Tuesday, June 24, 2025  1:00pm - 1:45pm
Keynote - Dustin York
Personal Branding: How to hit it out of the park!, Dustin York, Adjunct Professor at the University of Florida

Dr. Dustin York is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Florida and will appear at the USDLA conference through the generous support of UF CJC Online. Prior to entering academia, Dr. York worked in branding for the 2008 Obama Presidential campaign and agency clients like Pepsi Co. and Nike. Dr. York’s specialties include digital branding and leadership branding, which he now brings to life in the classroom. Beyond his primary passion for teaching, Dr. York is a subject matter expert for CNN, Entrepreneur.com, and Forbes, a contributor for Harvard Business Review, and serves as a national keynote speaker and trainer. Dr. York is an American Marketing Association 4 Under 40 Awardee, an Edtech top 30 Education Tech Influencer, and an Apple Distinguished Educator.
Tuesday, June 24, 2025  2:00pm - 2:45pm
Concurrent Sessions #3
A holistic approach to course quality management
Wendy Pate
Stevens Institute of Technology 
Many developers of digital learning use a framework to develop their courses using best practices such as OSCQR, OLC Scorecard, Quality Matters, etc. How many then monitor everything about the courses as they are run – teacher satisfaction, student satisfaction, instructor course load, on-campus vs online versions of the course, components of the course, etc. To monitor courses after they are developed, Stevens has created what we call Program Director meetings. We schedule these at a minimum of once per year with each program director. We present the enrollment numbers (breakdown of FT Grad, PT Grad, FT UGrad, and PT UGrad), number of course sections each instructor is teaching each semester, end-of-course survey results for ALL courses (online, on campus, and corporate) including the student written comments, overall observations, course by course observations, kudos for creative ideas, easy to implement recommendations, a map of each course activities, recommendations of new tools and technologies that could be implemented and a link to their program as it is posted on the external facing webpages that potential students are viewing.

Stevens has been running online courses since 2004 and has more than 250 individual courses available to be run each semester. This means we have many online courses that come up for review every semester. Since we don't have a team of instructional designers, much of the course redesign is put back on the instructors. The presentation we give to the program directors allows them to decide which courses need the most modifications, which courses need cosmetic changes (adding instructor information to the homepage, etc.), which courses are run differently when taught by two different instructors, and how an on-campus course fairs against the same course taught online.
Discover your personal brand with LEGO Serious Play.
Kevin Thorn
NuggetHead Studioz, LLC. 
Discover the power of personal branding through an engaging, hands-on session using LEGO® Serious Play® methodologies. This dynamic activity invites participants to build, reflect, and share their unique stories and aspirations. By combining the creativity of LEGO building with structured storytelling techniques, attendees will gain deeper insights into their personal values, strengths, and professional identity. Whether you're looking to refine your personal brand, enhance your leadership presence, or simply unlock fresh perspectives, this session offers a fun and impactful way to articulate who you are and what sets you apart in today's competitive landscape.
Hitting a Home Run: Bringing Lab and Data Science to Rural Students using distance learning tools
Rebecca Reynolds
UT Health Science Center 
Marcia Sharp 
UTHSC 
Sim Taylor 
Jacen Moore 
Keisha Brooks 
This session will provide an overview of how subject matter expert faculty stepped up to the plate and delivered a hands-on training opportunity in laboratory and data science to school-aged participants at a rural library using Zoom. We will provide examples of how to "hit it out of the park" with an activity suitable for K-12 students and teachers. Our session will demonstrate how to provide hands-on STEM activities to participants at a distance site. We will share or lessons learned as well as a lesson plan and supply list so you could partner with subject matter expert faculty to provide a similar experience. We will outline how you can swing for the fences with a similar activity using distance education technology.
Keep Online Students in Your Course with UDL Engagement Strategies
Emily Franklin
University of Central Florida 
How many of your online students are ghosting your course? A common concern in online education is low student engagement, where learners interact minimally with content and peers. This session explores how CAST's (2024) Universal Design for Learning (UDL) guidelines can improve course design to foster inclusive, equitable engagement and sustained participation.

This session offers practical solutions focusing on three considerations in CAST's UDL guidelines for engagement:
1. Nurture joy and play with interactive activities like quiz games.
2. Foster community and collaboration, for example by using tools for shared annotations and discussion boards.
3. Offer optimal support such as supplemental resources and peer guidance.

The session will begin with a brief overview of engagement challenges, and participants will engage in polls to provide feedback on their perception of student engagement and awareness of UDL engagement strategies. Participants will see actionable examples of UDL-aligned tactics to implement in online courses to incorporate fun, community, and support, complete with design tips and recommended tools (e.g., Wordwall, Hypothesis, Padlet).

Participants will brainstorm their own engagement tactics in small groups, discussing pros and cons of each. They will develop a feasible plan to implement one strategy to apply a tactic for fun, collaboration/community, or support into their courses. The plan will include tools, timelines, and success metrics, and groups will be able to share their ideas for feedback.
Participants will leave with a list of UDL-based tactics to encourage fun, community, and support, as well as a more specific strategy to implement one UDL engagement activity/tactic in their course.
Regulatory Curveballs: Can Your Institution Legally Offer Licensure Programs?
Kathryn Kerensky
State Authorization Network (SAN) 
Jana Walser-Smith 
State Authorization Network (SAN) 
Are you confident that your institution is meeting state and federal requirements for professional licensure programs? With the evolving regulatory landscape, understanding compliance expectations is essential to ensuring your programs remain accessible and reputable. This session will provide an overview of current requirements, including federal regulations and state-specific mandates, that institutions must follow when offering programs designed to lead to professional licensure.

We will explore critical compliance scenarios, such as when disclosures must be made to enrolled and prospective students, the appropriate use of the attestation option, and engaging key stakeholders within your institution to determine if a program meets requirements. If a licensure program does not meet a state's educational requirements for licensure, institutions are prohibited from offering the program to students located in that state.

We will discuss navigating this process, handling conflicting or unclear requirements, and maintaining clear, timely communication with students. We will share practical strategies from implementing to streamlining licensure program management. Attendees will leave equipped with a clearer understanding of institutional responsibilities and actionable ideas to maintain compliance while supporting student success.

Join us to ensure your institution stays 'in the game' and meets professional licensure requirements with confidence.
Tuesday, June 24, 2025  3:00pm - 3:45pm
Concurrent Sessions #4
Delivering Better Courses Through Video Engagement
Dr. Brian Ward
Pensacola State College 
This presentation will demonstrate how videos can be used to enhance discussion assignment efficacy as well as provide enhanced instruction to students on specific course topics. Participants will be provided with considerations regarding how to create strategically aligned discussions, and then deliver video-based feedback for discussion board assignments as well as strategies to use videos as effective teaching tools to supplement other course tools, such as lectures and course reading. This approach is an improvement on the traditional online assignment paradigm and better suited for today's digital learners.
From Chalk to Chatbots: Enhancing Instructional Design with Generative AI
James Moore
DePaul University 
As AI-generated content becomes increasingly accessible, educators stand at the threshold of a new era in teaching and learning. This session offers a friendly, hands-on introduction to incorporating generative AI into educational practice. Participants will explore how AI tools can streamline lesson planning, differentiate instruction, and enrich feedback, while addressing ethical considerations such as academic integrity and student privacy. With real-world examples and interactive demonstrations, the session empowers educators to confidently integrate generative AI into their courses-enhancing efficiency, creativity, and the overall learning experience.
Harnessing The Power of PBS LearningMedia: Your Free Resource for Engaging Distance Learning
Tiffany Morgan
State of Iowa/Iowa PBS 
Did you know PBS LearningMedia provides access to free standards-aligned, vetted digital resources for your PK-20 online or hybrid learning students? Come learn how you can access this vast and growing collection of digital resources for teachers and learners from PBS stations and partners from across the nation.
Learning Autobiographies: Fostering Self-Reflection and Goal Setting Online
Stacy Ybarra
San Antonio College 
This session explores the use of Learning Autobiographies in an online learning environment (Canvas) to promote self-reflection, goal setting, and the application of key course concepts related to personal development, leadership, and learning strategies. We will share assignment design, implementation strategies, student work samples, and results from a feedback survey. Participants will gain practical ideas for implementing similar reflective assignments in their own online courses.
Revolutionizing Education: Innovative Techniques for Engaging and Effective Distance
Kristi Young
Dionne Williams 
Terence Vinson 
Jason Mixon 

Innovative approaches to distance learning can significantly boost student engagement and knowledge retention. A key first step is setting clear learning objectives for each session, adhering to the SMART framework—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. These objectives will clearly outline what participants are expected to achieve by the end of each session.



Next, presenters will connect the material to real-world applications, demonstrating how the content addresses current issues or enhances participants' skills. Regular feedback is crucial to ensure continuous improvement and engagement. Incorporating quizzes and brief surveys throughout the presentation allows for real-time assessment of understanding, enabling the lesson to adapt dynamically to participants' needs.



Active participation is essential for maximizing retention. Presenters will use tools like live polls, interactive whiteboards, and gamified quizzes to foster interaction and maintain student interest. Breakout rooms will facilitate small-group collaboration, promoting deeper discussions and peer learning. Interactive platforms such as Padlet, Kahoot, Mentimeter, and Jamboard will support collective brainstorming, while real-time Q&A sessions offer opportunities for dialogue.



Additionally, hands-on activities like mini-project creation will encourage active involvement. This session will integrate clear objectives, practical value, and dynamic learning techniques, offering engaging and effective experiences tailored to the unique needs of distance learners. Participants will immediately gain actionable insights and hands-on experiences to apply to their daily learning tasks.


Tuesday, June 24, 2025  4:00pm - 5:00pm
Networking Activity with John Chen
Tuesday, June 24, 2025  7:00pm - 9:00pm
Night on the Town - Mobile Roundtable Dinners
Wednesday, June 25, 2025  6:00am - 7:00am
Bill Jackson Memorial Sunrise Walk/Run
Wednesday, June 25, 2025  7:00am - 4:00pm
Registration
Wednesday, June 25, 2025  8:00am - 9:00am
Breakfast
Wednesday, June 25, 2025  9:00am - 9:45am
Keynote - Robbie Melton
AI in Action: Advancing Teaching, Learning, and Innovation in Distance Education

AI is revolutionizing distance learning far beyond tools like ChatGPT, with innovations like adaptive learning platforms that personalize content, predictive analytics to boost student success, AI-powered immersive virtual environments, and tools that create inclusive, multilingual resources at scale. These advancements are transforming accessibility, equity, and engagement in education. This presentation is your opportunity to explore cutting-edge applications shaping the future of higher education and discover actionable strategies to harness AI for creating impactful, personalized, and equitable learning experiences. Don’t miss this chance to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving landscape of distance learning.
Wednesday, June 25, 2025  10:00am - 10:45am
Concurrent Sessions #5
Achieving Excellence in Distance Learning: USDLA Quality Standards Certification
Amanda Major
University of Central Florida 
Chuck Sengstock 
Landmark College 
Bill Ryan 
Ryan Consluting, LLC 
This session combines real-world case studies with interactive discussions to provide participants with actionable knowledge and a complimentary organizational self-evaluation tool, enabling them to initiate an effective organizational review. The USDLA Quality Standards Certification program offers higher education institutions a robust framework designed to ensure quality and drive continuous improvement in distance learning. With the support of expert consultants and customized guidance, the program strengthens digital learning strategies, enhances instructional practices, and bolsters essential support for both students and faculty.
Engage & Educate: What L&D Can Learn from Successful Short-Form Video Creators
Matthew Pierce
TechSmith Corporation 
Short-form videos have taken the world by storm on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, captivating audiences with quick, engaging, and memorable content. But did you know these same techniques can revolutionize how we approach learning and development?

In this session, you'll discover how to harness the creative techniques that successful content creators use to connect, inspire, and educate audiences in mere seconds. From crafting attention-grabbing hooks to telling compelling stories in a compressed format, we'll explore how these strategies can be applied to elevate your training and communication efforts.

Through curated examples and practical tips, you'll learn the secrets behind producing impactful, learner-friendly short-form videos. We'll walk you through the entire video creation process-from ideation to production-highlighting AI tools and methods to make content creation faster and easier. Plus, you'll gain actionable strategies to repurpose long-form content into bite-sized pieces, perfect for engaging today's fast-paced learners.

This session is perfect for instructional designers, trainers, and anyone looking to enhance their content delivery with modern, audience-centric approaches. Walk away with fresh ideas, new tools, and a game plan to create concise, effective videos that not only grab attention but also drive learning outcomes.
Hitting a Home Run with Virtual Student Engagement: Building a Connected Online Community
Sarah Rasmussen
Dakota State University 
Engaging online learners requires innovative solutions tailored to their unique needs and life circumstances. This session introduces the concept of a Virtual Student Union, a centralized hub within D2L that supports online students by offering resources, interactive tools and student support. Designed for adult learners balancing work, family, and education, the Virtual Student Union includes resource 'rooms' for career advice, resume building, tutoring, and social connections.
It features calendar updates for all university-related live-streamed events, real-time engagement opportunities, work/life balance solutions and a chatbot to address common student FAQs.
Attendees will explore the design, implementation, and impact of this approach to enhance online engagement at their institutions. The session features live polling, group discussions, and a hands-on demo. Discover how this virtual space can help your students connect, thrive, and succeed.
Level Up Your Online Course: A Home Run Guide to Gamification
Susan Jardaneh
University of Central Florida 
Debra Luken 
University of Central Florida 
Gamification of online courses has steadily gained attention and credibility in creating engaging learning opportunities. The strategic integration of game-like elements into non-game contexts offers a powerful method to foster community, collaboration, and connection in an online learning environment. This session will delve into the intentional application of gamification in online courses, emphasizing the effective design and alignment of gaming elements with course objectives, structure, and outcomes. Participants will explore various gamification strategies and learn how to implement these elements to enhance student engagement. Additionally, practical insights into specific games and activities for assignments, discussions, and assessments will be provided, ensuring participants leave with actionable techniques to apply in their own courses.
There's a Product for That! Digital Learning Entrepreneurship
Tammy McClain-Smith
EduXcellence 
As the world continues to embrace online learning, there has been a desire and expansion for less formal online learning utilizing microlearning, badged credentials, stackable credentials, and training subscription models. Many subject matter experts are capitalizing on users' interest in various topics to learn and apply different skills or customer resources. As subject matter experts in education and training in K-12, higher education, and corporate training, this is your time to be introduced to digital learning entrepreneurship and its benefits to learners, you, and education. Join this session to identify potential digital learning products or resources that can be offered, where, and how. Additionally, participants will discuss the impacts of formal K-12 and Higher Education and informal digital learning expands.
Wednesday, June 25, 2025  11:00am - 11:45am
Fireside Chat - Dr. Sedgwick Harris
Empowering Adult Learners: Leadership in Higher Education and the Future of Distance Learning for Adult Learners in the Age of AI with Dr. Sedgwick Harris, President of Bristol Community College - In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, leaders in higher education are faced with the dual challenges of expanding access to distance learning while addressing the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on both learning and the workforce. This keynote presentation will focus on the critical role of leadership in higher education in fostering innovative distance learning solutions for adult learners, while also preparing institutions and policymakers to meet the growing demands related to AI. Special emphasis will be placed on supporting low-income and first-generation students and ensuring that they are not left behind in this technological shift.
Wednesday, June 25, 2025  12:00pm - 1:45pm
Awards Luncheon
Wednesday, June 25, 2025  2:00pm - 3:15pm
Workshop Sessions #3
AI for All Minds: Lessons from Neurodiversity to Transform Learning
Josh Penzell
Imagination Applied 
Josh Penzell, VP of AI Strategy & Innovation at ELB Learning and a neurodiversity advocate, brings both professional expertise and lived experience to this engaging session. Diagnosed with autism and ADD at 39, Josh understands the unique challenges neurodiverse learners face-and how designing for their needs can create transformative learning experiences for everyone. This session explores how neurodiversity-inspired principles, combined with the power of AI, can help educators and institutions rethink learning design. Participants will learn how AI tools, such as adaptive assignments, real-time feedback systems, and personalized pathways, can provide structured freedom-a balance of flexibility and guidance that supports diverse learners. Through practical examples, interactive activities, and insights into systemic change, this session equips attendees with actionable strategies to enhance accessibility, foster equity, and improve learning outcomes. Whether designing for a neurodiverse student or scaling solutions for entire institutions, participants will leave with a fresh perspective on how AI can create inclusive, innovative, and impactful education.
Designing Impactful Online Experiences: How to Leverage Digital Communities to Drive Student Success
Katy Kappler
InScribe Education 
Discover scalable ways to enhance student engagement and academic success by cultivating digital communities, while addressing the unique challenges of scaling support in an online environment. This hands-on workshop will explore how a human first technology enabled approach can foster emotional support, collaboration, and inclusion, while scaling support across classes, courses, colleges, and campuses. Participants will learn to design customized digital learning communities tailored to diverse student needs, from first-generation students to working professionals. Using guided worksheets and collaborative brainstorming, attendees will create actionable designs to implement scalable, impactful digital communities that drive belonging, learning efficacy, and equitable support. Digital community spaces not only foster engagement but also contribute to improved outcomes by aligning community goals with measurable success metrics, ensuring that every design decision enhances student achievement and institutional impact.
Empowering Leaders in Distance Learning: Applicable Leadership Principles for Driving Success
Dr. Tennille Woodward
GrowLeadEmpower LLC 
Leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping the success of distance learning programs. In an ever-evolving educational landscape, distance learning leaders face unique challenges, including maintaining team engagement, fostering innovation, and navigating change across diverse and dispersed teams. This session, Empowering Leaders in Distance Learning: Applicable Leadership Principles for Driving Success, provides a comprehensive framework for addressing these challenges through proven leadership principles tailored to the needs of remote and hybrid environments. Participants will explore the critical elements of trust, vision, and effective communication, which form the foundation of successful leadership in distance learning. Emphasis will be placed on fostering collaboration and empowering team members to innovate and excel, even in the face of uncertainty. By addressing the emotional and professional needs of teams, leaders can cultivate a positive and productive culture that drives organizational growth. Through interactive discussions and real-world case studies, this session will present actionable strategies to help leaders overcome common obstacles such as low engagement, resistance to change, and siloed operations. Attendees will also learn practical approaches for leading with empathy and resilience, equipping them to manage transitions, adapt to evolving demands, and inspire their teams to thrive. The session includes hands-on activities that enable participants to apply these leadership principles to real-life scenarios, ensuring they leave with clear, actionable steps to implement within their organizations. Whether leading large-scale initiatives or small collaborative teams, attendees will gain the tools and confidence needed to elevate their impact and foster meaningful change. By focusing on practical application, this session empowers distance learning leaders to lead with purpose, effectively navigate challenges, and create a culture of success and innovation in their institutions.
Imposter Syndrome Steals Talent! Spot it and Stop it!
Betty Dannewitz
ifyouaskbetty LLC 
Imposter Syndrome is stealing our talent! So many of us suffer from Imposter Syndrome - it stifles us and keeps us from our true potential. It keeps our teams from their highest productivity. This session will help us to identify the imposter monster and employ helpful techniques to tame it - giving us that chance to thrive and grow.
Prompting for Pedagogy: Designing Tomorrow's Learning Experiences with Generative AI
Kate Sidarovich
Everspring 
Kathy Groth 
Everspring 
As the educational sector and the technology that powers it rapidly evolve, the ability to effectively integrate and utilize Gen AI within higher education environments is crucial. Despite the prevalence of AI in public discourse, harnessing its benefits for creating learning and training materials remains challenging. Lack of knowledge of tools or strategies can prevent educators from using generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) to its full benefits.
Rather than focusing on theoretical discourse, this session instead actively engages participants in practicing Gen AI prompting techniques intended to accelerate the development and management of a broad variety of learning experiences and technologies. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about prompt components, as well as a range of prompt generation techniques. These powerful strategies can help users generate ideas, create learning content, provide personalized feedback, or even create a customized tutor for their learners. Session participants will have the opportunity to practice applying these techniques to learning strategies relevant to their roles and are invited to bring their own devices and try their hand at the techniques discussed. The facilitators will also supply materials for participants to take home to continue leveraging their new prompt creation skills after they leave the workshop.
Wednesday, June 25, 2025  3:15pm - 4:00pm
Sponsor Break and Drawings
Wednesday, June 25, 2025  4:00pm - 4:45pm
Concurrent Sessions #6
Beyond Artificial Intelligence (AI) Revolution: Transforming Higher Education Through Faculty-Driven AI Integration
Stephen Curda
National Louis University 
Jon Oelke 
National Louis University 
As AI reshapes higher education, faculty members navigate the complex balance between embracing innovation and maintaining academic integrity in their classrooms. This mixed-methods study examined faculty perspectives on AI integration in higher education through a survey of 87 adjunct faculty members across multiple colleges during Summer 2024. Quantitative findings revealed moderate levels of perceived AI use by students for writing revision and editing (M = 3.26), course integration by faculty (M = 3.21), and student use for information summarization (M = 2.81). Qualitative analysis identified five key themes: diverse approaches to AI integration, varying methods of AI detection, requirements for ethical AI use, desire for comprehensive training, and concerns about academic integrity. Faculty responses ranged from active incorporation of AI tools to explicit prohibition, reflecting ongoing debates about AI's role in education. The findings highlight a critical need for institutional support, including clear guidelines for AI use, comprehensive training programs, and resources for effective AI integration in teaching practices. These results contribute to the growing body of knowledge on AI in education and provide valuable insights for developing institutional policies and professional development initiatives in higher education.
Bridging the Gap: How Virtual Live Tutoring Closes the Achievement Gap and Enhances On-Site Teacher Effectiveness
Beverly Knox-Pipes, EdD
BKP Solutions/Nova Southeastern University 
Robert Belous 
Stride Tutoring 
The achievement gap challenges educators and policymakers in today's rapidly evolving educational landscape. High Dosage (HD) Virtual live tutoring has emerged as a powerful solution, addressing students' individual academic needs and serving as a valuable resource for on-site teachers. This session explores how integrating virtual live tutoring into traditional and hybrid learning environments supports struggling students, enhances teacher effectiveness, and promotes equitable learning outcomes.
Designing and Facilitating the Online Studio to Maximize Learner Achievement
David Knowlton
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 
In both k-12 and higher education environments, design studio classrooms promote meaningful problem-solving and solution-oriented designs. In design studios (or other classrooms with a heavy problem-solving focus), students do far more than absorb and acquire content; instead, they engage in meaningful, collaborative, and immersive process toward a solution. This is not clear-cut, as may problems addressed in studio are 'wicked problems,' having unclear and ambiguous solutions. The studio process that students go through is just as important as the end-of-course student products that traditionally get graded.

If you are an instructional designer, this session will teach you how to help faculty members structure design studios to prop up the potential for student success; if you are a teacher, you will learn how your classroom can become a studio environment where students learn through design and problem solving while you facilitate.

This session will address design studio structure, powerful instructional strategies, and facilitation skills that are valuable within studio settings in both k-12 and higher education environments. During the session, you will have the opportunity to apply the content to your own online instructional setting to better enhance students' design and problem-solving efforts.
Revolutionizing Psychomotor Skills Education in Nursing: Leveraging Virtual EHRs and Video Recording Tools
Dara Murray
The University of West Alabama 
Kelly McClure 
The University of West Alabama 
Transitioning student nurses into the healthcare workforce requires meaningful direct care experiences to prepare them for the realities of patient care. However, these experiences can be challenging to provide, particularly in rural areas where clinical placements may be limited. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated this issue, as restrictions on clinical rotations resulted in a significant reduction in hands-on learning opportunities for student nurses. In addition to the challenges of providing direct care experiences, the field of nursing education has also seen significant changes in the way that psychomotor skills are taught and evaluated. With the advent of new technologies, there is potential to transform the way we teach and assess these essential skills while also saving time for educators. One promising approach is the use of virtual electronic health records (EHRs) and video recording tools. Virtual EHRs allow student nurses to practice electronic documentation in a safe, controlled environment without the fear of making errors that could harm a patient. Video recording tools can be used to capture student nurses' performances of psychomotor skills, which can then be reviewed and assessed by educators. In this presentation, we will illustrate a student assignment in an online nursing course using ATI's EHR Tutor and GoReact. These tools provide an innovative and effective approach that fosters growth and the achievement of skills mastery in the online educational environment. The use of virtual EHRs and video recording tools has the potential to revolutionize the way we teach and evaluate psychomotor skills in distance education. These tools can help to address the challenges of providing meaningful direct care experiences, particularly in rural areas and during times of crisis. They can also help to improve the quality of instruction and assessment and to save time for educators.
Science as the Exception- The specialized needs of our community college students
Chelsea Clegg
NICC 
As online science education expands, science departments face the challenge of preparing students for professional programs that require specific competencies and assessment skills. This presentation addresses the gap between generic online teaching recommendations and the specialized needs of science courses, especially those that rely on laboratory-based skills and clinical competencies.
The Three C's of Distance Education: Classes, Conversations, and Community
Adrian Pina
Dallas Theological Seminary 
Michael Balbier 
Dallas Theological Seminary 
Amanda Banks 
Dallas Theological Seminary 
Jules Zimmerman 
Dallas Theological Seminary 
Student retention and satisfaction are critical challenges for distance education. While advances in technology have been beneficial, maintaining engagement and fostering community remains a priority. This is best done by providing students at a distance with an in-person experience that allows them to feel connected to the institution at large. This presentation explores the necessity of employing a threefold approach of classes, conversations, and community as a means of holistic support for student success, satisfaction, and retention.

Classes serve as the foundation of the student experience. Employing course modalities that leverage multiple or single day in-person experiences coupled with online content provides the flexibility and connection the modern student needs.

Conversations-whether one-on-one with faculty, over lunch, or in group discussions-build a sense of community and promote active learning. Regular, meaningful interactions help students feel seen, heard, and supported.

Fostering a sense of community transforms distance education from a transactional experience to a relational one. This happens when environments are created for collaboration between students and the institution, events, and academic and personal support.
This session will highlight strategies, data, and practical examples that demonstrate how classes, conversations, and community work together to improve student retention and satisfaction.
Wednesday, June 25, 2025  6:00pm - 8:00pm
Evening Activities
Thursday, June 26, 2025  8:00am - 10:00am
Registration
Thursday, June 26, 2025  9:00am - 12:00pm
Leading Under Pressure: Providing effective strategies to enhance stress management in the workplace
Let's connect to discuss strategies and best practices for enhancing our leadership efforts during challenges. Leading under pressure requires staying calm, maintaining open communication, and effectively delegating responsibilities. This approach helps your team remain focused on their purpose, manage expectations, and prioritize essential tasks. Effective leadership also involves strategic and tactical thinking, anticipating challenges, and working to eliminate them while balancing your responsibilities with those of your team. This workshop will focus on critical leadership skills needed during high-pressure situations. Key topics will include maintaining composure, acknowledging the situation, communicating openly and transparently, prioritizing tasks, delegating effectively, modeling resilience, ensuring clear expectations, and supporting your team. We will draw upon real-world strategies and engaging examples and invite participants to share their valuable experiences! Your insights could spark meaningful discussions and inspire others.
Thursday, June 26, 2025  9:00am - 4:00pm
Sententia Gamification Level 1 Certification
The ONLY Gamification Certification that earns you recertification* credits with SHRM, HRCI, and ATD. 

This hands-on certification takes you through the 5-Quest, trademarked and proven process of gamifiying your corporate training, HR compliance, or adult education program. By following the 5-Quest plan, you are essentially assured a successful outcome. The concept is simple… create a course just like you would a game, with an intriguing storyline, stunning graphics coupled with drop-dead aesthetics, then add gameplay elements like obstacles, levels, unlocks, boosters, and rewards. As your learners overcome obstacles, achieve level ups, and unlock boosters, they’ll be learning and testing their skills. Throw in some in-game currency and your learners will be hooked on learning and earning as the feel-good hormones of dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin are released. Leverage the same techniques perfected by the gaming industry to captivate audiences by setting clear goals through game-like thinking, engaging stories, effective triggers, and continual feedback, recognition, and reward structures. These techniques boost motivation and engagement.
Thursday, June 26, 2025  12:00pm - 1:00pm
Lunch




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