Trending Online, Digital and Blended Learning Topics
Join the Online Learning Consortium for a dynamic series of webinars showcasing research-backed practices, strategies, and ideas from the OLC Community.
Attendees selected each of these presentations—with topics including designing engaging and valuable discussion boards, fair use in the age of GenAI, converting exams into AI-powered learning labs, and courageous leadership through conversation—as best in their track at the OLC Accelerate 2025 conference last fall.
This series is truly for the community, by the community.
Learner Success, Engagement, and Empowerment
February 4, 2026 | 3:00 – 4:00 pm (ET)
Discussion boards don’t have to be boring—or painful. This practical webinar explores why online discussions often fall flat and how small, intentional design changes can transform them. You’ll see real examples, creative strategies, and ready-to-use activities that spark meaningful interaction and make discussion boards engaging for both students and instructors.
Presenters:
Professional Development, Quality Assurance, and Support
February 11, 2026 | 12:00 – 1:00 pm (ET)
As generative AI reshapes teaching and learning, questions about copyright and fair use are harder than ever to ignore. This webinar helps educators navigate the legal and ethical challenges of using AI in educational contexts. Explore how U.S. fair use applies to AI, review emerging legal guidance, and leave with practical tools, checklists, and strategies to support responsible, informed use of generative AI.
Presenter:
Innovative and Effective Digital Learning Design
February 17, 2026 | 2:30 – 3:30 pm (ET)
What if final exams became opportunities for deeper learning instead of AI policing? This webinar showcases a practical two-part exam model that balances academic integrity with real-world AI use. Learn how controlled, ethical AI integration can strengthen critical thinking, boost student confidence, and improve honesty—plus walk away with ready-to-use templates, prompts, and policy language.
Presenter:
Leadership, Partnerships, and Organizational Strategy
February 25, 2026 | 2:00 – 3:00 pm (ET)
Silence can be costly—but courageous conversation creates change. This webinar explores how open, honest dialogue helps leaders build trust, strengthen teams, and navigate high-stakes challenges. You’ll examine the impact of silence, learn why we avoid difficult conversations, and gain practical tools for engaging with candor, empathy, and confidence to foster transparency, connection, and meaningful progress.
Presenters:
August 3-5, 2026 | Tarleton State Fort Worth in Fort Worth, Texas and
August 6-7, 2026 | Rockford University in Rockford, Illinois
OLC Elevate is a bold new initiative from OLC that brings high-impact digital learning discussions, hands-on workshops, and thought leadership directly to your regional community. Designed as an alternative to traditional large-scale conferences, each OLC Elevate event is co-created with a selected partner organization to focus on timely, cutting-edge topics that drive meaningful innovation.