OLC Speaking Engagements
Follow OLC leaders as we hit the road and engage in presentations and conversations on key topics in online learning.
Webinar: How to Help Children be Active Learners at Home during Educational Disruption
UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education | March 27, 2020
Elisabeth Stucklen, Instructional Designer
11th Annual Transforming the Teaching & Learning Environment Virtual ConferenceICDE World Conference on Online Learning
Breaking Free: An OER Primer On Creating A Cost-Free Course (View recording)
Angela Gunder, Vice President of Learning, Online Learning Consortium
Monday, February 10 at 1:00PM CT
What does a faculty member need to know and do in order to move to a cost-free class for students? The MERLOT Teacher Education Board will provide you with an introductory process and suggestions for materials in this OER session. Join us and share your tips as well. This session was an invited session to the conference as an encore of the presentation they gave at OLC Innovate 2019.
ICDE World Conference on Online Learning
November 3-7, 2019
Convention Centre Dublin, Ireland
Global Best Practices in Online Learning to Support a Quality Student Experience
Dr. Jennifer Mathes, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Online Learning Consortium
Monday, Nov 4, 2019 | 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Online learning continues to grow in strategic importance for education providers around the world. The challenges for many is understanding how to create an effective environment for student learning. In addition, while there are a number of best practices that can be found in the research, it is not always clear what the best option is for various situations. By reviewing global resources for quality in online learning, educators can identify those that will work best in their learning environment.
In addition, an overview of quality standards around the globe will be shared. This includes many of the rubrics that are used to review course design and overall program quality. These may include resources that have been vetted and provided through known sources (Quality Matters, the Online Learning Consortium, etc.) and created internally at educational institutions. In some cases, education providers are adapting these known rubrics to create a version that can fit their needs. Since many of these tools can be modified and used by education providers in other countries, information will be provided on countries where the rubrics are currently available and the steps that educators can take to make modifications. Further, information on how these rubrics can be used in accreditation or government regulations processes will be discussed.
SWOT Forum: Global Quality Revisited
Dr. Jennifer Mathes, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Online Learning Consortium
Monday, November 4, 2019 | 4:45 PM – 6:00 PM
Using the ICDE report on Global Quality in Online, Open, Flexible and Technology Enhanced Education: An Analysis of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats as a foundation, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a discussion on the environment within their own institution or region. This interactive forum will focus on the quality issues around the world in order to engage in deeper conversations while encouraging participants to share best practices that have the potential to be adapted and adopted globally.
Using Digital Learning to Create Quality Learner Experiences
Dr. Jennifer Mathes, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Online Learning Consortium
Tuesday, Nov 5, 2019 | 4:45 PM – 6:00 PM
Meeting the needs of learners around the world, education providers often find themselves turning to digital learning and especially adaptive learning technologies. These tools can provide a more personalized experience for students by providing additional review for those students that need more assistance while allowing those that are more advanced to move through materials at a faster pace.
While tools and technologies vary around the world, there are certain components that need to be included in order to help learners be successful. This includes appropriate integration of the digital learning tool into the classroom. Best practices for implementation will be shared with attendees.
Webinar: Looking deeper into Quality Assurance: ICDE report (View recording)
Tuesday, November 12, 2019 [13:30 – 14:30 CET]
Dr. Jennifer Mathes, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Online Learning Consortium & Alan Tait, Special adviser ICDE on quality in education. Emeritus Professor of Distance Education and Development at the Open University, UK Open University, The United Kingdom: Global quality in online, open, flexible and technology enhanced education: analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats
George Ubachs, Managing Director EADTU, The Netherlands : European SWOT analysis on Quality Assurance in online education
This report was developed to provide a platform for development of guidelines for quality in online, open, flexible and technology enhanced education in all regions of the world .
By working with regional experts, this report provides an overview of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to educational quality in online, open, flexible and technology enhanced learning. It is not intended to be all-inclusive as there are many institutions that have not participated in the opportunities to provide feedback. However, it does provide a good foundation regarding areas of success (strengths) and an overview of the challenges faced by many.
One important take away that was identified within all of the regions is that quality assurance models are of central importance and value . Those areas that do not provide good guidelines, policies or sharing of best practices face more challenges than others since they need to spend time proving the value of this range of modes of education.
Educause Annual Conference
Chicago, IL | October 14–17, 2019
Presentation: OLC Quality Scorecard Suite: Online & Blended Program Performance Management
Matt Norsworthy, Director of Strategic Partnerships, OLC
October 16, 2019 1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m
Description: Are you interested in understanding the foundations of a quality online or blended program? Then come join me to learn about the Online Learning Consortium (OLC) Quality Scorecard Suite. This session will focus on the importance of measuring quality at the course, program, and department levels.
Online Learning 2019 | Global Summit & EdTech Expo | Teaching & Learning in the Digital Age
October 8 – 10, 2019 | Toronto, Ontario, Canada | Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
Presentation: Quality Measurement for Institutions in Online and Blended Programs Through the OLC Quality Scorecard – in the New Approaches to Quality Session
Matt Norsworthy, Director of Strategic Partnerships, OLC
October 16, 2019 1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.Wednesday, October 9, 2019, 10:00 AM Eastern | Room: Chestnut
Description: Are you interested in understanding the foundations of a quality online or blended program? Then join us in playing “Quality Jeopardy” while learning about the Online Learning Consortium (OLC) Quality Scorecard. This session will focus on the importance of measuring quality at the course, program, and department levels. We will also discuss ways in which the OLC Quality Scorecard can be used for measuring performance in developing and administering an online or blended program.
Massachusetts Colleges Online | 14th Annual Conference
Fitchburg State University | Friday, June 7, 2019
Jennifer Paloma Rafferty, MA MEd, Director of the Institute for Professional Development, Online Learning Consortium
Presentation: Increasing Access Engagement & Learning with Universal Design
US-Sino Higher Education 2019
Shanghai China | May 31 – June 1, 2019
Organizer: Shanghai Jiaotong University
Co-Organizers: CMS Global (U.S.) U.S. Online Learning Consortium (OLC)
Matt Norsworthy, MFA, Ed.D., Senior Manager, Partnerships, Online Learning Consortium
Presentation: OLC Quality Scorecard: Performance Measurement for Online and Blended Programs
Description: Are you interested in understanding the foundations of a quality online or blended program? Then come join me to learn about the Online Learning Consortium (OLC) Quality Scorecard Suite. This session will focus on the importance of measuring quality at the course, program, and department levels.
Event Theme: Improving the quality of online higher education and promotion of innovative education technologies.
NISOD International Conference
ON TEACHING AND LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE
Austin, TX | May 25 – 28, 2019
Matt Norsworthy, MFA, Ed.D., Senior Manager, Partnerships, Online Learning Consortium
Presentation: OLC Quality Scorecard: Performance Measurement for Online and Blended Programs
Description: Understanding the foundations of a quality online or blended program is important when creating new programs or improving existing programs in an institution. Improvements cannot be made and bad habits cannot be corrected without understanding where the weak areas are in an online or blended program. In this keynote, Matt Norsworthy will focus on the importance of measuring quality at the course, program, and department levels. He will also discuss ways in which the OLC Quality Scorecard can be used for measuring performance in developing and administering an online or blended program. An introduction to the OLC Quality Scorecard will help participants better understand this tool, while connecting all of the stakeholders involved in the Quality Scorecard. This presentation will help participants better understand the process of raising the level of quality in an online or blended program.
Sunday, May 26th, 2019
3rd International Seminar on Open & Distance Education in Higher Ed
Acapulco, Mexico | September 20, 2018
Jennifer Rafferty, MA, MEd | Director, Institute, Online Learning Consortium
Panel Discussion: El nuevo perfil del estudiante en línea
Workshop: Contexto Actual del Diseño Instruccional
2018 US-Sino Online Higher Education Summit
May 31 – June 1, 2018 | Shanghai, China
Online Learning Management and Assessment Mechanism – Mary Niemiec, OLC Board of Directors Vice President
Faculty Operations for Online Learning – Jennifer Mathes, OLC Chief Strategy Officer
VI Congreso CREAD Andes -VI Encuentro Virtual Educa Ecuador
May 29 – June 1, 2018 – Loja, Ecuador
Jennifer Rafferty – Director of the Institute for Professional Development
Medición de la calidad pedagógica en los cursos virtuales
Teaching Narratives Symposium
St. John’s University, Queens, NY | May 31, 2018 | 2:40-3:20pm
Kathleen S. Ives, CEO and Executive Director, Online Learning Consortium
Elizabeth Ciabocchi, Vice Provost for Digital Learning, St. John’s University, OLC Board of Directors
NISOD Conference
Austin, TX | May 28, 2018 | 9:45 am | Room 615A, 6th Floor
Jennifer Mathes – Doctor of Philosophy, Chief Strategy Officer, Online Learning Consortium
Breakout Session: A Professional Development Framework for Online Faculty
IMS Global Learning Impact Leadership Institute
May 24, 2018 | 9:15 – 10:00am
Jennifer Mathes – Doctor of Philosophy, Chief Strategy Officer, Online Learning Consortium
Panel discussion: Institutional Impacts in Learning Analytics: Progress, Potential and Challenges to Overcome
ASU + GSV Summit
San Diego, CA | April 16-18, 2018
Dr. Jill Buban, Sr. Director Research & Innovation, OLC
Digital Learning Research and Resources
New Jersey Institute of Technology | April 4, 2018
Dr. Jill Buban, Sr. Director, Research & Innovation, OLC
In the past 25 years, digital learning has provided educational opportunities for students who would not otherwise have the opportunity to engage in coursework. Currently, online, blended, and digital learning offer a vast array of formal and informal learning opportunities. This presentation will provide a snapshot of the current research being conducted in the field of digital learning. In addition to this snapshot, the presentation will focus in on efficacy-based research and the tool, Practical Evaluation of Digital Learning (PEDL). This tool allows faculty and staff to conduct efficacy research in their courses and programs. Faculty will be able to explore PEDL during this portion of the presentation – laptops are welcome.
Council on Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) Adult Learner Summit
Dobbs Ferry, NY | April 2, 2018
Dr. Jill Buban, Sr. Director Research & Innovation, OLC
Dr. Scott Campbell, Vice President, Higher Education, CAEL
Marc Singer, Vice Provost, Center for the Assessment of Learning (CAL), Thomas Edison State University
El Diplomado Internacional de Formación de Líderes en Educación a Distancia
Jennifer Rafferty, MA MEd, Director of the Institute for Professional Development, Online Learning Consortium
Presentation: Los Entornos Inteligentes de Aprendizaje: Como los entornos inteligentes de aprendizaje pueden aprovechar la tecnología para crear nuevos modelos educativos
Friday, February 16th, 2018
INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN AND ACCESSIBILITY: DEFINING QUALITY IN THE ONLINE CLASSROOM
February 1, 2018 | Boston, MA
10:30-11:15 am
Moderators:
Jennifer Rafferty, Direcetor of the Institute, Online Learning Consortium
Elisabeth Stucklen, Instructional Designer, Online Learning Consortium
Description:
With the increasing popularity of online learning in education and training today, instructional designers are seeking ways to make learning more engaging without having to sacrifice a quality learning experience. What are the latest insights in creating a high-quality online course? What tools are available to instructional designers to evaluate and improve course design?
Join Online Learning Consortium staff, Jennifer Rafferty and Elisabeth Stucklen in this session that will feature an overview and discussion of the OSCQR Course Design Review Scorecard, a course-level quality rubric that can be used by instructional designers and faculty for reviewing and improving the design and accessibility of online courses. Based on best practices, this rubric is composed of 50 standards that can be used to identify and target aspects of online courses for improvement.
In this session, participants will:
- Identify key challenges that instructional designers face when developing and evaluating courses in the online environment.
- Review OSCQR quality standards that assist instructional designers in course quality reviews and continuous improvement processes.
PRACTICAL EVALUATION FOR DIGITAL LEARNING ON YOUR CAMPUS
January 30, 2018 | Educause ELI | New Orleans, LA
9:15-10:00 am
Presenters:
Dr. Jill Buban, Sr. Director of Research & Innovation, Online Learning Consortium
Rebecca Griffiths, Senior Researcher, SRI International
Description:
Research on digital learning efficacy lags far behind the explosive growth of products, meaning faculty and administrators often must make decisions about technology with inadequate evidence of effectiveness. We will share a set of online tools developed with philanthropic funding to help faculty and staff evaluate the impact of technology-supported instruction on their campuses as part of a continuous improvement process. We will then lead a discussion of current evaluation practices and opportunities for improvement.
CHICAGO SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
Keynote and Workshop
Dr. Jill Buban, Sr. Director, Research & Innovation, Online Learning Consortium
Keynote Address: The Digital Learning Landscape: A Snapshot of Research in the Field
Thursday, January 25th, 5-6pm (45 minutes with 15 minutes for Q&A)
Audience: doctoral students and faculty. Students are moving into dissertation phase
Description:
In the past 25 years, digital learning has provided educational opportunities for students who would not otherwise have the opportunity to engage in coursework. Currently, online, blended, and digital learning offer a vast array of formal and informal learning opportunities. This presentation will provide a snapshot of the current research being conducted in the field of digital learning, including ed tech, k12, and higher ed.
Workshop: Digging Deep: Research Resources in the Digital Learning Field
Friday, January 26th, 8-9:45am
Audience: Doctoral Students
Description:
In this workshop, students will be provided a more in depth overview of the research in the field. They will then be exposed to databases and resources to better aid them in their studies, and in their professions. Students should expect a brief presentation, hands on workshop, and brief time for questions and answers.
Presidents’ Forum Panel
October 30, 2017 | 8:00 am – 4:00 pm | Washington, DC
Jill Buban, Ph.D, Senior Director of Research & Innovation, OLC
“Addressing Disruption: Comfort or Chaos”
Moderated by Dr. Richard Senese, President and Chief Academic Officer, Capella University
Online leaders, more so than their traditional counterparts, must continually assess and weigh the risks associated with trying to innovate in the face of a multi-layered and restrictive regulatory environment. This panel will address the leadership skills necessary to navigate this disruptive environment with a focus on prioritizing and managing emerging institutional risks and defining the talents required by the next generation of institutional leaders.
Panelists: Dr. Merodie Hancock, President, SUNY Empire State College; Dr. Diane Auer Jones, Senior Fellow, Urban Institute and President, AJsquared Consulting; Dr. Jill Buban, Senior Director of Innovation and Research, Online Learning Consortium; Greg Ferenbach, Attorney, Cooley LLP. Learn more.
ICDE – World Conference on Online Learning
October 16 – 19, 2017 | Toronto, Canada
Jill Buban, Ph.D, Senior Director of Research & Innovation, OLC
3 PANELS:
- “Faculty Support for Teaching Online: It Takes a Village”
With Sarah Gauvreau, Contact NORD; Norman Vaughan, Royal Roads University - “Alternative Credentials in Higher Education”
With Brian Fleming, SandBox Collaborative at SNHU - “How to Get Published in a Peer Reviewed Journal”
Moderated by Research Professor in Open and Distance Learning, College of Economic and Management Sciences, University of South Africa
With Jill Buban Diane Conard, Lesley Diack, Tannis Morgan, and Lucy Gray
Digital Learning: Current Trends and Research
July 23, 2017 | 5:30-7:30pm ET | Lesley University
Jill Buban, Ph.D, Senior Director of Research & Innovation, OLC
The Association for the Assessment of Learning in Higher Education (AALHE) Annual Conference
June 12 – 14, 2017 | Louisville, Kentucky
Jennifer Mathes, Ph.D. – Director of Strategic Partnerships,OLC
Integrating Assessment into the Teaching Effectiveness Conversation in the Digital Learning Environment
NISOD’s 39th annual International Conference on Teaching and Leadership Excellence
May 27 – 30, 2017 | Austin, TX
Karen Pedersen, Ph.D., Chief Knowledge Officer, OLC and Jennifer Mathes, Ph.D. – Director of Strategic Partnerships,OLC
Improve Your Classroom Experience with the OLC Quality Course Teaching and Instructional Practice (QCTIP) Scorecard
IMS Global Learning Consortium: 2017 Learning Impact Leadership Institute
May 16 – 19, 2017 | Sheraton Denver | Denver, CO
Karen Pedersen, Ph.D., Chief Knowledge Officer, OLC and Jennifer Mathes, Ph.D. – Director of Strategic Partnerships,OLC
Enhancing Teaching and Learning with Digital Courseware, Wednesday, May 17th, 1:45 – 2:15 p.m.
Ed Tech Efficacy Research Symposium
May 3, 2017 | Gallup World Headquarters | Washington, DC
Jill Buban, Ph.D, Senior Director of Research & Innovation, OLC
Crowdsourcing Efficacy Research Panel Discussion, 11:45-12:30 p.m. Full agenda.
What Is Your Blend? Defining Quality in Blended Learning Environments
May 2, 2017 – Keynote Address | Sacred Heart University – Jack Welch College of Business
Jennifer Rafferty – Director of the Institute for Professional Development,OLC
ELI Annual Meeting: Transforming the Academy: Building Communities of Practice
February 13 – 15, 2017 | Houston, TX
Members of the Online Learning Consortium Board of Directors, Online Learning Journal Editorial Board, and staff took on the 2017 ELI annual meeting in Houston to present on topics including leadership in online learning, learning analytics, and quality in online education. Eric Fredericksen, OLC Board Vice President and Associate Vice President of Online Learning and Associate Professor in Educational Leadership at the University of Rochester, presented A National Study of Leadership for Online Learning in which he highlighted the results of a first of its kind, systematic study focused on online learning leaders. Fredericksen’s study provided the foundation for the first convening of OLC’s Leadership Network in November 2016 and was featured in Inside Digital Learning last month. He will present on this topic at OLC Innovate in April in New Orleans.
Karen Swan, OLC Board Member and Professor at University Illinois-Springfield, Patsy Moskal, Associate Director of RITE at University of Central Floridal, and Karen Vignare, CEO of KV Consulting, presented Sorting Hype from Reality: What We Know about Applying Learning Analytics. This presentation highlighted the Online Learning Journal’s Learning Analytics Special Edition for which Swan, Moskal and Vignare where guest editors.
Additionally, Karen Pedersen, OLC’s Chief Knowledge Officer, presented Transforming the Academy: Sustaining a Culture of Quality. In this presentation, Pedersen provided an interactive, engaging session focused on the OLC suite of quality scorecards.
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Annual Meeting
December 3-6, 2016 | Hyatt Regency Atlanta and Atlanta Marriott Marquis | Atlanta, GA 
Karen Pedersen, Ph.D., Chief Knowledge Officer, OLC
Dr. Kaye Shelton, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Director, Center for Doctoral Studies in Educational Leadership, Lamar University, Beaumont, TX
Session Title: Evidence of Quality Online Education
EDEN Research Workshop
October 4 – 6, 2016
Jill Buban, Ph.D., Senior Director of Research & Innovation, OLC
Paper and Presentation: Connecting in the Online Environment: Student Preferences for Communication with Faculty
Presentation: Alternative Credentialing in The United States: A Collection of Case Studies
WCET’s 28th Annual Meeting
October 12 – 14, 2016 | Minneapolis, MN
Kathleen S. Ives, D.M., CEO and Executive Director, OLC
Karen Pedersen, Ph.D., Chief Knowledge Officer, OLC
Session Title: It’s not a Crystal Ball, But…
Educause 2016 Annual Conference
October 25 – 28 | Anaheim, CA
Karen Pedersen, Ph.D., Chief Knowledge Officer, OLC
Jennifer Mathes, Ph.D., Director of Strategic Partnerships, OLC
Session Title: Sustaining a Culture of Quality in Your Institution
NUTN Network 2016
September 28 – 29, 2016 | Clearwater Beach, FL
Jill Buban, Ph.D., Senior Director of Research & Innovation, OLC
Presentation: Accelerating Forward: Demistifying Learning Analytics
Panelist on Learning Analytics Panel, Moderated by Deb Adair and joined by other panelists Russ Little (PAR Framework) and Daren Catalano (Heliocampus)
Presentation: Alternative Credentialing: Prior Learning 2.0
Self-Regulated Learning Strategies in Online and Hybrid Courses
August 9-11th, 2016 | Distance Teaching & Learning Conference | Madison, WI
Jennifer Rafferty, MA MEd, Director of the Institute for Professional Development, OLC
Evaluating Student Success in Online Learning
August 9-11th, 2016 | Distance Teaching & Learning Conference | Madison, WI
Dr. Karen Swan
Karen Swan is the James J. Stukel Distinguished Professor of Educational Leadership and a Research Associate in the Center for Online Learning, Research, & Service (COLRS) at the University of Illinois Springfield. Karen’s research has been in the general area of electronic media and learning for the 25 years since she received her doctorate from Teachers College, Columbia University. Her current research interests center on online learning Karen has authored over 125 journal articles and book chapters, produced several hypermedia programs, and co-edited two books on educational technology topics. She has directed projects funded by the National Science Foundation, the US Department of Education and the New York City Board of Education, as well as several corporate foundations, and is currently involved in WCET’s Predictive Analytics Reporting Project and ACE’s MOOCs as Game Changers Projects. Karen is the Special Issues Editor for the Journal of Educational Computing Research, and serves on the review boards and/or steering committees for many educational technology journals and conferences, and is the Chair of the American Educational Research Association’s Special Interest Group on Online Teaching and Learning. She is on the OLC Board of Directors and the steering committees for the Blended Learning and Online Learning conferences. Karen was awarded the OLC award for Most Outstanding Achievement in Online Learning by an Individual in 2006 and was inducted into the inaugural group of OLC Fellows in 2010. In 2010 she also was given the Distinguished Alumni award by her alma mater.
Ensuring Program Quality: Implementing the Online Learning Consortium ‘Quality Scorecard’
June 15 – 17, 2016 | Online Teaching Conference | San Diego, CA
Jennifer Mathes, Ph.D., Director of Strategic Partnerships, OLC
Kathleen S. Ives, D.M., Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, OLC
In an era of tightening institutional budgets, evolving workforce development needs, and greater calls for accountability from multiple directions, the need for college administrators to continually assess the quality of their institutional operations has never been greater. However, measuring and quantifying elements of “quality” is an elusive concept. Read more.
Supporting Quality for Student Success in Online or Blended Learning
June 12 –15, 2016 | League for Innovation in the Community College Learning Summit | Paradise Valley, AZ
Jennifer Mathes, Ph.D., Director of Strategic Partnerships, OLC
Digital Learning Innovation Award: Opportunities for Institutions and Faculty-Led Teams
May 30, 2016 | NISOD Conference | Austin, TX
Karen Pedersen, Chief Knowledge Officer, OLC
Nori Barajas-Murphy, Grant Project Director, OLC
Come learn about the Online Learning Consortium’s (OLC) Digital Learning Innovation Award. The award is funded
by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to support the use of digital courseware to improve student success,
especially among low-income, first-generation, and other underrepresented student groups. The award is designed
to recognize institutions and faculty-led teams interested in student-centered active-learning solutions that advance
the world of digital learning for all students. With a focus on increasing the number of underrepresented students
who complete general education or gateway courses, the funding aims to build awareness, assess readiness, and
provide guidance for using digital courseware. The Online Learning Consortium looks forward to receiving your
application!
Self Regulated Learning: Putting the Research to Use
May 25, 2016 | Track: Student Retention and Success | CTDLC Evolution in eLearning Conference
Jennifer Rafferty, MA MEd, Director of the Institute for Professional Development, OLC
Ensuring Program Quality: Implementing the Online Learning Consortium ‘Quality Scorecard’
May 23-26, 2016 | IMS Global Learning Consortium “Learning Impact Leadership Institute” | San Antonio, TX
Karen Pedersen, Chief Knowledge Officer, OLC
Kathleen S. Ives, D.M., Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, OLC
Monday, May 23 | 2:30-3:30 pm
Panel: Connecting Data Analytics and Accessibility to Support Personalized Learning for All
Whether it’s described as next gen learning, student-centered learning, or adaptive learning, it is the focus of many institutions to personalize learning to the unique needs of each student. While the customization of learning opportunities holds great potential for improving outcomes, it presents unique challenges. How can such a rich environment be achieved, what are some of the ways universities are reaching for this goal, and what are the key elements needed to make this a reality? The afternoon discussion brings together a diverse group of education leaders to share their thoughts and stories on how data analytics and inclusive accessibility means personalized learning for all students.
Leadership Roundtable on Academic Transformation, Digital Learning, and Design at Georgetown University: Towards The Creation of a Discipline?
May 5 and 6, 2016 | Gerogetown University | Washington, DC
Marie Cini, PhD, Provost and Sr. Vice President for Academic Affairs, UMUC (President, OLC Board of Directors)
Kathleen S. Ives, D.M., Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, OLC
Discussions include:
Creating a Discipline
Institutional Structures and the Emerging Discipline
Putting the Leadership Roundtable to Work
Underwritten with generous support from Pearson and the Online Learning Consortium
Serving Military and Veteran Learners: Quality Indicators for Institutions
2016 CCME Professional Development Symposium | February 15-18 | San Antonio, TX
Jennifer Mathes, Ph.D., Director of Strategic Partnerships, Online Learning Consortium
Quality can be so elusive. That’s why the Online Learning Consortium, since its founding in 1992, has focused on understanding and quantifying indicators of quality. OLC will soon be developing an ancillary scorecard identifying the indicators of quality for higher education institutions serving military and veteran learners. The scorecard will be used in parallel with one of OLC’s comprehensive scorecards. This session will showcase the comprehensive scorecard and highlight implementation approaches for higher education administrators.
At the conclusion of the session, attendees will:
- Be able to recognize various indicators of quality
- Have the knowledge and understanding to create a deployment plan for their institution to assess key quality indicators.
- Possess the readiness to quantify and critique whether there institution is deficient, developing, accomplished or exemplary for each indicator.
- Be positioned to construct an action plan to ameliorate deficiencies.
LEARN: The Education Evolution Understanding the Higher Ed Trends and Online Education Market
Embanet Partner Summit | February 8 – 10, 2016 | Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort, Fernandina Beach, FL
Neil Allison, Director, Business Model Innovation – Pearson
Jill Buban, Ph.D., Senior Director, Online Learning Consortium
This session will focus on the higher education landscape and the research that’s being done to understand trends in the market and how it can be used to inform decision making. Dr. Jill Buban from OLC will also provide key findings around OLC’s research in online education and how Pearson and OLC partner together to stay on top of issues and trends in the online environment. More information.
The ABCs and 123s of Digital Resources: Understanding OER and Implementing Digital Resources at Your Institution
Tuesday, February 9th 12:00 PM – 12:50 PM | Cite 2016 Online Learning Conference | Amelia Island, FL
Jill Buban, Ph.D., Senior Director, Online Learning Consortium
With definitive data to support the growing need for easily accessible resources, institutions are implementing the use of Open Educational Resources (OERs) as a cost-effective way to provide quality resources in a timely matter. While this implementation sounds simple, there are many factors to consider, such as copyright, faculty resource preferences, quality and level of the OER, and instructional design and information technology integration. Integration of a variety of digital resources, not limited to OER, can provide the bridge between textbook courses and OER courses.In this pre-conference session, attendees will gain knowledge of how to build a faculty-friendly repository of digital resources, implement a program that supports the use of such resources, and navigate the myriad third party vendors. Additionally, attendees will learn how to engage multiple departments to increase the success of such a program, as well as how to project resource allocation. More information.
State of Online Learning: Babson Annual Online Learning Report Release and What It Means to Your Institution
Tuesday, February 9th 1:00 PM – 1:50 PM | Cite 2016 Online Learning Conference | Amelia Island, FL
Jeff Seaman, Ph.D., Research and Co-Director, Babson Survey Research Group
Jill Buban, Ph.D., Senior Director, Online Learning Consortium
This session will highlight key findings from the thirteenth annual Babson Online Learning Report, releasing in February 2016. The survey is designed, administered, and analyzed by the Babson Survey Research Group, with data collection conducted in partnership with the College Board and additional data from the National Center for Education Statistics’ Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Using survey responses from more than 2,800 colleges and universities and IPEDS data for more than 4,000, this study is aimed at answering fundamental questions about the nature and extent of online education. Presenters will review key findings and discuss ways to transition these trends into action items at your institution. More information.
Supporting Online Learners: Insights for Every Campus
Friday, February 5th 3:45 PM – 4:30 PM | American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) Winter Meeting | Austin, TX
Dr. Marie Cini, Provost and Sr. Vice President for Academic Affairs, University of Maryland University College
Dr. Karen Pedersen, Chief Knowledge Officer, the Online Learning Consortium
Dr. Joselyn Zivin, Director, Huron Consulting Group
Moderated by Dr. Tim Fournier, Managing Director, Huron Consulting Group
Session Abstract: In the evolving world of online education, many colleges and universities struggle with how best to deliver powerful and effective online learning approaches that will inform and engage a variety of students. The varying needs of post-traditional learners, the proliferation of different options for learning modalities (e.g., online, blended, competency-based), and the growing demand for integrated student advising and success coaching strategies have highlighted the fact that we must be more nimble and creative in our approach to success for these students. Our panel offers the perspectives of an adult-serving, online institution; the leading professional organization dedicated to online learning; and a professional services firm that helps colleges and universities develop online learning strategies and operations. Together, our panelists will provide insights from their practical experience and market research with students about their online learning interests.
Our goal will be to help attendees:
a) see online education more holistically as part of institutional mission and strategy
b) consider methods for measuring student success in an online environment
c) evaluate frameworks for approaching online student success more strategically
A New Lens on Digital Courseware Evaluation
Wednesday, February 3rd, 3:15 PM – 4:00 PM | ELI Annual Meeting | San Antonio, TX/Online
Gates Bryant, Partner, Tyton Partners
Kathleen S. Ives, CEO and Executive Director, Online Learning Consortium
Barbara Means, Director, Center for Technology in Learning, SRI International
Digital courseware is a tool with the potential to support personalized learning for thousands of postsecondary students; however, it is not broadly adopted or very well understood by many postsecondary stakeholders. In response to this gap, Tyton Partners, the Online Learning Consortium and SRI International, with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, have led the development of a taxonomy to help stakeholders navigate the digital courseware market, as well as a framework for evaluating courseware. In this session, we’ll introduce these tools and offer a forum for feedback and discussion.
Outcomes: Introduce the taxonomy and quality framework, highlighting where stakeholders can find these tools and how they may be of value to postsecondary stakeholders * Collect initial feedback and questions * Share “how-to’s” for the effective use of tools
USING THE QUALITY SCORECARD AND SACSCOC GUIDELINES FOR EVALUATING QUALITY ONLINE PROGRAMS
December 5, 2015 | The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges 2015 Annual Meeting Program | George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, Texas
Dr. Kaye Shelton, Associate Professor, Educational Leadership; and Dr. George Saltsman, Associate Research Professor, Lamar University, Beaumont, TX
Much of higher education is now engaged in offering online classes and programs. But how do you know if it is quality online education? This hands-on workshop provides an overview of the 75 quality indicators for the administration of online programs from the Quality Scorecard for the Administration of Online Education. Topics will include a brief validation of the study, presentation of the quality indicators, and an overview of how to implement the instrument. A majority of the time will be spent providing examples and discussing each of the nine categories in the scorecard and making the connection to SACSCOC distance learning standards. This session is designed for anyone involved in the delivery of online programs: assessment coordinators, provosts, programs directors, and coordinators. More information.
“THE FUTURE OF HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES” PANEL
December 3, 2015 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles, CA.
Dr. Robbie Melton, senior Board Member, Online Learning Consortium (OLC)and Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs: eLearning, Tennessee Board of Regents
The National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) was founded in 1977 by 90 African American state legislators (membership base it nearly 700 legislators currently), whose primary purpose is to secure parity in the state legislatures for their constituents. NBCSL conducts research and policy analysis to help improve policy and decision making at the national and state level. The research is keenly focused and grounded in issues impacting socio-economically disadvantaged communities. The Annual Legislative Conference is an opportunity for legislators, legislative staff, corporate members, and stakeholders to convene about different policy issues occurring in the states. “The Future of Historically Black Colleges and Universities” will explore the evolution and future of these storied institutions of higher education and the new ways legislators can ensure their vitality and significance for future students. More information.
The MENA Higher Education Leadership Forum
November 9-11, 2015
Kathleen S. Ives, D.M., Chief Executive Officer, Online Learning Consortium
Launched for the first time in 2013, the MENA Higher Education Leadership Forum (MENA-HELF) is one of the region’s exclusive network addressing specifically Higher Education leaders and decision makers from within the MENA region and beyond. Via its various meetings, the Forum aims at providing a dynamic platform to discuss latest trends, developments and challenges pertinent to the field; support the exchange of good practices and ‘know-how’; identify and suggest future directions and strategies for HE and promote the establishment of new regional and global collaborations and partnerships. More information. Read article.
What is quality online education?
November 3, 2015, INACAP, Chile
Karen L. Pedersen, Ph.D., Chief Knowledge Officer, Online Learning Consortium
The goal of this presentation is to highlight key quality standards used internationally at the course, program, and institutional levels with a deeper dive into the Online Learning Consortium Quality Scorecard. The quality imperative is real with worldwide online education growth powered by a substantial uptick in technology investments worldwide. Whether the driving force is consumer protection, maintaining accountability or strengthening international competitiveness, operationalizing quality standards during the design, implementation or enhancement stages of maturity is a solid investment. In this presentation, Karen will showcase her top 10 reasons for implementing a quality framework.
If you missed Karen Pedersen’s talk at the INACAP summit in Santiago, Chile, here it is – translated in Spanish.
OLC QUALITY SCORECARD REVIEW: PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT FOR ONLINE PROGRAMS – EDUCAUSE ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2015, INDIANAPOLIS
October 30, 2015
Matt Norsworthy, Membership Representative, Online Learning Consortium
Interested in understanding the foundations of a quality online program? Join us in playing Quality Jeopardy while learning about the Online Learning Consortium Quality Scorecard. This session will focus on the OLC Quality Scorecard Review and the criteria used for measuring performance in developing and administering an online program.
Outcomes: Learn about the Quality Scorecard and Quality Scorecard Review * Identify the Quality Scorecard Review’s benefits * Learn how to implement the Quality Scorecard as a tool. Co-presented with Debbie Faires, Director of Online Learning, San Jose State University. Visit website.
Women’s Leadership in Online Learning
October 1, 2015
Kathleen S. Ives, D.M., Chief Executive Officer, Online Learning Consortium
This event is co-sponsored by the ACE Women’s Network of NY, the Online Learning Consortium (OLC), and St. John’s University.
Please mark your calendar to join us for a discussion of current issues and challenges for women leaders in online learning. The event will feature a distinguished women’s leadership panel from New York higher education institutions and the Online Learning Consortium (OLC), a leading professional organization in this burgeoning field. More information.
Women’s Leadership Symposium for eLearning and Academic Technologies – Boston, MA
July 29, 2015
Kathleen S. Ives, D.M., Chief Executive Officer, Online Learning Consortium
Panel discussion: Characteristics of Leadership
What makes a good leader? How are concepts of leadership changing in the 21st century? What do women bring to leadership? Panelists: Kathleen Ives, Online Learning Consortium, Karen Graham, University of New Hampshire, Mary Lee, Tufts University. This symposium provides an intimate opportunity for cross-cultural dialog on leadership. We will examine the characteristics of 21st century leaders, discuss the challenges of leadership in academic technologies, and explore how leaders can motivate faculty to embrace eLearning and new pedagogies. The format will feature panel discussions by US female leaders in online and eLearning, followed by round table discussions on the topic between Saudi and US colleagues. There will be 18 US and 20 Saudi participants.
The Sixth TCU International e-Learning Conference 2015 Global Trends in Digital Learning – Bangkok, Thailand
July 20-21, 2015
Dr. Kaye Shelton, Lamar University and Online Learning Consortium
Quality e-Learning and How to Show It
The Thailand Cyber University Project (TCU), Office of the Higher Education Commission, Ministry of Education has an aim to promote e-Learning by cooperating with national and international educational institutes. The TCU, recognizing the importance of e-Learning knowledge management to create comprehensive knowledge for educational personnel, has organized the International e-Learning Conference 2015 (IEC2015) : “Global Trends in Digital Learning” The conference objective is to assemble knowledge on every aspect of e-Learning from Thai and international experts. Conference topics will include the quality and standard of learning management and evaluation, effective utilization and implementation of new technologies, understanding of new generation learners’ behavior, and cost-effective and sustainable learning management. View website.
Network for Change and Continuous Innovation: Higher Education’s Network for Change Leadership – Nashville, TN
July 17, 2015
Karen L. Pedersen, Ph.D., Chief Knowledge Officer, Online Learning Consortium
“Operational Excellence: How to Put Your Organization into Overdrive”
Are you experiencing greater calls for accountability from multiple directions, is retention a metric tied to your funding model, are you wondering how technological advances will change your organization or are you struggling with changing demographics in your state? Today, many higher education leaders need their organizations to be effective, innovative, and growth oriented…all while boosting performance, optimizing speed and executing mission-specific strategies. So, how do we do it? At the heart of any organization is its culture. If your organization needs to become better, faster and more effective we’ll showcase how to put your organization into overdrive.
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EDEN Annual Conference – Barcelona, Spain
June 9-12, 2015
Dr. Kaye Shelton, Lamar University and Online Learning Consortium
A Quality Scorecard For The Administration Of Online Learning Programs In Higher Education
The delivery of education online has forever changed higher education and distance learning programs throughout the world. Many institutions experienced quick success in this new method for teaching and learning; however, there was much concern expressed regarding quality and how it compares to the traditional method for teaching and learning. In fact, both administrators and faculty have questioned how to measure quality in online education and what evaluation methods should be used for continuous improvement strategies and accreditation requirements. Read more.