2024 Global Leadership Impact Summit
Theme: “Uniting Frontiers: Harnessing Global Partnerships for Universal Access in Education”
Partnerships with educational leaders and organizations around the world position us all to cultivate a more equitable and higher-quality digital learning future.
In an ever-evolving educational landscape, access remains a global concern, with challenges both unique to each region and universally shared. As online, blended, and digital learning continues to redefine the impact of education, the importance of building and strengthening global partnerships becomes paramount. The Online Learning Consortium invites digital learning leaders to converge during two transformative days for the third annual Global Leadership Impact Summit. This fully online gathering aims to explore the tremendous power of global coalitions and partnerships in surmounting challenges to educational access. Through collaborative discussions, idea exchanges, and strategy sessions, attendees will delve into the core challenges of our time while envisioning collective pathways forward.
The Global Leadership Impact Summit stands as a beacon for collaboration and offers a unique platform for OLC’s global leadership network. Highlighting the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), participants from various corners of the world will unite to shed light on global initiatives, brainstorm innovative solutions, and magnify opportunities for mutual growth. As we acknowledge our individual challenges, this summit serves as a reminder that, together, we can forge a brighter, more inclusive future for learners everywhere.
Partnership Strategies
Explore effective changemaking approaches
Leadership Development
Upskill in areas unique to our changing world
Collaborative Design
Architect the future of digital learning partnerships
Collective Changemaking
Action plan for capacity, resources, and strategy
Schedule
This two-day virtual event took place December 3-4, 2024, 10am – 2pm EST daily.
- Schedule is subject to change.
- All sessions are held virtually in Zoom.
- All sessions will be recorded and available for on-demand viewing for one (1) year post-event.
- All sessions are listed in US Eastern Standard Time Zone.
10:00 am – 10:15 am EST |
WelcomeJoin us for the opening session of the Global Leadership Impact Summit, where we’ll set the stage for two transformative days of collaboration and conversation. This session will introduce the summit theme, "Uniting Frontiers: Harnessing Global Partnerships for Universal Access in Education," and outline the exciting sessions and opportunities ahead. Whether you're here to share insights, learn from others, or build connections, this is the perfect starting point for an inspiring and impactful gathering. |
Dr. Madeline Shellgren, Director of Global Outreach, Online Learning Consortium Dr. Jennifer Mathes, Chief Executive Officer, Online Learning Consortium |
10:15 am – 11:00 am EST |
Plenary
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11:00 am – 11:30 am EST |
Points of View: The Intersections of Open Ed & AIAs artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, it reshapes educational practices, raising both opportunities and challenges within the open education (OE) community. This 30-minute dialogic session brings together diverse global perspectives to explore the intersections of AI and OE. The facilitator will guide an interactive discussion on the intersections of AI and ask panelists everything from how AI can support open educational resources (OER) development (promoting inclusivity, and improve access) to strategies for addressing concerns around ethics, privacy, and equity. Participants will have the chance to engage directly, sharing insights from their own regions and exploring ways to collaboratively navigate this rapidly changing landscape. Join us for a thought-provoking exchange of ideas on the potential—and complexities—AI brings to open education. |
Prof. Washington Okeyo, Vice-Chancellor, The Management University of Africa Rev. Irene Ludji, Vice Dean at the Faculty of Theology, Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana Dr. Madeline Shellgren, Director of Global Outreach, Online Learning Consortium (Session Facilitator) |
11:30 am – 11:45 am EST |
Break |
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11:45 am – 12:45 pm EST |
Impactful Global Partnerships: Driving the Future Through CollaborationIn an era where digital learning knows no borders, building strong global partnerships is essential to achieving universal educational access. This session explores how innovative alliances across regions can address pressing challenges, from technological disparities to cultural inclusivity. Drawing insights from successful global initiatives, this session showcases impactful partnerships from around the world. |
Dr. Godson Gatsha, Deputy Vice Chancellor - Student Services, Botswana Open University Dr. Trixie Smith, Director of the Global Alliiances in Literacy and Engagement, Michigan State University Dr. Mark Nichols, Executive Director, Learning Design & Development, Open Polytechnic Kuratini Tuwhera |
12:45 pm – 1:45 pm EST |
Connecting What’s Going on in the World to Online Learning: The SDGs as a Lens Into Online LearningHow can online learning actively contribute to addressing global challenges? In this hour-long session, three presenters will share powerful stories of their work in online education as it aligns with specific United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Each 20-minute segment will spotlight a unique perspective on how online learning initiatives can promote sustainability, equity, and inclusivity on a global scale. From advancing quality education and reducing inequalities to fostering sustainable partnerships, presenters will illuminate ways online education can play a pivotal role in achieving the SDGs. Join us to explore how online learning is not only adapting to our world but actively shaping a better future. |
Dr. Ebba Ossiannilsson, Professor, I4Quality.se, Ossiannilsson Quality in Open Online Learning (QOOL) Consultancy, ICDE, ICDE OER Advocacy Committee Dr. Dylan Barth, Vice President of Innovation and Programs, Online Learning Consortium Phil Denman, Quality Scorecard Suite Coordinator, Online Learning Consortium |
10:00 am – 10:15 am EST |
WelcomeWelcome to Day 2 of the Global Leadership Impact Summit! In this brief opening session, we’ll recap the key insights from Day 1 and preview the exciting discussions and presentations lined up for today. With a continued focus on building global partnerships for educational access, this session will energize you for another day of exploration, learning, and collaboration. Get ready to dive deeper into the challenges and solutions shaping the future of digital education across the globe. |
Dr. Madeline Shellgren, Director of Global Outreach, Online Learning Consortium Dr. Dylan Barth, Vice President of Innovation and Programs, Online Learning Consortium |
10:15 am – 11:00 am EST |
Plenary Talk: The impact of Language and Context in Digital Global Change WorkIn the world of digital global change work, language and context shape both the message and the impact. This plenary talk examines how linguistic diversity, cultural context, and nuanced communication strategies influence the effectiveness of global initiatives in digital learning and education access. Exploring real-world examples of successful—and challenging—cross-cultural collaborations, this session will highlight how language can bridge or widen divides and the vital role context plays in engaging diverse audiences. Attendees will gain insights into best practices for fostering inclusivity and understanding, empowering them to communicate more effectively and build more resilient global partnerships. |
Dr. Diana Ruggiero, Professor, University of Memphis |
11:00 am – 11:30 am EST |
Points of ViewThe “Points of View” session invites voices from around the world to share diverse perspectives on the evolving landscape of digital learning and access. This interactive, dialogue-driven session encourages participants to explore both common challenges and unique regional insights in educational access, innovation, and equity. With contributors from varied cultural and educational contexts, the discussion will examine the roles of technology, policy, and collaboration in shaping the future of digital learning. Join us for a dynamic exchange of ideas, as we bridge perspectives and inspire global solutions to support learners everywhere. |
Dr. Maha Bali, Professor of Practice at the Center for Learning and Teaching, The American University in Cairo (AUC) Dr. Madeline Shellgren, Director of Global Outreach, Online Learning Consortium (Session Facilitator) |
11:30 am – 11:45 am EST |
Break |
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11:45 am – 12:45 pm EST |
Accessibility Around the Online Learning WorldAccessibility in online learning goes far beyond connectivity; it involves designing inclusive, adaptable, and supportive environments for all learners, including those with disabilities. In this panel-style session, experts from various regions will share insights on how accessibility challenges are being addressed worldwide. Panelists will respond to a series of questions about tools, practices, policies, and pedagogies for making digital learning more accessible, from closed captioning and assistive technologies to inclusive course design and innovative pedagogical approaches. Join this important discussion to gain a global perspective on creating online learning spaces that embrace and empower every learner. |
Mr. Paul N. Kahenya, Director Online Learning, Africa Nazarene University Prof. Dr. Gottfried Zimmermann, Professor, Hochschule der Medien in Stuttgart Kate Sonka, Executive Director, Teach Access Dr. Madeline Shellgren, Director of Global Outreach, Online Learning Consortium (Session Facilitator) |
12:45 pm – 1:55 pm EST |
Critical Data the Online Learning World Can’t Ignore: Research-Driven Insights into Online LearningIn the rapidly evolving field of online learning, globally diverse, data-driven insights are essential for informed decision-making and impactful practice. This session features a series of concise, research-focused presentations from experts worldwide, each sharing key data and recent findings that reveal critical trends, challenges, and opportunities across different regions. Presenters will discuss the global implications of their research, offering actionable insights for enhancing online learning on a broad scale. Following the presentations, the facilitator will lead an open dialogue, inviting audience questions and fostering an interactive discussion on how these essential, globally informed insights can shape the future of online education. |
Dr. Nicole Johnson, Executive Director, Canadian Digital Learning Research Association (CDLRA) Dr. Madeline Shellgren, Director of Global Outreach, Online Learning Consortium (Session Facilitator) |
1:55 pm – 2:00 pm EST |
ClosingIn this closing session, we’ll quickly highlight key takeaways from the summit and outline immediate next steps for continuing the work of building global partnerships in education. This session will provide a moment to reflect on the insights shared, and offer a glimpse into how attendees can stay engaged and contribute to advancing universal access to education. As we close, we’ll leave you with a renewed sense of purpose and inspiration to take the next steps in your own work. |
Dr. Madeline Shellgren, Director of Global Outreach, Online Learning Consortium |
Questions? Send an email to customersupport@onlinelearning-c.org.
How to Attend
Please register for access to this event.
Our goal is to always make it as easy as possible for people to participate in our events, particularly global ones where our community convenes across time zones and access to professional development must be flexible. With this in mind, this event is free and open. That said, we welcome you to make a tax-deductible charitable donation to the OLC to support our annual Global Leadership Impact Summit series.