Webinars with One Focus: Excellence in Online Learning

How will artificial intelligence (AI) tools (such as ChatGPT and Bard) affect online, blended, and digital learning in higher education? Join us for a panel discussion on the opportunities and threats associated with this emerging technology.  With the release of the AI chatbot ChatGPT in late 2022, many instructors, support staff,... Read More>

Proving that quality exists within online education programs can be a daunting and complex task. Typically, metrics such as course completion, student logins, survey responses, and internal reviews are used to demonstrate engagement and quality outcomes. However, these instruments lack the authority of a rigorous program review by an outside... Read More>

In this webinar, we will explore the potential of augmented and virtual environments—sometimes known collectively as the metaverse—within the context of online, blended, and digital learning. Specifically, we’ll consider:  What does a virtual campus offer in terms of community building, collaboration, and a sense of belonging, beyond what is available in... Read More>

**This webinar is part of the OLC Accelerate 2022 Best-in-Track webinar series!** Evidence-based instructional strategies provide effective frameworks for designing both in-person and distance learning experiences that effectively achieve course learning outcomes. Fink’s Taxonomy of Significant Learning (FTSL) is an evidence-based instructional strategy originally developed for in-person courses that describes six... Read More>

**This webinar is part of the OLC Accelerate 2022 Best-in-Track webinar series!** Although first-generation students—those first in their families to pursue higher education—comprise a sizable portion of gateway (or general education) course enrollment, little, if any, attention has been given to the pedagogical approaches that might be used to meet the... Read More>

This session will provide insights into mentoring for faculty and students in online education programs, or for those considering a more traditional mentoring program delivered predominantly online. The presenters will discuss a variety of faculty and student mentoring programs for higher education, along with relevant best practices and examples of... Read More>

**This webinar is part of the OLC Accelerate 2022 Best-in-Track webinar series!** A frequent sentiment that is often heard from instructors of online courses is a general sense of dissatisfaction with traditional discussion board activities. Many report how students are often reluctant to engage in meaningful discourse or how interactions tend... Read More>

This webinar, co-hosted by Dylan Barth and Katie Schuster of OLC and J. Garvey Pyke and Lynn Wahl of UNC Charlotte, will highlight the cohort-based professional development program designed for new and experienced leaders in the field of digital and online learning. The session will provide an overview of the... Read More>

**This webinar is part of the OLC Accelerate 2022 Best-in-Track webinar series!** While the success of digital games in education continues to validate the improvement to motivation, engagement and social influence (Groening & Binnewies, 2019; Lopez & Tucker, 2019), the impact for asynchronous adult education remains ambiguous. In a substantial course... Read More>

This webinar, co-hosted by Dylan Barth and Katie Schuster of OLC and J. Garvey Pyke and Lynn Wahl of UNC Charlotte, will highlight the cohort-based professional development program designed for new and experienced leaders in the field of digital and online learning. The session will provide an overview of the... Read More>

Please join the editorial team and a few of the authors of OLC Press’s new release From Grassroots to the Highly-Orchestrated: Online Leaders Share Their Stories of the Evolving Online Organizational Landscape in Higher Ed as they speak to stories they wrote about in the book and how lessons they... Read More>

Please join the editorial team of OLC Press’s new release From Grassroots to the Highly-Orchestrated: Online Leaders Share Their Stories of the Evolving Online Organizational Landscape in Higher Ed to learn about the publishing process with OLC Press. So many of us have book ideas and we know how important... Read More>

With the rapid growth of online education, one challenge we encounter is how to run effective, safe science lab courses online. This webinar will explore how at-home lab kits can be used safely and effectively to meet the reliability and rigor of on-campus labs. The shared practices will display that the safe,... Read More>

The higher education landscape has undergone significant changes in response to the impact of the pandemic. As a result, institutions have had to adopt flexible assessment solutions to meet student demand to keep online learning. These new technology solutions can sometimes contribute to heightened student anxiety stemming from security and... Read More>

This webinar will explore how lab kits have been implemented at Wytheville Community College for anatomy and microbiology courses. These lab kits have been an integral part of bringing students together to engage them in an online environment and create a sense of community and collaboration that has been highly... Read More>

**This webinar is part of our OLC Innovate 2022 Best-in-Track summer webinar series!** With so much technology available to educators, it can be difficult to determine which to use. In this session, attendees will explore some of the most wanted technology tips from across the Google, Canvas, and Apple (iOS and... Read More>

**This webinar is part of our OLC Innovate 2022 Best-in-Track summer webinar series!** A cross-functional team at National Louis University - a private, non-profit, Hispanic-Serving Institution in the midwest - responded to the need that presented itself through the shutdowns required during the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States, as well... Read More>

**This webinar is part of our OLC Innovate 2022 Best-in-Track summer webinar series!** Many students enter a first year mathematics course with the mindset of “I just need to get the right answer.” In this session we introduce three activities thoughtfully incorporated into high enrollment courses that help students adjust their... Read More>

**This webinar is part of our OLC Innovate 2022 Best-in-Track summer webinar series!** Badging and micro-credentialing are becoming more prevalent in the professional world, not just in computer science. Digital badges can also be used as an innovative curriculum design model for any course or content area. Badges can be used... Read More>

Following the changes that most institutions implemented to address the need for remote instruction and the changing student and instructor expectations around flexibility, modality and appropriate use of in-person time, many are exploring blended learning as the future of the university. The potential for high quality learning experiences that make... Read More>

Webinar Description: It is estimated that approximately 30% of learners in your classroom have some form of neurodivergence such as autism, ADHD, or dyslexia (Conditt, 2020). These individuals are gifted with a unique way of viewing the world and processing information. However, they face the challenge of learning in environments that... Read More>

Partners Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), the Texas International Education Consortium (TIEC), and the Online Learning Consortium, will highlight the first IELOL Global Regional Colloquy, Transforming Educational Futures Through Innovation in West Africa. The program will feature keynotes and speakers from KNUST and other thought leaders from... Read More>

Multiple surveys of students, faculty, and administrators have all shown that the pandemic is producing fundamental changes in teaching and learning across all higher education. All groups report more optimistic views of online and hybrid learning, as well as a greater desire for technology integration in all courses. Resistance to... Read More>

Bay View Analytics research has shown that faculty members who are aware of an OER initiative are 300%+ more likely to adopt OER than are the general population of faculty. This webinar examines the data behind this finding and introduces several individuals who have made this difference a reality. Attendees... Read More>

Students in online science courses need laboratory experiences. Digital, hands-on, and hybrid approaches all provide these students with the opportunity to learn, to apply, and to demonstrate their lab skills. This webinar will explore the multiple ways that instructors can engage their students by selecting the best online lab tools... Read More>

Session description: What are institutions around the world doing to close their regions’ digital skills gaps, and what innovations are poised to lead the way in the next normal? OLC researchers will share insights and results from their global case study, and a panel of experts will discuss calls to action... Read More>

Adjunct faculty—defined here as part-time, non-tenure track instructors—account for nearly half of all teaching faculty in higher ed and are critical to the success of their students and the institutions they serve. To better understand how to address the needs of these instructors, the WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies (WCET)... Read More>

Session description: While technological advancements continue to proliferate through and disrupt traditional educational systems and structures, questions of values, ethics, and the effects of innovation on human beings must be central to and operate in parallel to the technological advancements themselves. In this webinar, our expert panelists will explore what is... Read More>

Session description: As the real and virtual worlds continue to intertwine, we are reorienting ourselves to the notion of serious play, and to the value of simulation, immersion, and game-based learning. In this webinar, our expert panelists will explore the emergent possibilities and exciting teaching, learning, and doing taking place through... Read More>

Session description: To continue this five-part international series on artificial intelligence and digital citizenship in higher education, this webinar will provide an overview and framework for bridging the global digital skills gap through expanded educational opportunity. Expert panelists will provide a frame and pathways for understanding and engaging in global coalition-building... Read More>

Session description: What role might data analytics and adaptive learning solutions play in shaping the future of higher education’s drive to support students globally? In this webinar, our expert speakers will share ongoing work and emerging trends related to data analytics and adaptive learning solutions, as well as their connections to... Read More>

Meaningful engagement between instructors and students is an essential component of successful online and distance learning, driving higher quality interactions and experiences. This aligns with the Department of Education’s rules requiring courses to include “Regular and Substantive Interaction,” especially in distance and competency-based education (to ensure federal financial aid funds... Read More>

Designing and delivering quality online programs can seem like a herculean task as exemplary administration requires strategy, collaboration, and coordination across the institution. Join us for this webinar with Dr. Lesa Louch of Baker College, driving force of their recent exemplary designation for online program administration and Dr. Nicole Weber,... Read More>

This webinar is part of our OLC Innovate 2021 Best-in-Track (Open Learning) summer webinar series! Culturally Responsive Teaching pedagogy in the online environment is key to maintaining student engagement, acquiring knowledge about the course content, developing critical thinking skills, promoting a sense of belonging and community, and succeeding in their academic... Read More>

This webinar is part of our OLC Innovate 2021 Best-in-Track (Research: Designs, Methods, and Findings) summer webinar series! As online education continues to evolve, it is important to learn from stakeholders who are highly experienced in the field. While some recent literature (e.g. Mansbach & Austin, 2018) has explored the online... Read More>

This webinar is part of our OLC Innovate 2021 Best-in-Track (Instructional Technologies and Tools) summer webinar series! The global pandemic has prompted many higher education institutions to embrace new technologies and approaches to virtual teaching. The USAHS Center for Innovative Clinical Practice (CICP) has shifted from facilitating campus-based learning to becoming... Read More>

This webinar is part of our OLC Innovate 2021 Best-in-Track (Teaching and Learning Practice) summer webinar series! Many have feared that the the rapid shift to fully online instruction at universities caused by COVID-19 - and the concomitant transition for most students to home-based learning - would deepen existing inequalities and achievement gaps... Read More>

This webinar is part of our OLC Innovate 2021 Best-in-Track (Process, Problems, and Practices) summer webinar series! Whether you’re a teacher, professor, speaker, or attendee, the movement to the online space has been challenging for many of us. No small part of that is the loss of most non-verbal communication cues.... Read More>

This webinar is part of our OLC Innovate 2021 Best-in-Track (Career and Technical Education) summer webinar series! This webinar will cover program management strategies and student success practices for the Master of Engineering Management (MEM) program at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, which is a fully asynchronous, online professional master's... Read More>

To promote inclusive and equitable access to higher​ education, OLC and Cengage have developed a​ transformative professional development and ​mentorship opportunity for higher education leaders​ spanning directors, deans and​ department chairs, and C-suite executives.​ This workshop is being offered for free for leaders at HBCUs (historically Black colleges and universities)... Read More>

This webinar is part of our OLC Innovate 2021 Best-in-Track (Blended Teaching and Learning) summer webinar series! The most significant investment educational institutions invest in to support online teaching is the Learning Management System (LMS). Yet, for all the investment, the use of LMS features is inconsistent among faculty and the... Read More>

A recently released report “Stronger Together,” developed by the OLC in partnership with the National Accrediting Commission for Diversity and Inclusion, Tennessee State University, United States Distance Learning Association, and National Coalition of 100 Black Women found three primary areas for improvement, including student support, funding, and operations. HBCUs play an... Read More>

In the spring of 2020, 83% of the faculty surveyed said that they moved a face-to-face course to emergency remote teaching. By fall of 2020 68% of those were still teaching one or more courses fully online, with 30% more employing some sort of blended methodology. 64% say their current... Read More>

While the rapid shift in remote learning has presented institutions with many challenges, it has also created unexpected opportunities to make learning more affordable and accessible to all types of learners. The rapid shift to digital content, for instance, has exposed fault lines in the “traditional” approach, including prohibitive costs,... Read More>

Please note: This is Part 3 in a series of 3 webinars. You will need to register individually for each webinar you are interested in attending by visiting our Webinars page. Leading Beyond the Organization The personal, professional, and institutional benefits resulting from networking and external engagement can be significant. In this... Read More>

Please note: This is Part 2 in a series of 3 webinars. You will need to register individually for each webinar you are interested in attending by visiting our Webinars page. This webinar will be broken up into 2 separate panels with the authors of each chapter. Panel 1 (1:00-1:45pm ET) -... Read More>

Please note: This is Part 1 in a series of 3 webinars. You will need to register individually for each webinar you are interested in attending by visiting our Webinars page. Leading Innovation in the Mainstream Webinar Description: This session will examine issues associated with leading online learning innovations within the complex academic... Read More>

Are you a parent of a young adult who will be learning online this fall? Join this free webinar to hear from a panel of online teaching and learning experts (and parents!) who will help you learn to manage your own stress, consider the role of routines and schedules, and... Read More>

Since the majority of OER are delivered online, even a face-to-face course that uses OER digital material becomes, in effect, a hybrid course, making online course design an essential element in planning. OER presents an opportunity for faculty to refresh and renew their courses and by means of intentional planning,... Read More>

This is Part 3 of a three-part webinar series that will examine how disability is framed in society and explores the power of design to promote equity. Throughout this series we will discuss concepts that shape the disability experience as well as practical applications to the online environment that contribute... Read More>

Using the online classroom to create meaningful learning often involves the use of discussion forums. As educators, it is important to know how to effectively facilitate these virtual conversations in order to keep students engaged. In this webinar, you will be provided with best practices on how you can interact... Read More>

This is Part 2 of a three-part webinar series that will examine how disability is framed in society and explore the power of design to promote equity. Throughout this series we will discuss concepts that shape the disability experience as well as practical applications to the online environment that contribute... Read More>

This is Part 1 of a three-part webinar series that will examine how disability is framed in society and explore the power of design to promote equity. Throughout this series we will discuss concepts that shape the disability experience as well as practical applications to the online environment that contribute... Read More>

With the rapid switch to providing education in a fully remote format, teachers need to be proactive in making sure that students are getting the social-emotional support they need. This can be challenging. In this webinar, our panel of experts will provide best practices on how you can best meet... Read More>

Converting your on-ground course to an online course can be a challenge under normal circumstances but converting to an online course in an emergency is a whole different matter. In this webinar, we will discuss how to survive this process and even improve the course by applying the principles of... Read More>

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE MARCH 26TH WEBINAR: HOW TO SURVIVE YOUR (HURRIED) SWITCH TO ONLINE DELIVERY USING UDL   As educators across the country and at all levels rush to shift their teaching to a virtual environment, their first focus is content and delivery—rightly so. Once that course starts, it... Read More>

Designing and developing even a single online course is a challenge. How can we scale this process to maintain quality and continuity across an entire program? At the University of Maryland Global Campus, we are testing an Agile framework that enables us to design entire programs, ensure continuity across courses,... Read More>

This pop-up webinar from OLC workshop facilitators Karen Costa & Clea Mahoney will help higher education institutions to rapidly and effectively use live, online sessions to support continuity of instruction in the face of crises, disasters, or other unanticipated events. Your presenters will offer specific strategies around: - selecting and using online... Read More>

A key concern for higher education institutions that are developing and/or implementing emergency preparedness plans is how to best transition to a virtual campus and maintain continuity of instruction and services in the face of unscheduled closures. Education technology can be part of the solution to fill gaps in instructional... Read More>

Participants will have the opportunity to hear from Alanna Tynes, an A&P subject matter expert with over 24 years of experience teaching A&P I and A&P II. She developed her first online science course in 2001 and to date has created 5 fully online science lab courses. An expert at... Read More>

Designing good digital learning is about more than just great courses. It’s critical to design your learning environment to be an active participant in the learning process. Many other industries already use techniques for persuading online visitors to engage with digital content in a particular way and to keep returning.... Read More>

Many institutions approach online program development by identifying which programs are most in demand. However, this approach runs the risk of saturating the market with duplicate programs. Wiley Education Services uses a proprietary Strategic Portfolio Development™ (SPD) approach to identify the most scalable opportunities across diverse audiences and modalities, playing... Read More>

Participants will have the opportunity to hear from 3 subject matter experts with over 30 years of combined experience teaching biology lab courses online. Each of the panelists has experience designing biology kits for their students to use at home with safe, rigorous experiments mirroring those done in the traditional... Read More>

Would you like to become more involved with OLC and engage with others in the OLC community? Join us for this informational webinar to learn more and explore a wide range of (non-conference) OLC volunteer opportunities. Options include: reviewers for the OLC Online Learning Journal (OLJ)  and Research Center, membership... Read More>

Dietmar Kennepohl and Mary Mawn, editor and contributing author of Teaching Science Online, join Shannon McGurk of Carolina Distance Learning to discuss strategies for teaching science online in this one hour webcast. Learn about best practices for bringing science to life in an online format and ask questions of experts in the field. This webinar... Read More>

As a part of “The Year of Accessibility”, the Online Learning Consortium and WCET continue to collaborate to bring our communities resources on the topic of accessibility. Since the Department of Justice and the Office for Civil Rights released the joint “Dear Colleague” letter regarding accessible ebook readers and other educational... Read More>

Have you ever uttered the words “ADA compliant” and witnessed your colleagues in disability services rolling their eyes?  Or been told that there is no such thing without much of an explanation about why there is no such thing?  Do you want to be sure that your course materials and... Read More>

Sponsored by: In a fast-paced world, technological advances are revolutionizing the way we live our lives. The world of education is no exception. Online education is a growing trend in institutions around the world and digital learning solutions must continually evolve to meet the demand. Early online learning methods consisted largely... Read More>

Tuesday, March 20 11:30 MDT/1:30 EDT OLC and WCET explored several issues on which they could partner to better serve their members. Assuring the accessibility in courses, websites, student services, and all communications rose to the top as many are still confused on what is required and how to address those... Read More>

Wednesday, October 18, 2017 12:00 ET As a follow-up to our summer webinar series, Exploring the Immersive Learning Landscape: Headsets, HoloLens, and Higher Ed, OLC invites you to continue the conversation about virtual and augmented reality with this free fall webinar devoted to the topic of accessibility. Join our invited speakers,... Read More>

October 3, 2017 | 1:00pm EST In this webinar, researchers from the Oregon State University Ecampus Research Unit will offer an overview of the results from their national study on the research preparation and engagement of instructional designers. The presentation will include: An overview of the study Demographics of respondents Data & results from... Read More>

Join the Online Learning Consortium, the Tennessee Board of Regents and Drexel University Online for this lunch-hour webinar series as we explore the rapidly evolving field of virtual, augmented and mixed realities within the context of online, blended and digital learning. Designed to further your knowledge and provide you an... Read More>

A Strada Education Network grant funded initiative led by The Presidents’ Forum at Excelsior College and the Distance Education Accrediting Commission Alternative providers offering college-level learning not tethered to any institution have found their inevitable place at the higher education table. The recognition of such alternative forms of learning can decrease cost... Read More>

A recent Pearson Education survey titled “Digital appetite vs. what’s on the table” found that about 82 percent of students, faculty and administrators surveyed think that digital is the future.  However, only 56 percent said more than half of their institution’s courses are using some sort of digital courseware.  Additionally,... Read More>

Through a partnership with the State University of New York, OLC is able to provide the OSCQR Course Design Review scorecard. Based on online best practices, the rubric can be used by faculty, staff and instructional designers to evaluate the effectiveness of an online course and identify areas of opportunity. This... Read More>

In Going Online, Bob Ubell’s new book on digital education, covers what it is, how it works, where it came from, and where it may be headed. Ubell says that it is not technology alone, but rather unconventional pedagogies, supported by technological innovations, that truly activate today's classrooms. He argues... Read More>

March 28, 2017 | 1:00pm EST Well-designed adaptive courses are powerful tools to support instructors in providing students with a more personalized learning experience. Adaptive platforms are based on robust and scalable technology and a holistic approach to impact learning and teaching. This allows instructional designers and administrators to create a... Read More>

Postsecondary Perspectives on Digital Learning: Insights into the State of Digital in Higher Ed In this two-part webinar series, we invite you to reflect on the use of instructional technology to support teaching and learning  (“digital learning”) at your institution and compare your views to those of over 1,100 administrators nationwide.... Read More>

Postsecondary Perspectives on Digital Learning: Insights into the State of Digital in Higher Ed In this two-part webinar series, we invite you to reflect on the use of instructional technology to support teaching and learning  (“digital learning”) at your institution and compare your views to those of over 1,100 administrators nationwide.... Read More>

January 20, 2017 | 1:00ET This session will discuss the most pertinent topics for developing and sustaining a strong support program for online learning in higher education, based upon one online learning administrator’s unique experience with OLC's Mastery Series Program, Leadership in Online Learning. With a focus on the 3 core... Read More>

January 18, 2017 | 12:00pm EST We are fusing communication competence and convenience to guide optimal performance, critical thinking and leadership refinement in 21st century learners & mentors. This webinar shares pedagogical methodology, instructional design and digital convergence screencasting technology to train the workforce, scholars and performers of tomorrow. Identifying the need and... Read More>

December 14, 2016 | 12:00pm EST With more instructional design departments developing programs to spur adoption of OER and faculty experimenting with adaptive solutions, schools are grappling with how to discover the best resources, improve adoption rates, and best practices for implementation. Most institutions have pockets of digital, personalized learning tools,... Read More>

Join panelists Dr. Shanna Smith Jaggars, Dr. Hans Johnson, and Dr. Peter Shea in a discussion about community college completion. Moderated by Jeff Young, Editor-in-Chief of Inside Higher Ed, panelists will provide an overview of the  area of research they are currently most involved in, and how their work may... Read More>

There are hundreds of articles about preparing instructors for the transition to online learning in general, but very few focus on the specific challenges posed synchronous virtual classrooms. Even fewer investigate instructor preparation to meet these challenges. How much training do virtual instructors receive, what does it involve and how... Read More>

The higher education demand for learning analytics products and services continues to grow. According to Gartner Consulting’s hype cycle, Learning Analytics is about to enter the peak of inflated expectations. So, the 30+ existing companies are all jockeying for the position of “next silver bullet” for education, providing a product or service to graduate... Read More>

Online learning is no longer an anomaly in U.S. higher education, but many still question its efficacy, especially for students most at-risk for failure. This Webinar will showcase the exciting results of recent research that suggests that taking online courses is not necessarily harmful to students’ chances of being retained... Read More>

Join Acrobatiq, EdSurge, Intentional Futures and OLC as we explore the role of the instructional designer and how their role has evolved in higher education. Designed to further explore the recent report, Instructional Design in Higher Education, each webinar will feature a panel of experts on the given topic.  In this webinar,... Read More>

In this presentation, Benny G. Johnson, Ph.D., Director of Research & Development for Acrobatiq will discuss how advances in data-driven instructional design and learning analytics are enabling improvements in learning outcomes – particularly in high enrollment, general education gateway courses. Using learning curve analysis and related education data science techniques,... Read More>

The concept of using academic analytics to understand trends in a student population is not a new idea. However, much of the analysis of these massive numbers live in the "Massive or Big Data" analysis of information for whole programs. There is little evidence that instructors are using smaller samplings... Read More>

Join Acrobatiq, EdSurge, Intentional Futures and OLC as we explore the role of the instructional designer and how their role has evolved in higher education. Designed to further explore the recent report, Instructional Design in Higher Education, each webinar will feature a panel of experts on the given topic.  In this webinar,... Read More>

Join Acrobatiq, EdSurge, Intentional Futures and OLC as we explore the role of the instructional designer and how their role has evolved in higher education. Designed to further explore the recent report, Instructional Design in Higher Education, each webinar will feature a panel of experts on the given topic.  In this webinar,... Read More>

  Join OLC as we host prestigious scholar-experts in the field of digital scholarship who will share insights from the field, as well as theory and practitioner-based skills in this series of four webinars. With each webinar focusing on a specific area of digital scholarship, the series will provide you with the knowledge and... Read More>

  Join OLC as we host prestigious scholar-experts in the field of digital scholarship who will share insights from the field, as well as theory and practitioner-based skills in this series of four webinars. With each webinar focusing on a specific area of digital scholarship, the series will provide you with the knowledge and... Read More>

Join Acrobatiq, EdSurge, Intentional Futures and OLC as we explore the role of the instructional designer and how their role has evolved in higher education. Designed to further explore the recent report, Instructional Design in Higher Education, each webinar will feature a panel of experts on the given topic.  In this webinar,... Read More>

Join Acrobatiq, EdSurge, Intentional Futures and OLC as we explore the role of the instructional designer and how their role has evolved in higher education. Designed to further explore the recent report, Instructional Design in Higher Education, each webinar will feature a panel of experts on the given topic.  In this webinar,... Read More>

The concept of using academic analytics to understand trends in a student population is not a new idea. However, much of the analysis of these massive numbers live in the "Massive or Big Data" analysis of information for whole programs. There is little evidence that instructors are using smaller samplings... Read More>

In this presentation, Benny G. Johnson, Ph.D., Director of Research & Development for Acrobatiq will discuss how advances in data-driven instructional design and learning analytics are enabling improvements in learning outcomes – particularly in high enrollment, general education gateway courses. Using learning curve analysis and related education data science techniques,... Read More>

Join Acrobatiq, EdSurge, Intentional Futures and OLC as we explore the role of the instructional designer and how their role has evolved in higher education. Designed to further explore the recent report, Instructional Design in Higher Education, each webinar will feature a panel of experts on the given topic.  In this webinar,... Read More>

Online learning is no longer an anomaly in U.S. higher education, but many still question its efficacy, especially for students most at-risk for failure. This Webinar will showcase the exciting results of recent research that suggests that taking online courses is not necessarily harmful to students’ chances of being retained... Read More>

The higher education demand for learning analytics products and services continues to grow. According to Gartner Consulting’s hype cycle, Learning Analytics is about to enter the peak of inflated expectations. So, the 30+ existing companies are all jockeying for the position of “next silver bullet” for education, providing a product or service to graduate... Read More>

There are hundreds of articles about preparing instructors for the transition to online learning in general, but very few focus on the specific challenges posed synchronous virtual classrooms. Even fewer investigate instructor preparation to meet these challenges. How much training do virtual instructors receive, what does it involve and how... Read More>

Join panelists Dr. Shanna Smith Jaggars, Dr. Hans Johnson, and Dr. Peter Shea in a discussion about community college completion. Moderated by Jeff Young, Editor-in-Chief of Inside Higher Ed, panelists will provide an overview of the  area of research they are currently most involved in, and how their work may... Read More>

December 14, 2016 | 12:00pm EST With more instructional design departments developing programs to spur adoption of OER and faculty experimenting with adaptive solutions, schools are grappling with how to discover the best resources, improve adoption rates, and best practices for implementation. Most institutions have pockets of digital, personalized learning tools,... Read More>

January 18, 2017 | 12:00pm EST We are fusing communication competence and convenience to guide optimal performance, critical thinking and leadership refinement in 21st century learners & mentors. This webinar shares pedagogical methodology, instructional design and digital convergence screencasting technology to train the workforce, scholars and performers of tomorrow. Identifying the need and... Read More>

January 20, 2017 | 1:00ET This session will discuss the most pertinent topics for developing and sustaining a strong support program for online learning in higher education, based upon one online learning administrator’s unique experience with OLC's Mastery Series Program, Leadership in Online Learning. With a focus on the 3 core... Read More>

Postsecondary Perspectives on Digital Learning: Insights into the State of Digital in Higher Ed In this two-part webinar series, we invite you to reflect on the use of instructional technology to support teaching and learning  (“digital learning”) at your institution and compare your views to those of over 1,100 administrators nationwide.... Read More>

Postsecondary Perspectives on Digital Learning: Insights into the State of Digital in Higher Ed In this two-part webinar series, we invite you to reflect on the use of instructional technology to support teaching and learning  (“digital learning”) at your institution and compare your views to those of over 1,100 administrators nationwide.... Read More>

March 28, 2017 | 1:00pm EST Well-designed adaptive courses are powerful tools to support instructors in providing students with a more personalized learning experience. Adaptive platforms are based on robust and scalable technology and a holistic approach to impact learning and teaching. This allows instructional designers and administrators to create a... Read More>

In Going Online, Bob Ubell’s new book on digital education, covers what it is, how it works, where it came from, and where it may be headed. Ubell says that it is not technology alone, but rather unconventional pedagogies, supported by technological innovations, that truly activate today's classrooms. He argues... Read More>

Through a partnership with the State University of New York, OLC is able to provide the OSCQR Course Design Review scorecard. Based on online best practices, the rubric can be used by faculty, staff and instructional designers to evaluate the effectiveness of an online course and identify areas of opportunity. This... Read More>

A recent Pearson Education survey titled “Digital appetite vs. what’s on the table” found that about 82 percent of students, faculty and administrators surveyed think that digital is the future.  However, only 56 percent said more than half of their institution’s courses are using some sort of digital courseware.  Additionally,... Read More>

A Strada Education Network grant funded initiative led by The Presidents’ Forum at Excelsior College and the Distance Education Accrediting Commission Alternative providers offering college-level learning not tethered to any institution have found their inevitable place at the higher education table. The recognition of such alternative forms of learning can decrease cost... Read More>

Join the Online Learning Consortium, the Tennessee Board of Regents and Drexel University Online for this lunch-hour webinar series as we explore the rapidly evolving field of virtual, augmented and mixed realities within the context of online, blended and digital learning. Designed to further your knowledge and provide you an... Read More>

October 3, 2017 | 1:00pm EST In this webinar, researchers from the Oregon State University Ecampus Research Unit will offer an overview of the results from their national study on the research preparation and engagement of instructional designers. The presentation will include: An overview of the study Demographics of respondents Data & results from... Read More>

Wednesday, October 18, 2017 12:00 ET As a follow-up to our summer webinar series, Exploring the Immersive Learning Landscape: Headsets, HoloLens, and Higher Ed, OLC invites you to continue the conversation about virtual and augmented reality with this free fall webinar devoted to the topic of accessibility. Join our invited speakers,... Read More>

Tuesday, March 20 11:30 MDT/1:30 EDT OLC and WCET explored several issues on which they could partner to better serve their members. Assuring the accessibility in courses, websites, student services, and all communications rose to the top as many are still confused on what is required and how to address those... Read More>

Sponsored by: In a fast-paced world, technological advances are revolutionizing the way we live our lives. The world of education is no exception. Online education is a growing trend in institutions around the world and digital learning solutions must continually evolve to meet the demand. Early online learning methods consisted largely... Read More>

Have you ever uttered the words “ADA compliant” and witnessed your colleagues in disability services rolling their eyes?  Or been told that there is no such thing without much of an explanation about why there is no such thing?  Do you want to be sure that your course materials and... Read More>

As a part of “The Year of Accessibility”, the Online Learning Consortium and WCET continue to collaborate to bring our communities resources on the topic of accessibility. Since the Department of Justice and the Office for Civil Rights released the joint “Dear Colleague” letter regarding accessible ebook readers and other educational... Read More>

Dietmar Kennepohl and Mary Mawn, editor and contributing author of Teaching Science Online, join Shannon McGurk of Carolina Distance Learning to discuss strategies for teaching science online in this one hour webcast. Learn about best practices for bringing science to life in an online format and ask questions of experts in the field. This webinar... Read More>

Would you like to become more involved with OLC and engage with others in the OLC community? Join us for this informational webinar to learn more and explore a wide range of (non-conference) OLC volunteer opportunities. Options include: reviewers for the OLC Online Learning Journal (OLJ)  and Research Center, membership... Read More>

Participants will have the opportunity to hear from 3 subject matter experts with over 30 years of combined experience teaching biology lab courses online. Each of the panelists has experience designing biology kits for their students to use at home with safe, rigorous experiments mirroring those done in the traditional... Read More>

Many institutions approach online program development by identifying which programs are most in demand. However, this approach runs the risk of saturating the market with duplicate programs. Wiley Education Services uses a proprietary Strategic Portfolio Development™ (SPD) approach to identify the most scalable opportunities across diverse audiences and modalities, playing... Read More>

Designing good digital learning is about more than just great courses. It’s critical to design your learning environment to be an active participant in the learning process. Many other industries already use techniques for persuading online visitors to engage with digital content in a particular way and to keep returning.... Read More>

Participants will have the opportunity to hear from Alanna Tynes, an A&P subject matter expert with over 24 years of experience teaching A&P I and A&P II. She developed her first online science course in 2001 and to date has created 5 fully online science lab courses. An expert at... Read More>

A key concern for higher education institutions that are developing and/or implementing emergency preparedness plans is how to best transition to a virtual campus and maintain continuity of instruction and services in the face of unscheduled closures. Education technology can be part of the solution to fill gaps in instructional... Read More>

This pop-up webinar from OLC workshop facilitators Karen Costa & Clea Mahoney will help higher education institutions to rapidly and effectively use live, online sessions to support continuity of instruction in the face of crises, disasters, or other unanticipated events. Your presenters will offer specific strategies around: - selecting and using online... Read More>

Designing and developing even a single online course is a challenge. How can we scale this process to maintain quality and continuity across an entire program? At the University of Maryland Global Campus, we are testing an Agile framework that enables us to design entire programs, ensure continuity across courses,... Read More>

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE MARCH 26TH WEBINAR: HOW TO SURVIVE YOUR (HURRIED) SWITCH TO ONLINE DELIVERY USING UDL   As educators across the country and at all levels rush to shift their teaching to a virtual environment, their first focus is content and delivery—rightly so. Once that course starts, it... Read More>

Converting your on-ground course to an online course can be a challenge under normal circumstances but converting to an online course in an emergency is a whole different matter. In this webinar, we will discuss how to survive this process and even improve the course by applying the principles of... Read More>

With the rapid switch to providing education in a fully remote format, teachers need to be proactive in making sure that students are getting the social-emotional support they need. This can be challenging. In this webinar, our panel of experts will provide best practices on how you can best meet... Read More>

This is Part 1 of a three-part webinar series that will examine how disability is framed in society and explore the power of design to promote equity. Throughout this series we will discuss concepts that shape the disability experience as well as practical applications to the online environment that contribute... Read More>

This is Part 2 of a three-part webinar series that will examine how disability is framed in society and explore the power of design to promote equity. Throughout this series we will discuss concepts that shape the disability experience as well as practical applications to the online environment that contribute... Read More>

Using the online classroom to create meaningful learning often involves the use of discussion forums. As educators, it is important to know how to effectively facilitate these virtual conversations in order to keep students engaged. In this webinar, you will be provided with best practices on how you can interact... Read More>

This is Part 3 of a three-part webinar series that will examine how disability is framed in society and explores the power of design to promote equity. Throughout this series we will discuss concepts that shape the disability experience as well as practical applications to the online environment that contribute... Read More>

Since the majority of OER are delivered online, even a face-to-face course that uses OER digital material becomes, in effect, a hybrid course, making online course design an essential element in planning. OER presents an opportunity for faculty to refresh and renew their courses and by means of intentional planning,... Read More>

Are you a parent of a young adult who will be learning online this fall? Join this free webinar to hear from a panel of online teaching and learning experts (and parents!) who will help you learn to manage your own stress, consider the role of routines and schedules, and... Read More>

Please note: This is Part 1 in a series of 3 webinars. You will need to register individually for each webinar you are interested in attending by visiting our Webinars page. Leading Innovation in the Mainstream Webinar Description: This session will examine issues associated with leading online learning innovations within the complex academic... Read More>

Please note: This is Part 2 in a series of 3 webinars. You will need to register individually for each webinar you are interested in attending by visiting our Webinars page. This webinar will be broken up into 2 separate panels with the authors of each chapter. Panel 1 (1:00-1:45pm ET) -... Read More>

Please note: This is Part 3 in a series of 3 webinars. You will need to register individually for each webinar you are interested in attending by visiting our Webinars page. Leading Beyond the Organization The personal, professional, and institutional benefits resulting from networking and external engagement can be significant. In this... Read More>

While the rapid shift in remote learning has presented institutions with many challenges, it has also created unexpected opportunities to make learning more affordable and accessible to all types of learners. The rapid shift to digital content, for instance, has exposed fault lines in the “traditional” approach, including prohibitive costs,... Read More>

In the spring of 2020, 83% of the faculty surveyed said that they moved a face-to-face course to emergency remote teaching. By fall of 2020 68% of those were still teaching one or more courses fully online, with 30% more employing some sort of blended methodology. 64% say their current... Read More>

A recently released report “Stronger Together,” developed by the OLC in partnership with the National Accrediting Commission for Diversity and Inclusion, Tennessee State University, United States Distance Learning Association, and National Coalition of 100 Black Women found three primary areas for improvement, including student support, funding, and operations. HBCUs play an... Read More>

This webinar is part of our OLC Innovate 2021 Best-in-Track (Blended Teaching and Learning) summer webinar series! The most significant investment educational institutions invest in to support online teaching is the Learning Management System (LMS). Yet, for all the investment, the use of LMS features is inconsistent among faculty and the... Read More>

To promote inclusive and equitable access to higher​ education, OLC and Cengage have developed a​ transformative professional development and ​mentorship opportunity for higher education leaders​ spanning directors, deans and​ department chairs, and C-suite executives.​ This workshop is being offered for free for leaders at HBCUs (historically Black colleges and universities)... Read More>

This webinar is part of our OLC Innovate 2021 Best-in-Track (Career and Technical Education) summer webinar series! This webinar will cover program management strategies and student success practices for the Master of Engineering Management (MEM) program at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, which is a fully asynchronous, online professional master's... Read More>

This webinar is part of our OLC Innovate 2021 Best-in-Track (Process, Problems, and Practices) summer webinar series! Whether you’re a teacher, professor, speaker, or attendee, the movement to the online space has been challenging for many of us. No small part of that is the loss of most non-verbal communication cues.... Read More>

This webinar is part of our OLC Innovate 2021 Best-in-Track (Teaching and Learning Practice) summer webinar series! Many have feared that the the rapid shift to fully online instruction at universities caused by COVID-19 - and the concomitant transition for most students to home-based learning - would deepen existing inequalities and achievement gaps... Read More>

This webinar is part of our OLC Innovate 2021 Best-in-Track (Instructional Technologies and Tools) summer webinar series! The global pandemic has prompted many higher education institutions to embrace new technologies and approaches to virtual teaching. The USAHS Center for Innovative Clinical Practice (CICP) has shifted from facilitating campus-based learning to becoming... Read More>

This webinar is part of our OLC Innovate 2021 Best-in-Track (Research: Designs, Methods, and Findings) summer webinar series! As online education continues to evolve, it is important to learn from stakeholders who are highly experienced in the field. While some recent literature (e.g. Mansbach & Austin, 2018) has explored the online... Read More>

This webinar is part of our OLC Innovate 2021 Best-in-Track (Open Learning) summer webinar series! Culturally Responsive Teaching pedagogy in the online environment is key to maintaining student engagement, acquiring knowledge about the course content, developing critical thinking skills, promoting a sense of belonging and community, and succeeding in their academic... Read More>

Designing and delivering quality online programs can seem like a herculean task as exemplary administration requires strategy, collaboration, and coordination across the institution. Join us for this webinar with Dr. Lesa Louch of Baker College, driving force of their recent exemplary designation for online program administration and Dr. Nicole Weber,... Read More>

Meaningful engagement between instructors and students is an essential component of successful online and distance learning, driving higher quality interactions and experiences. This aligns with the Department of Education’s rules requiring courses to include “Regular and Substantive Interaction,” especially in distance and competency-based education (to ensure federal financial aid funds... Read More>

Session description: What role might data analytics and adaptive learning solutions play in shaping the future of higher education’s drive to support students globally? In this webinar, our expert speakers will share ongoing work and emerging trends related to data analytics and adaptive learning solutions, as well as their connections to... Read More>

Session description: To continue this five-part international series on artificial intelligence and digital citizenship in higher education, this webinar will provide an overview and framework for bridging the global digital skills gap through expanded educational opportunity. Expert panelists will provide a frame and pathways for understanding and engaging in global coalition-building... Read More>

Session description: As the real and virtual worlds continue to intertwine, we are reorienting ourselves to the notion of serious play, and to the value of simulation, immersion, and game-based learning. In this webinar, our expert panelists will explore the emergent possibilities and exciting teaching, learning, and doing taking place through... Read More>

Session description: While technological advancements continue to proliferate through and disrupt traditional educational systems and structures, questions of values, ethics, and the effects of innovation on human beings must be central to and operate in parallel to the technological advancements themselves. In this webinar, our expert panelists will explore what is... Read More>

Adjunct faculty—defined here as part-time, non-tenure track instructors—account for nearly half of all teaching faculty in higher ed and are critical to the success of their students and the institutions they serve. To better understand how to address the needs of these instructors, the WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies (WCET)... Read More>

Session description: What are institutions around the world doing to close their regions’ digital skills gaps, and what innovations are poised to lead the way in the next normal? OLC researchers will share insights and results from their global case study, and a panel of experts will discuss calls to action... Read More>

Students in online science courses need laboratory experiences. Digital, hands-on, and hybrid approaches all provide these students with the opportunity to learn, to apply, and to demonstrate their lab skills. This webinar will explore the multiple ways that instructors can engage their students by selecting the best online lab tools... Read More>

Bay View Analytics research has shown that faculty members who are aware of an OER initiative are 300%+ more likely to adopt OER than are the general population of faculty. This webinar examines the data behind this finding and introduces several individuals who have made this difference a reality. Attendees... Read More>

Multiple surveys of students, faculty, and administrators have all shown that the pandemic is producing fundamental changes in teaching and learning across all higher education. All groups report more optimistic views of online and hybrid learning, as well as a greater desire for technology integration in all courses. Resistance to... Read More>

Partners Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), the Texas International Education Consortium (TIEC), and the Online Learning Consortium, will highlight the first IELOL Global Regional Colloquy, Transforming Educational Futures Through Innovation in West Africa. The program will feature keynotes and speakers from KNUST and other thought leaders from... Read More>

Webinar Description: It is estimated that approximately 30% of learners in your classroom have some form of neurodivergence such as autism, ADHD, or dyslexia (Conditt, 2020). These individuals are gifted with a unique way of viewing the world and processing information. However, they face the challenge of learning in environments that... Read More>

Following the changes that most institutions implemented to address the need for remote instruction and the changing student and instructor expectations around flexibility, modality and appropriate use of in-person time, many are exploring blended learning as the future of the university. The potential for high quality learning experiences that make... Read More>

**This webinar is part of our OLC Innovate 2022 Best-in-Track summer webinar series!** Badging and micro-credentialing are becoming more prevalent in the professional world, not just in computer science. Digital badges can also be used as an innovative curriculum design model for any course or content area. Badges can be used... Read More>

**This webinar is part of our OLC Innovate 2022 Best-in-Track summer webinar series!** Many students enter a first year mathematics course with the mindset of “I just need to get the right answer.” In this session we introduce three activities thoughtfully incorporated into high enrollment courses that help students adjust their... Read More>

**This webinar is part of our OLC Innovate 2022 Best-in-Track summer webinar series!** A cross-functional team at National Louis University - a private, non-profit, Hispanic-Serving Institution in the midwest - responded to the need that presented itself through the shutdowns required during the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States, as well... Read More>

**This webinar is part of our OLC Innovate 2022 Best-in-Track summer webinar series!** With so much technology available to educators, it can be difficult to determine which to use. In this session, attendees will explore some of the most wanted technology tips from across the Google, Canvas, and Apple (iOS and... Read More>

This webinar will explore how lab kits have been implemented at Wytheville Community College for anatomy and microbiology courses. These lab kits have been an integral part of bringing students together to engage them in an online environment and create a sense of community and collaboration that has been highly... Read More>

The higher education landscape has undergone significant changes in response to the impact of the pandemic. As a result, institutions have had to adopt flexible assessment solutions to meet student demand to keep online learning. These new technology solutions can sometimes contribute to heightened student anxiety stemming from security and... Read More>

With the rapid growth of online education, one challenge we encounter is how to run effective, safe science lab courses online. This webinar will explore how at-home lab kits can be used safely and effectively to meet the reliability and rigor of on-campus labs. The shared practices will display that the safe,... Read More>

Please join the editorial team of OLC Press’s new release From Grassroots to the Highly-Orchestrated: Online Leaders Share Their Stories of the Evolving Online Organizational Landscape in Higher Ed to learn about the publishing process with OLC Press. So many of us have book ideas and we know how important... Read More>

Please join the editorial team and a few of the authors of OLC Press’s new release From Grassroots to the Highly-Orchestrated: Online Leaders Share Their Stories of the Evolving Online Organizational Landscape in Higher Ed as they speak to stories they wrote about in the book and how lessons they... Read More>

This webinar, co-hosted by Dylan Barth and Katie Schuster of OLC and J. Garvey Pyke and Lynn Wahl of UNC Charlotte, will highlight the cohort-based professional development program designed for new and experienced leaders in the field of digital and online learning. The session will provide an overview of the... Read More>

**This webinar is part of the OLC Accelerate 2022 Best-in-Track webinar series!** While the success of digital games in education continues to validate the improvement to motivation, engagement and social influence (Groening & Binnewies, 2019; Lopez & Tucker, 2019), the impact for asynchronous adult education remains ambiguous. In a substantial course... Read More>

This webinar, co-hosted by Dylan Barth and Katie Schuster of OLC and J. Garvey Pyke and Lynn Wahl of UNC Charlotte, will highlight the cohort-based professional development program designed for new and experienced leaders in the field of digital and online learning. The session will provide an overview of the... Read More>

**This webinar is part of the OLC Accelerate 2022 Best-in-Track webinar series!** A frequent sentiment that is often heard from instructors of online courses is a general sense of dissatisfaction with traditional discussion board activities. Many report how students are often reluctant to engage in meaningful discourse or how interactions tend... Read More>

This session will provide insights into mentoring for faculty and students in online education programs, or for those considering a more traditional mentoring program delivered predominantly online. The presenters will discuss a variety of faculty and student mentoring programs for higher education, along with relevant best practices and examples of... Read More>

**This webinar is part of the OLC Accelerate 2022 Best-in-Track webinar series!** Although first-generation students—those first in their families to pursue higher education—comprise a sizable portion of gateway (or general education) course enrollment, little, if any, attention has been given to the pedagogical approaches that might be used to meet the... Read More>

**This webinar is part of the OLC Accelerate 2022 Best-in-Track webinar series!** Evidence-based instructional strategies provide effective frameworks for designing both in-person and distance learning experiences that effectively achieve course learning outcomes. Fink’s Taxonomy of Significant Learning (FTSL) is an evidence-based instructional strategy originally developed for in-person courses that describes six... Read More>

In this webinar, we will explore the potential of augmented and virtual environments—sometimes known collectively as the metaverse—within the context of online, blended, and digital learning. Specifically, we’ll consider:  What does a virtual campus offer in terms of community building, collaboration, and a sense of belonging, beyond what is available in... Read More>

Proving that quality exists within online education programs can be a daunting and complex task. Typically, metrics such as course completion, student logins, survey responses, and internal reviews are used to demonstrate engagement and quality outcomes. However, these instruments lack the authority of a rigorous program review by an outside... Read More>

How will artificial intelligence (AI) tools (such as ChatGPT and Bard) affect online, blended, and digital learning in higher education? Join us for a panel discussion on the opportunities and threats associated with this emerging technology.  With the release of the AI chatbot ChatGPT in late 2022, many instructors, support staff,... Read More>

Advancements in educational technology have made online assessments more authentic, interactive, and accessible for students than ever before. Exams, in particular, can be made both more equitable and more effective at assessing student learning. With the integration of third-party tools to improve engagement, AI that personalizes the experience, proctoring software that... Read More>