It’s the end of a long school day. You’re sifting through emails, thinking about lesson plans, and wondering how to better engage your students in an increasingly digital world. Maybe you’re exploring new ways to personalize learning, integrate AI, or build stronger virtual communities. These are the concerns facing the future of K-12 education, and they’re exactly the conversations we’re having at OLC Innovate 2025 this spring.

For years, OLC conferences have been a hub for higher education professionals, but last year marked a major shift—K-12 got invited to the party. As an elementary teacher who has attended and presented at OLC conferences before the inclusion, I can say firsthand that this expansion offers something truly special: a space where K-12 and higher education intersect, sparking fresh ideas and strategies. The insights shared here help support learners across the entire educational journey, from their earliest experiences in digital learning to preparing them for college and beyond. 

What’s on the Horizon for K-12 Digital Learning?

One of the reasons I keep coming back to OLC Innovate is that every year, I walk away with new ideas that immediately impact my teaching. Each one has helped me grow in practice-from implementing new AI tools in workshops to discovering innovative programs fellow educators have created to solve real challenges in the classroom. The ability to learn from and collaborate with others in this space has been impactful, and this year’s sessions promise to continue that tradition.

Some of the biggest trends in this year’s sessions include:

✅ AI in the K-12 Classroom: From AI literacy to ethical use, how do we prepare students for a world where AI is everywhere?
✅ Gamification & Student Engagement: How can game-based learning keep students motivated and invested in their education?
✅ Personalized Learning & Flexibility: What’s working in tailoring online learning experiences to diverse student needs?
✅ Building Virtual Communities: How do we foster connection and collaboration in digital learning spaces?
✅ Supporting Homeschool & At-Risk Students: What innovative models are helping educators support all learners?

Personally, I’m especially looking forward to these sessions:

✅ Engaging Student Autonomy through Agile Learning Strategies – I love learning new ways to help students take ownership of their learning.
✅ Supporting Students in a Hybrid Classroom – As a huge fan of hybrid learning, I’m always looking for ways to make it more effective and equitable.
✅ How to Replace Lecture with Team-Based Learning – The best learning happens when students collaborate, and I’m excited to hear new approaches to this.
✅ Motivators for K-12 Teachers to Embrace AI – AI is here to stay, and I’m curious to learn what’s helping K-12 educators feel confident and empowered to use it.

Unique Sessions for Real Engagement

OLC Innovate isn’t just about attending sessions—it’s about real engagement. Whether through “Conversation, Not Presentation” discussions or “Design Sprints” that bring ideas to life, these unique session formats challenge us to rethink how we approach digital learning.

One of my favorite formats is “Conversation, Not Presentation.” These sessions feel intimate, inviting deep discussions that often extend long after the session ends. Some of my best professional insights have come from hallway chats and unexpected collaborations after these sessions.

More Than Just a Conference—A Community That Lasts

A conference is a conference is a conference. Am I right? Nope. What makes OLC Innovate truly special is that it’s more than just a place to learn—it’s a place to build real connections that last long after the sessions end.

Although the conference is fully virtual, our programming team pays special attention to engagement programming.  OLC and MERLOT intentionally foster engagement activities facilitated by our members to offer unique ways to connect throughout the conference.   

That’s the magic of OLC Innovate—it brings together educators from different backgrounds and disciplines, creating a space where conversations turn into collaborations and colleagues become lifelong friends.

Beyond the educational sessions, there are plenty of opportunities to relax, connect, and recharge. This year’s lineup of engagement activities includes:

🧘‍♀️ Meditation and Mindfulness – A Guided Virtual Meditation Session
😂 Laughing Through the Chaos – Sharing Virtual Work Horror Stories
🧶 Knit and Crochet Meetup – Relax, chat, and create together

In past years, morning yoga was my favorite way to start the day and connect with fellow attendees. While yoga won’t be offered this year since we’ve gone fully virtual, I’m excited for new ways to build community and bring balance to a packed schedule.

At its core, OLC Innovate isn’t just about learning—it’s about relationships, inspiration, and finding your people.