As we look back on OLC Accelerate 2025 in Orlando, it’s clear that this year’s gathering was one of the most impactful yet. For more than three decades, this conference has brought together educators, innovators, and leaders to make sense of the ever-evolving world of learning—and this year was no exception. As your 2025 conference co-chairs, Cody and Allison, we were deeply inspired by the conversations, collaborations, and sense of community that filled every session, hallway, and coffee break.
A Steady Light in Uncertain Times
Across higher education, K–12, workforce development, and EdTech, change continues to accelerate. The challenges of funding, access, technology integration, and AI’s ethical use remain top of mind. Yet, OLC Accelerate once again served as a guiding light—a place for reflection, recalibration, and reconnection. From our opening keynote to the closing session, the shared message was clear: innovation and humanity must move forward together.
Whether attendees joined us from universities, school districts, corporations, or startups, the spirit of collaboration reminded us that while our contexts may differ, our mission to improve learning is collective—and stronger when pursued together.
Embracing AI—With Intention
Turns out, this Artificial Intelligence thing isn’t going away, huh? The conversations were everywhere this year, but not as a buzzword—as a tool for thoughtful transformation. Presenters and participants explored how AI can enhance creativity, improve accessibility, and personalize learning, while still honoring the essential role of educators.
From panel discussions on responsible AI governance to hands-on workshops in AI-driven course design, the conversations went far beyond hype. Many attendees left with frameworks, not just tools, for how to use AI ethically and effectively in their institutions.
Space to Play, Room to Grow
True to OLC tradition, Accelerate 2025 offered more than presentations—it offered space-aged experiences. The AI Exploration Zone and Engagement Hub provided meaningful moments for attendees to experiment, prototype, and play. Some of the most memorable insights came not from slides, but from spontaneous moments of collaboration. Many of us left with renewed creative energy and tangible next steps for reimagining online learning in our own contexts.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome—Together
One of the most beautiful parts of this year’s conference was the openness and vulnerability of the community. From first-time presenters to long-time attendees, we heard story after story of people stepping into new roles, sharing their voices, and finding confidence through connection. The reminder that “everyone here is both a learner and a teacher” resonated deeply. That’s the OLC difference—authenticity, inclusivity, and a shared belief that growth happens when we show up fully.
Highlights from This Year’s Event
Here are just a few standout moments from OLC Accelerate 2025:
Keynotes that inspired action:
- Amanda Bickerstaff, Co-Founder and CEO of AI for Education, gave a riveting keynote address on the opportunity for education within our AI world. The audience was drawn in by Amanda’s discussion on the current landscape of AI, opportunities for teaching and learning within that landscape, and ended with ethical considerations for AI. She did an amazing job of connecting AI with the other topic that lives under the same moniker- Academic Integrity.
Sessions that sparked new thinking:
- I can’t think of a better pairing than breakfast and a Fellows Panel! This year, Dr. Vickie Cook (University of Illinois Springfield and OLC Board Member) moderated a panel discussion with two 2025 OLC fellows- Dr. Susan Wegmann (Valdosta State University) and Lisa Templeton (Oregon State University) who were joined by 2024 OLC Fellow Dr. Jason Rhode (Northern Illinois University). These innovative thinkers were kept busy with audience generated questions that centered around the evolving landscape of digital education as well as challenges and opportunities that lay ahead. My favorite soundbite from the session was hearing Lisa Templeton talk about her own Advisory Board. She said the members don’t know that they are on her advisory board but they are her go-to people when she needs a brainstorming session or support in her work. I wonder how many audience members started lining up people on their own personal advisory boards after this comment!
Community and networking:
- Calling all TOPcast devotees! Well folks, you got to witness history in the making! After a decade of online education podcasting, Dr. Kelvin Thompson (University of Louisville) and Dr. Tom Cavanagh (University of Central Florida) shared a cup of joe over two mics for the last time. One moment that stood out to me was a memory that Kelvin shared in which he likened starting work at a new institution to traveling to a foreign country. Each institution has its own culture, language and frame of reference which you must view from their own perspective to understand. Tom also shared a forward-thinking idea which he called the “Mr. Potato Head” of LMS. He hopes that sometime soon we will be able to pick and choose elements from different LMS to create exactly what we want for our students and our institutions. It was a great session of Tom and Kelvin looking back over their 200 episodes while also looking toward the future of online and blended learning.
Looking Ahead: What Comes Next
As we return home, we’re taking the lessons, energy, and connections from OLC back into our work and beyond. We’re committed to applying what we learned—especially around AI, digital learning design, and inclusive pedagogy—to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in lifelong and executive education.
OLC Accelerate 2025 reminded us that while the future of learning is uncertain, we’re not navigating it alone. Together, we’re shaping it.
Until Next Time
To everyone who joined us—thank you for making this year’s conference one to remember. Whether it was your first OLC Accelerate or your fifteenth, we hope you left feeling inspired, connected, and ready to keep exploring what comes next.
We can’t wait to see you at OLC Accelerate 2026—and until then, let’s keep learning, experimenting, and finding our guiding stars.
— Cody & Allison, OLC Accelerate 2025 Co-Chairs
