2024 NDLW – November 4th-8th

Monday, November 4, 2024 from 11:00 am to Noon pm EST

Session: Online Daily Show  

Presenters: Farah Bennani, Derek Frodl and Kae Novak

Abstract: This is your daily talk show on distance and online learning. Topics will be taken from the NDLW survey, current topics, educational tech trends and whatever else caffeine, time and popular culture allows.  Survey/Discussion

Survey/Discussion Question: What unexpected heroes (technology, pedagogy, techniques) emerged in distance learning over the Pandemic?

Monday, November 4, 2024 from Noon to 1:00 pm EST

Session: Opening Keynote: “Is perfection the enemy of accessibility? Ethical considerations for design in distance learning environments.”

Presenter: Dr. Rebecca Reese, Director of Online Learning RMCAD College of Art + Design

Abstract: This session will explore the ethical challenges instructional designers face, such as balancing legal mandates, technology constraints, and quality expectations. Dr. Reese will guide attendees through strategies that foster accessibility without striving for perfection, emphasizing iterative progress and reflective practices. This flexible framework aims to make accessibility a core design value while acknowledging practical constraints. This presentation offers actionable insights for improving online course design and creating inclusive learning environments while addressing practical limitations.

Monday, November 4, 2024 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm EST

Session: CSU Learning Production Course Development Process

Presenter: CSU – Greg Wells, Senior Instructional Designer, Maureen Young, Instructional Designer, Danielle Patterson, Instructional Designer

Abstract: The presentation will focus on the current online course development process at Colorado State University. Colorado State University’s learning production team has a staff of over 30 people which includes instructional designers, course developers, and five video production people. The presentation will cover the initial course development course required for instructors through the development process including insights to our overall processes and video capture options. Learning Objectives: Identify the ways that the Learning Production department improves efficiency and quality in online courses Explore tools that contribute to a successful quality learning experience that serves both the faculty and students Participate in Q&A with course development team.

Tuesday, November 5, 2024 from 11:00 am to Noon pm EST

Session: Online Daily Show

Presenters: Farah Bennani, Katie Cumpsten, Jessica George, and Kae Novak

Abstract: This is your daily talk show on distance and online learning. Topics will be taken from the NDLW survey, current topics, ed tech trends and whatever else caffeine, time and popular culture allows.

Survey/Discussion Question: What tools, technologies, pedagogies or techniques have managed to connect with your students as we learn to be human again?

Tuesday, November 5, 2024 from Noon to 1:00 pm EST

Session: Savvy Arguers: Responding to AI with Open Pedagogy

Presenter: Mark Hussey

Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI) is here to stay. And it will have tremendous impacts across both education and the future careers our students will pursue.  Unfortunately, our traditional educational practices – from the way we teach, to our assessments, to the textbooks we ask students to purchase and read – cannot keep pace with today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. Few educators are prepared or equipped for the large-scale changes presented to us by AI.  Open pedagogy offers a promising approach.  It enables students to become (literally) authors of their own courses, and it uses reflective collaboration with AI technology to help students research, write, and publish in more advanced ways than we might have previous thought possible.  Join this session to learn how open pedagogy can empower students not just to meet but to shape and define an uncertain future.

Tuesday, November 5, 2024 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm EST

Session: Institution-Wide Decision Making for Online Course Development

Presenter: Dr. Anthony Piña, Chief Online Learning Officer, Illinois State University

Abstract: One of the many outcomes of the COVID-19 Pandemic has been that online education has become a more central and structural part of the mission of many colleges and universities. While some of these have opted to partner with an online program management firm, a growing number are forming centralized online education units and implementing more centralized and institution-wide processes to be able to scale the development of online programs and courses. One of these areas is more coordinated and institution-aligned online course development. Since colleges and universities each have unique needs and cultures, there is no ‘one size fits all’ model for managing online course development across an institution. However, there are some common decisions that need to be made. This presentation will present a decision-making framework for leaders to help them formulate or improve their institutional online course development process.

Wednesday, November 6, 2024 from 11:00 am to Noon pm EST

Session: Online Daily Show  

Presenters: Diana Montealegre, Kae Novak and Stephanie Wickman

Abstract: Okay, so maybe Pride and Prejudice and Zombies was just wrong! Or was it debatable or even divergent? What modalities, technology, techniques and pedagogy are we still debating or defending?

Survey/Discussion Question: Okay, so maybe Pride and Prejudice and Zombies was just wrong! Or was it debatable or even divergent? What modalities, technology, techniques and pedagogy are we still debating or defending?

Wednesday, November 6, 2024 from Noon pm to 1:00 pm EST

Session: Neurodivergent Learning Panel  

Presenters: Brandon Poulliot, University of Colorado- Colorado Springs, Brad Grabham, University of Colorado – Boulder, MK Naughton, University of Colorado- Colorado Springs, Rebecca Reese, RMCAD, Derek Frodl, Front Range Community College, Chris Luchs, Community College of Denver

Abstract: Only around 41% of students with disabilities successfully complete their degree programs and a large contingent of these students have some form of neurodivergence (e.g., ~25% of students with disabilities have a diagnosis of ADHD). Join our unique group of panelists who bring wide-ranging experiences and expertise to a discussion on neurodiversity in teaching and learning including challenges, strategies, and the pedagogy of working with populations of neurodiverse individuals.

Wednesday, November 6, 2024 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm EST

Session: Complement or Contrast: Disrupting Online Discussions

Presenter: Michael Sepulveda, Doctoral Student, Creighton University

Presenter: Chris Luchs, Dean of Instruction, Business & Advanced Manufacturing, Community College of Denver

Abstract: Much like pairing beverages with meals, discussions should complement or contrast main course content to further engage students in deeper learning and conversations of important constructs and concepts.The two presenters, who are foodies, will take a tongue-in-cheek approach, but are serious at how discussions now need to align with hybrid and remote work-place relevance. The discussion tools in our LMS have traditionally been designed to meet the regulatory requirements of tracking regular and substantive interactions between faculty and students. Where is the relevancy for students? This is especially true in the career and technical education space where Perkins V requires industry aligned instructional models and work-based learning along with industry sponsored projects. Where do our students find authenticity and relevance in our LMS system discussion tools? Additionally, we’ll discuss how these platforms can be incorporated to develop evolving scenarios, engaging industry mentors and advisory boards, collaborating with other classes, or clients and so much more. In an era of #disposablediscussions, and #killthediscussionboard these platforms offer an engaging and authentic alternative to engage students in platforms and technology that will translate to their career aspirations.

Thursday, November 7, 2024 from 11:00 am to Noon pm EST

Session: Online Daily Show  

Presenters: Chris Luchs and Kae Novak

Abstract: This is your daily talk show on distance and online learning. Topics will be taken from the NDLW survey, current topics, educational tech trends and whatever else caffeine, time and popular culture allows. Can online learning and technology solve education’s problems? If so, why hasn’t it so far?

Survey/Discussion Question: Can online learning and technology solve education’s problems? If so, why hasn’t it so far?

Thursday, November 7, 2024 from Noon pm to 1:00 pm EST

Session: College Reading in the Digital Age: Strategies to Counter Distractions and Enhance Learning with Digital Texts 

Presenter: Jessica George, Lamar Community College

Abstract: How do screens affect how students read, and how can faculty help students be better readers? This session is ideal for participants interested in learning more about how reading practices have evolved in the digital age and how current research into digital reading can better inform how we talk about reading in our classrooms. Participants will learn strategies for countering distractions, enhancing comprehension, and encouraging critical thinking by designing activities and discussions around active and mindful reading. First, we’ll review the differences between linear and nonlinear reading and their effects on focus and cognition. Next, we’ll discuss strategies for countering distractions, enhancing comprehension, and encouraging critical thinking by designing activities and discussions around active and mindful reading and by using tools to support these practices. This workshop will contain interactive components.

Thursday, November 7, 2024 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm EST

Session: Social-Emotional, AI-Powered Avatar Simulations: Improving Communication & Building Empathy for all!

Presenter: Clint Carlson, University of Colorado, Director of Education Technology Innovations

Abstract: Join to explore social-emotional avatars, designed for nuanced communication for anyone. These simulations offer a safe, asynchronous, inclusive training space for practicing diverse conversation skills while fostering empathy, equity, and cultural understanding through custom AI-powered feedback. See what we’ve done and what these systems can bring to your community. The latest in VR/AR technology is allowing learners to immerse themselves in endless places, times, and roles- real or imagined, but what if we were to harness the power of these realistic simulations to evoke emotional responses from avatar individuals in a safe space to develop people-focused communication skills? These interactive, low-stake interactions provide learners with opportunities to practice communication strategies with diverse audiences. Together we will walk through the process of how this was done in various ways at the University of Colorado, School of Medicine. Through these interactive XR encounters, learners experience the cultural, racial, and ethnic differences among individuals having menopause symptoms to help reduce disparities in patients’ diagnosis and treatment of menopause. By using emotional avatars, safe scenarios are created where learning opportunities and adjustments are made, with formative feedback provided every step of the way. This technology is changing how we prepare learners to interact with others locally as well as around the world.

Friday, November 8, 2024 from 11:00 am to Noon pm EST

Session: Online Daily Show  

Presenters: Brandon Poulliot, Chris Luchs and Kae Novak

Abstract: This is your daily talk show on distance and online learning. Topics will be taken from the NDLW survey, current topics, educational tech trends and whatever else caffeine, time and popular culture allows. How do we deal with our zombie legacy systems? Where do we draw the line on compatibility and honoring our esteemed foundational core systems and when we need to just start builds over from scratch?

Question/Survey Question: How do we deal with our zombie legacy systems? Where do we draw the line on compatibility and honoring our esteemed foundational core systems and when we need to just start builds over from scratch?

Survey/Discussion Question: How do we deal with our zombie legacy systems? Where do we draw the line on compatibility and honoring our esteemed foundational core systems and when we need to just start builds over from scratch?

Friday, November 8, 2024 from Noon pm to 1:00 pm EST

Session: A.E.I.O.U. and WHY AI for Higher Education

Presenter: Dr. Robbie Melton , Acting Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs
Associate Vice President – SMART Global Technology Innovation Strategies, Tennessee State University. Dr. Robbie K. Melton, selected as one of the 2024 Top 50 Women Leaders in Education, serves as Interim Provost/Vice President for Tennessee State University Academic Affairs and Vice President of Technology Innovations for the SMART Global Technology Innovation Center, and tenured professor at Tennessee State University. She serves as a global researcher and international consultant for SMART Artificial Intelligence (AI) an Academic eSports for Education and Emerging IOE (“The Internet of everything”) Smart Mobile Technology of mobile devices, smart phone-tablets, wearables, smart gadgets
and tools, and mixed reality of VR and AR. She formerly served as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Emerging Technologies for the Tennessee Board of Regents and the primary developer and chief administrator for the system wide Regents Online Degree Programs. Her tributes include: The 2023 Top 50 Women Leaders in Education, 2019 USDLA Hall of Fame, 2018, Distinguished Women of Legend, 2017 OLC Leadership, 2016, WCET Life Time Achievement, 2014 Top 30 Technologists, 2013 Apple distinguished Educator, 2012 Top Fifty Technology Innovator; and 2012 WOW EdTechnology Awards. She was a featured speaker at the International UNESCO Mobile Learning Symposium. She known as an ‘Appologist, for her extensive research of best practices with mobile devices (smart phone, tablets, wearable, and the creation of a Mobile App Resource Center. Currently advocating for Open Education Resources (OER) for global access to education content. Plus, serving as an Education Technology
Trainers for Malawi and various countries in South Africa in promoting worldwide that “Everyone Can Code and Create” and “Academic eSports – Mixed Reality Gamification” for the new innovations of SMART Immersive Teaching and Learning and a passionate advocate for empowering underserved populations, especially Black females, in becoming innovators and entrepreneurs for the
digital world.

Abstract: oin us for a timely discussion on integrating artificial intelligence into postsecondary instruction responsibly and effectively. Dr. Robbie Melton from the Tennessee State University SMART Innovation Technology Center will share field-tested models and rubrics to guide AI selection, application and evaluation according to educational best practices and accreditation standards. Through the Arrighi Scale, Melton Rubrics, and new ACEND AI Scale, learn a structured process for measuring current adoption levels and setting growth goals. The “PAC It Up” method demonstrates how to choose the right AI tools for your classes and continually refine implementation. Walk away with practical strategies and community-vetted resources to strategically scale AI in a learner-centered, quality-focused way. This session has something for administrators and faculty seeking to enhance digital learning and future-proof academic programs through innovative technology. Plus, come see new amazing and dynamic AI tools for teaching, learning, and researching

Friday, November 8, 2024 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm EST

Session: Streamline Syllabus Management in the LMS: A Case Study with Broward College

Presenter: Gina McArthur, Simple Syllabus, Vice President, Client Services

Presenter: Priscilla Suarez, Acting Vice Provost, Academic Services & Learning, Broward College

Presenter: Rudy Jean-Bart, Broward College, Acting Dean, Online Campus/e-Learning

Abstract: Learn how Broward College has streamlined its syllabus management process by seamlessly integrating a digital syllabus platform within their LMS. Priscilla Suarez, Acting Vice Provost, Academic Services & Learning Resources and Rudy Jean-Bart, Acting Dean, Online Campus/E-Learning at Broward College will share how Broward has streamlined its syllabus management process, enhancing course delivery and making life easier for both faculty and students. Priscilla and Rudy will discuss the key benefits and practical applications that have been made using the digital syllabus platform, Simple Syllabus, a valuable tool for Broward. She will share insights from their journey and the real-world impact of Simple Syllabus on their institution. Get a closer look at how Broward College has utilized Simple Syllabus and delve into their experience with implementing and using Simple Syllabus, see a live demo of its integration with the LMS, and have your questions answered by experts. Don’t miss this chance to learn from Broward’s experience and discover how Simple Syllabus can benefit your institution. During this fast-paced session you will learn about the concept of syllabus management, why it matters, and get a live demonstration of the technology