As online and blended learning continue to propel the field of higher education into a new age of learning, the field of higher education must craft effective strategies to foster success for future learners. The Online Learning Consortium’s 28th Annual Conference will provide educators the opportunity to reflect on the challenges of the past few years as well as encourage educators to engage in forward thinking for the future of the field.
This year’s OLC Accelerate program, themed Reflecting Onward: Evidence for a Changing World, will provide space for thoughtful conversation surrounding methods, new trends, and effective practices for online and blended learning. Interested persons can attend the event virtually (November 1-3, 2022) or onsite (November 14-17, 2022) at the Walt Disney Swan & Dolphin in Orlando, Florida.
The conference will underscore the most innovative and effective research and practices in the field of online, blended, and digital learning. With extensive session and activity offerings tailored to the unique challenges and aspirations of the field, attendees will have the chance to engage in meaningful dialogue and build community.
The virtual event will gather numerous educators from around the world to share their expertise and experience and to discuss the intersectionality of the field with other communities. The virtual conference will feature keynote speaker Dr. Amelia Parnell, the Vice President for Research and Policy at NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, where she leads many of the Association’s scholarly and advocacy-focused activities. Dr. Parnell also writes and speaks on topics related to student affairs, college affordability, student learning outcomes, and institutions’ use of data and analytics.
Two weeks later, attendees will meet onsite and participate in various programming, conversation, and networking opportunities focused on digital learning leadership and strategies for equity and quality in online and blended learning. The keynote speaker for the onsite conference is Dr. Josie Ahlquist, a digital engagement and leadership researcher, speaker, and author. Dr. Ahlqiust teaches education professionals and campus executives how to humanize technology tools and prioritize building online communities.
The Accelerate 2022 conference tracks are:
- Access, Equity, and Open Education
- Blended Learning Strategy and Practice
- Engaged and Effective Teaching and Learning
- Instructional Design
- Leadership and Institutional Strategy
- Research, Evaluation, and Learning Analytics
- Student Support and Success
- Technology and Future Trends
As the field of education seeks collaboration in how success is identified, measured, and assessed across digital learning, the OLC Accelerate 2022 program centers on productive dialogue and efficacy in research methods. As such, the program serves as an appeal for educators, administrators, and allies to engage in critical thinking and problem solving, as well as to share collective wisdom to shape strategies for the future.