4/30: USDLA News — A dozen reasons to join us at the USDLA National Conference

An item from the folks at the USDLA, who I should note have been somewhat K-12 friendly – but are primarily higher ed focused.

USDLA NEWS Tuesday, April 30: USDLA National Conference Update A dozen reasons to join us We are so excited to see you at our 2024 USDLA National Conference! Here are a dozen reasons to join us in St. Louis: It is one of the most affordable events of its type it is an all-inclusive event that includes all scheduled events You get to attend a special Leadership Summit on Thursday, where you can help build the gateway to the future of distance learning You can get a certificate showing you participated in growing your skills and network with peers and experts in the field If you can attend onsite, you get to start your learning journey early with access to a day of virtual events on June 4 If you can only attend virtually, you get access to special events and keynotes during the onsite event in addition to two full days of sessions on June 4 and July 2 All registrants get access to any recorded sessions All workshops are included in the registration fee, including the pre-conference sessions on June 17 You can attend the awards luncheon and talk to some of the winners to learn more about the best practices and innovative ideas that earned them their recognition You get to interact with people from around the world and across constituencies. We have attendees from higher ed, preK-12, telehealth, government, businesses, and more You will have a chance to participate in quality networking activities and find collaborators and supporters of future projects. You will get to participate in the crowdsourcing of resources and ideas, engage in challenges, play games, and explore other fun activities at the conference in the surrounding environment and virtually You will have a chance to take care of your body and mind at events like our annual Bill Jackson Memorial Run/Walk on Wednesday, June 19 (virtual participation is invited and encouraged) Click here to register: usdla.org/2024-conference-registration/ Special offer: Exhibit-only tables — Available for only $1,500. Click here for details: usdla.org/2024-sponsorship 2024 NATIONAL CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS: EDUCATIONAL, INFORMATIONAL, INSIGHTFUL, FUN! Workshops give you a chance to really focus on developing skills and practicing things you can put into action right away. All workshops are available with onsite registration. Scroll down for details about a few of the more than a dozen workshops we have scheduled. Others focus on AI, gamification, working in hybrid sessions, leadership, and more. For a complete list with additional details, check out the full program. Asset Awakening: Unleashing Learner Potential for Knowledge and Innovation in Instructional Design with Sangeetha Carmona, California State University In this 75-minute workshop, participants will explore the valuable application of an asset-based survey to extract insights from their target audience (learners) regarding their funds of knowledge, which is their cultural, social, and family/community-based capital and experiences to bring into a workplace or learning environment. While conventional learner analysis used to develop lesson plans or training unintentionally tends to emphasize deficiencies, the asset-based approach shifts the focus toward recognizing and leveraging learners’ existing strengths, skills, and resources. Participants are invited to engage in a proven process that fosters a more inclusive and empowering learner analysis, ultimately leading to effective training design with successful outcomes. Upon the completion of data analysis, the participants will be guided in utilizing the gathered information to develop strength-based training programs using the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework. Throughout the workshop, practical exercises, including a scenario-based approach and real-time audience data capture, will be used to craft a preliminary plan for training. The workshop aims to identify key objectives and align them with relevant UDL checkpoints, ensuring optimal, inclusive, and engaging learning training outcomes. Some exercises will be facilitated using the power of generative AI. Designing Your Way to Equitable Courses with Heather Sandy, Lindenwood University   One problem faced when developing learning materials and designing courses is that inefficiently designed and inaccessible course content creates unintentional barriers for students. Cognitive overload may occur when content is not organized and students must spend too much time looking for materials. In this case, the process of learning becomes an afterthought. Additionally, the creation and/or use of infographics may be confusing for some learners and inaccessible for others. In this session, the elements and principles of design and WCAG accessibility standards are applied to create an equitably curated course design. To empower equitable course design, best practices for creating course materials that are accessible and engaging for students are addressed. This includes technical image considerations, relevancy, and alternative text. Techniques to create slideshows/ documents that are well organized will also be presented. Participants will identify the elements and principles of graphical design and apply it to a design. There will be interactive activities – this includes polls and image quests, among others. A downloadable PDF guide will be provided for participants that serves as a valuable resource. By the end of the session, attendees will be able to implement innovative approaches in their own contexts. Cultivating Collaborative Intelligence: Getting unstuck from perpetual problems wi th Adam Meyersieck, Legacy Education Group Experience a Transformative Workshop: “Cultivating Collaborative Intelligence: Getting Unstuck from Perpetual Problems” Join us to explore the power of collaborative intelligence and learn innovative strategies for joint problem-solving, idea generation, and collaboration. This distinctive session is designed to empower participants at all levels, from students to directors, to foster a culture of inclusivity and democratize meaningful voices within their institutions or organizations. With interactive activities and guided discussions, attendees will gain practical insights and tools to enhance teamwork and creativity, and promote collaborative intelligence in both digital and live settings. Unlock the full potential of collaborative intelligence in your workplace and transform your approach to problem-solving! Rapid Prototyping Online Programs: A Cross-Functional Approach with Sara Baber, University of North Texas Dallas In an era where academic institutions must adapt swiftly to the changing educational landscape, we introduce a rapid prototyping model for online program development that balances expediency with quality. Attendees will explore a dual-pathway approach, dividing tasks into academic development and student support, to swiftly launch well-integrated online programs without compromising academic integrity or student engagement. The post-pandemic world has pushed educational institutions towards a precipice where traditional program development models no longer suffice. As online education becomes a vital component of institutional offerings, the need to implement quality programs rapidly is paramount. This workshop presents a rapid prototyping model that allows for the quick launch of online programs by executing two simultaneous and coordinated planning and development processes: one academic and the other centered around student support. By breaking down silos and fostering collaboration, this model ensures that quality and rigor remain at the forefront of accelerated program development. Participants will leave this session with: an understanding of the significance of collaboration and coordination in fast-tracking online program development; a clear definition of milestones for rapidly jump-starting program development, differentiated by academic and student support pathways; and a draft roadmap template to kickstart online programs. Digital Education Resilience: Strategies for Long-Term Excellence with Sarah Martin, Loyola University Maryland In the ever-evolving landscape of digital education, cultivating resilience is not just a necessity but a pathway to long-term success. Resilience in online education refers to the ability of educational institutions, instructors, and learners to adapt to challenges and changes while maintaining the quality and effectiveness of the learning experience. Fostering resilience amidst challenges and the dynamic educational landscape requires inclusive and grounded visionary leadership. This leadership style not only empowers individuals in all roles of education but also cultivates a positive mindset within the framework of diverse and dynamic key elements and strategies. Become a MEMBER of USDLA Become a SPONSOR of USDLA Higher Education Certification Professional Learning Certification Support USDLA When You Shop @Amazon Smile Thank You to Our National Sponsors Instructure, Google, Verizon, Carolina Distance Learning, Harmonize, IAP, Nearpod, Wolfvision, Anatomage, GoReact, Huddly, InScribe, BocaVox, Softchalk, NC Sara, Simple Syllabus, VDO360, Symbiosis, VirtualCare, Waldorf University, Merlot, Questionmark, Perlego, Padlet, BrightThinker Thank you for supporting USDLA, our Sponsors, and our State Chapters. Chuck Sengstock, President Valary Oleinik, President-elect   About United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) Formed in 1987, USDLA is a 501(c)3 non-profit association formed in 1987. Our weekly newsletters reach more than 100,000 people globally, including our members and sponsors working in industries including pre-K-12 education, homeschooling, higher education, continuing education, corporate, military, government, and telehealth. Our mission is to promote the development and application of distance learning for education, training, advocacy, and networking: USDLA.org USDLA | www.usdla.org

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