Reflecting on OLC Accelerate 2024 in Orlando, Florida, I am profoundly proud of what we collectively achieved. This event marked our 30th anniversary, commemorating decades of commitment to excellence and innovation in online education. The conference facilitated meaningful interactions, bringing together educators, researchers, and practitioners to share insights, inspire each other, and advance the frontiers of digital learning.

This year represented a pivotal milestone, celebrating three decades of transformative impact. The theme, ’30 Years of Magic: Envisioning a New Era of Digital Learning,’ perfectly encapsulated this achievement. The success of OLC Accelerate 2024 was due in no small part to the tireless efforts of our steering committee and volunteers from across the globe. From proposal reviewers and track chairs to engagement session facilitators and Field Guides, as well as Technology Test Kitchen experts and summit leaders, OLC Accelerate was a true embodiment of a community-driven initiative. We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed, making this year’s program exceptional.

Our diverse program encompassed a wide range of session types and topics, reflecting OLC’s innovative spirit and future-oriented vision. Sessions addressed critical topics, including AI in education, inclusive teaching practices, enhanced digital learning environments, and strategies for empowering students. The event featured express workshops, lightning sessions, discovery sessions, and gamified experiences, ensuring that there was something for every learning preference. These formats provided ample opportunities to advance our work, explore the latest technologies supporting online learning, and engage in meaningful networking and collaboration with fellow education leaders.

As the conference chair for OLC Accelerate 2024, I wanted to highlight some key insights and recurring themes that defined this year’s event. The atmosphere at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort in Orlando was vibrant and energizing, marked by engaging discussions, thought-provoking presentations, and a shared sense of purpose as we collectively envisioned the future of online learning. For those who joined us, I hope the experience was as enriching for you as it was for me. For those unable to attend, I warmly invite you to join us for our next gathering—OLC Innovate this coming April.

A Focus on AI and Transformative Learning

A notable highlight of the conference was the keynote on Tuesday titled ‘Preparing Students for Life Beyond College: Embracing AI as Essential Learning.’ Delivered by Dr. C. Edward Watson, this keynote explored the expanding influence of generative AI on learning, work, and creativity. Dr. Watson emphasized the growing importance of AI literacy as a critical learning outcome and provided concrete strategies for embedding AI competencies into curricular frameworks. Drawing insights from his latest book, ‘Teaching with AI: A Practical Guide to a New Era of Human Learning,’ Dr. Watson addressed both the opportunities and challenges presented by AI, particularly within the context of online and blended education.

The integration of AI into online education was a major theme throughout the conference. The pre-conference master classes set the tone for this discussion, including the session I led, ‘Magic Pixie Dust: Leveraging Generative AI to Craft Dynamic Learning,’ along with my colleague Adam King. This session actively engaged participants through hands-on experimentation with AI tools, fostering a highly interactive environment where attendees could explore the potential of generative AI to create personalized and dynamic learning experiences. Another notable session, ‘Accelerating Research Innovation: Charting Your Future with AI,’ delved into AI’s transformative role in the research process, providing participants with strategic frameworks for leveraging these tools to enhance their scholarly work.

Sessions such as “Leading with AI: Pioneering Change in University Teaching, Research, and Administration” brought together thought leaders to discuss the multifaceted impact of generative AI on pedagogical and administrative practices. Experts in the field emphasized that AI is more than just a tool—it is a collaborative partner in the educational process. The insights shared in these sessions challenged us to think beyond immediate applications, envisioning new collaborative models and innovative ways to enhance the learning experience in the digital age.

Another engaging session, titled “Creating and Maximizing Customized AI Chatbots to Boost Student Engagement,” focused on leveraging customized AI chatbots to enhance student engagement and provide personalized learning experiences. Led by Tim Mousel, the session demonstrated practical applications for AI chatbots within educational settings. Attendees learned how chatbots could assist with syllabus queries, serve as virtual teaching assistants, and facilitate interactive debates. The session also covered advanced prompting techniques to enhance chatbot interactions, making them more effective for critical thinking, writing assistance, and test preparation. The accessibility of these tools even for educators without coding expertise was emphasized, effectively positioning chatbots as versatile assets in education to transform student engagement and instructional support.

Wellness and Community Engagement

From invigorating morning yoga and mindfulness sessions to the spirited ‘Once Upon a 5K’ run, the conference integrated activities that supported both physical and mental well-being. Beyond these wellness events, the exhibit hall and the Technology Test Kitchen offered opportunities for community engagement and hands-on exploration, demonstrating the holistic nature of professional growth in digital education.

The Technology Test Kitchen, celebrating its 10th anniversary, was a particular highlight of the conference. Originally conceived as an experiential learning hub modeled after a culinary teaching space, the Test Kitchen has evolved to feature innovative activities such as Chef Battles and interactive demonstrations involving educational robots. At its core, the Technology Test Kitchen continues to offer an approachable environment for experimentation, where attendees can collaborate with expert facilitators to explore new educational technologies and practices.

The conference brought together elements from past successes while introducing new, future-oriented features:

• Hands-on Stations: Participants engaged with cutting-edge technologies, including AI, AR/VR/XR, robotics, and assistive tools, guided by our experienced chefs and partners.
• Interactive Sessions: Activities such as “Improv App Smashing” and “Prompt-a-thon” fostered creativity, quick thinking, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Open Exploration: Attendees were invited to bring their own devices to collaborative sandbox areas, encouraging an atmosphere of experimentation and peer learning.
• Practical Takeaways: Participants were provided with actionable strategies that they could adapt and implement in their own educational settings.

Whether you were just beginning your journey with technology or were already an advanced digital educator, the Technology Test Kitchen provided a unique space to explore, innovate, and build practical skills. The goal was to empower participants to become agents of change within their institutions, equipped with the confidence and tools necessary to drive innovation in their classrooms. What did you take away from your experiences in the kitchen?

Exploring Innovative Teaching Practices

Another memorable keynote on Wednesday, titled ‘The Future is Co-Created: Toward Inclusive, Collaborative Digital Learning,’ was delivered by Dr. Christina Katopodis. As co-author of ‘The New College Classroom,’ Dr. Katopodis shared her vision for transforming higher education into a more inclusive and collaborative environment that empowers all learners. Grounded in the latest research on learning sciences, her presentation offered practical strategies applicable to online, hybrid, and in-person modalities. Attendees left the session inspired to implement these practices, with a renewed commitment to fostering an equitable and engaging learning experience.

A notable feature of the conference was a thought-provoking panel on Thursday, moderated by Patsy Moskal, Ed.D., Director of the Research Initiative for Teaching Effectiveness at the University of Central Florida. Titled ‘The Future of Generative AI in Higher Education,’ the panel featured distinguished experts including Anthony Picciano, Ph.D., Professor at CUNY Hunter College; Jenay Robert, Ph.D., Senior Researcher at EDUCAUSE; and J. Garvey Pyke, Ed.D., Executive Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. The discussion addressed the rapid proliferation of generative AI and its implications for faculty roles, research methodologies, student support services, and administrative efficiency. Panelists shared their insights on integrating AI in higher education ethically and effectively, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges that institutions face in navigating this transformative technology.

Another thought-provoking session, titled “AI Narratives in Higher Education: Research Insights from Canada and the USA,” explored the different narratives associated with AI in higher education, drawing upon multiple research studies conducted over the past two years. Led by Dr. Jeff Seaman and Dr. Nicole Johnson, the session highlighted the conflicting perspectives on AI use in teaching and learning and its implications for future educational policies. Participants gained insights into the current tensions between the potential benefits of AI, its practical applications, and the challenges of AI-related decision-making. The presenters shared research findings to help administrators and educational leaders navigate the complexities of developing AI policies, offering recommendations tailored to diverse institutional contexts. Throughout the session, attendees were encouraged to reflect on their own perceptions of AI and its evolving role in higher education, fostering an environment of open discussion and shared learning. The goal was to equip participants with a nuanced understanding of AI trends, supporting informed policy development to effectively manage AI integration within their institutions.

An inspiring session, titled “Harnessing Generative AI for Culturally Responsive and Identity-Informed Learning Environments,” focused on leveraging generative AI to foster inclusive and identity-affirming teaching practices. Led by Dr. Tina Rettler-Pagel and Kate Grovergrys, the session highlighted practical strategies to use AI tools for cultivating culturally responsive learning environments and promoting equitable practices. Participants explored how generative AI could create culturally relevant teaching materials, facilitate inclusive virtual spaces, and address implicit biases within course content. The session emphasized the importance of using AI to bridge cultural divides, create personalized learning experiences, and support diverse student needs. Attendees were actively engaged through reflective activities and collaborative discussions, gaining insights into the potential of AI to transform classrooms into spaces that celebrate unique identities. The goal was to empower educators with actionable strategies to leverage AI for inclusivity and belonging, ultimately advancing educational equity and fostering a supportive learning community.

Relive the Memories: Accelerate 2024 Photo Albums Now Live!

Experience the energy, connections, and unforgettable moments of Accelerate 2024 all over again! Dive into our photo albums featuring highlights from the conference and the magical Once Upon a 5k fun run/walk. From insightful sessions to community-building events, relive the memories or catch what you missed. Share your favorite snapshots and celebrate the spirit of innovation and collaboration that defines OLC!