Distance Learning Conference 2026
Session 3 Descriptions and Links
1:00 PM EST - 2:00 PM EST
Option 1:
Fostering Connections from Afar: Building Community and Engagement for Online Students
Presenter: Simphany Gillard
Intended Audience: Higher Ed, K-12, Instructional Designer/Technology Specialist, Distance Ed Administration
As online learning continues to expand, many distance education students struggle with isolation, disengagement, and a lack of community. This session, presented from the perspective of a former online student and a current student affairs professional, will explore the challenges of virtual learning and highlight effective strategies for fostering meaningful engagement and connection in online spaces. By blending personal experience, research-backed insights, and real-world examples, this session will cover: The common challenges students face in online learning environments including lack of interaction, limited peer connections, and barriers to participation. Practical strategies for fostering community, including mentorship programs, technology-driven engagement tools, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL)-informed practices. Case studies of successful online engagement initiatives. An interactive discussion to share ideas and best practices across institutions. This session will provide attendees with actionable strategies to enhance student engagement in online learning, ultimately improving student success, retention, and satisfaction.
Option 2:
Enhancing Student Engagement in Online Higher Education Through Universal Design for Learning
Presenter: Misty Hayes
Intended Audience: Higher Ed
This presentation explores the use of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to enhance student engagement in online higher education. As institutions work to support diverse learners in virtual settings, UDL provides a research-backed framework that promotes equitable access to learning. By integrating flexible teaching strategies and inclusive practices, educators can create an online environment that encourages all students to actively participate and achieve success.
Option 3:
From Rows to Relationships: Engagement by Design in Large-Enrollment Intro Computing
Presenter: Dr. Chelsie Dubay
Intended Audience: Higher Ed, K-12, Distance Ed Admin
This session shares the transformation of CSCI 1100: Using Information Technology—a large-enrollment introductory computing course serving over 2000 students across three modalities —into a more inclusive, engaging, and pedagogically sound experience through the lens of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Facilitated by graduate students and a two-person instructional design team, the course was reorganized to highlight six key areas of digital citizenship. Flexible assignments, personalized videos, constructive and actionable feedback, intentional accessibility practices, and a focus on learner agency have helped us create a more equitable learning environment for all students. This session will discuss practical strategies, challenges, and lessons learned from implementing UDL in a large-scale computing context.
Option 4:
Mini-Sessions: (1) They Won't Turn Their Cameras On!: Other Methods for Student Engagement, (2) AI: Helping Students Identify Best Practices, (3) Social Media Use (SMU) Well-Being and Academic Performance
Presenters: (1) Ciera Spady, (2) Heather Moore, (3) Leona Johnson
Intended Audience: (1) Higher Ed, K-12, (2) Higher Ed, K-12, (3) Higher Ed, K-12
(1) Have you ever had to teach a virtual classroom full of black screens? They Won’t Turn Their Cameras On!: Other Methods For Student Engagement will present you with alternative methods to engage students. Let’s face it, there are times when students are engaged in our content, but they are holding their newborn or attempting to cook dinner while listening. These methods we will review will allow for diverse methods of learning and engaging.
(2) By the end of this session, participants will be able to describe and apply best practices for supporting students using AI. AI is changing nearly every industry, and today’s students need to know how to use AI in the workplace. But AI is not a substitute for critical thinking – it is a tool and like any tool, has pros and cons. These aren’t necessarily apparent to students, which can be problematic for their assignments and their professional lives. In this session, we’ll talk through student experiences comparing and contrasting student created work versus generative AI creations.
(3) This session will discuss the association between Social Media use (SMU) and well-being and academic performance. Grasping the social media habits of young adults, including college students is crucial for engaging with them and effectively supporting their well-being and academic success.