Distance Learning Conference 2026
Session 3 Descriptions and Links
1:00 PM EST - 2:00 PM EST
Option 1:
Free to Teach: Building AI Workflows That Put Students First
Presenter: Dr. John Noto
Intended Audience: Higher Ed, K-12, Instructional Designer/Technology Specialist , IT, Distance ED Administration
In April, first-year Anatomy & Physiology students at Roane State turned in a kidney pathophysiology project built with three different AI tools, using research, planning, and critical thinking to direct and ensure the quality of the output. This talk walks through what that workflow looked like, what multi-year test data says about whether students actually learned the material, and where the approach broke down. You'll also see a course-bounded AI tutor I built that answers only from the assigned textbook, cites its pages, and refuses questions outside the course — then watch it work live on a subject I don't teach, because the real point is that any faculty member can build one. Drawing on a year of teaching A&P with student-first AI workflows, including scripted prompts, faculty-curated materials, locally-run tutors, and project-based deliverables, I'll share three practices community college faculty can try this semester, and one finding I didn't expect.
Option 2:
Google AI Studio for Equity-Driven Enrichment Prototypes
Presenter: Ron Rupard
Intended Audience: Higher Ed, K-12, Instructional Designer/Technology Specialist, Distance ED Administration
Classrooms' enrichment opportunities often exclude diverse learners, perpetuating inequities in skill-building and belonging. This workshop uses Google AI Studio's no-code platform to empower educators in co-creating scaffolded prototypes, democratizing access to elite enrichment for all students. The session starts with a 10-minute app demo enabling equitable enrichment (CharismaLab). A 35-minute collaborative build follows: we construct one prototype, surfacing equity gaps and linking to human-centered principles. A 10-minute debrief synthesizes AI literacy, inclusive strategies, share-outs, and next steps. Participants gain a deployable template, equity-focused AI prompts, and strategies for justice in online/hybrid learning—no coding needed. Ideal for educators extending elite experiences to all.
Option 3:
Reflect, Relate, Respond: Culturally Relevant Coaching in Virtual Spaces
Presenter: Dr. Carolyn Gadsden Holliday
Intended Audience: Higher Ed, K-12
In this session participants will explore strategies for cultivating strong online learning communities through the Culturally Relevant Coaching framework. Grounded in the principles of Reflect, Relate, and Respond, participants examine how intentional reflection, meaningful relationships, and responsive instructional practices support equitable, engaging , and culturally relevant virtual learning environments. Through the framework’s components—building community, building knowledge, and building change—attendees will identify coaching moves that strengthen relationships, elevate cultural perspectives, and deepen student engagement. Participants will leave with practical approaches for fostering connection, expanding instructional knowledge, and using the Culturally Relevant Coaching framework along with video as a platform for reflection.
Option 4:
Scaling Open Educational Resources: Integration of AI Tools in a General Education Course
Presenter: Dr. Teresa Handy and Bonita Bryant
Intended Audience: Higher Ed, Instructional Designer/Technology Specialist
General Education courses offer a great opportunity for faculty to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the classroom to increase faculty engagement and support student success. This session will explore practical AI strategies a program chair and adjunct faculty member have leveraged to streamline instructional tasks which allows more time to focus on meaningful student interactions and personalized, substantive feedback. In addition, they will share how AI can be used to create engaging materials that can easily be updated to keep students workforce ready. Participants will be able to identify practical AI strategies that streamline instructional tasks and how to leverage AI tools to create innovative course materials.
Option 5:
AI for Course Design and Learning Experiences Mini-Sessions:
(1) Designing Learning Experiences with AI, (2) When Case Studies Come to Life: AI, Images, and Psychology, (3) Let Me Know in the Comments: Reimagining the Traditional Discussion Board in the Age of AI
Presenters: (1) Hollyanna White and Savannah Bernal, (2) Rosie Lee and Allie Howard
Intended Audience: (1) Higher Ed, K-12;Instructional Designer/Technology Specialist, IT, Distance ED Administration, (2) Higher Ed, Instructional Designer/Technology Specialist
(1) See how AI can efficiently enhance instructional design by supporting engagement and accessibility. Spark new possibilities and shape them into high-quality course design and content.
(2) This presentation explores how AI-generated imagery can bring psychological case studies to life in the classroom. By transforming written case descriptions into realistic visual representations, we help students better connect with and understand the individuals behind the scenarios. We will share our process for translating narrative details into images, along with examples used in our courses. The session also highlights the pedagogical value of incorporating visuals, including increased engagement, empathy, and comprehension. Attendees will leave with practical ideas for integrating AI-generated images into their own teaching to enhance student learning and make abstract case material more concrete and memorable.