Distance Learning Conference 2026
Session 4 Descriptions and Links
2:15 PM EST - 3:15 PM EST
Option 1:
Designing for Diverse Minds: UDL Strategies for Neurodivergent Students
Presenter: Charity Davenport
Intended Audience: Higher Ed, K-12, Instructional Designer/Technology Specialist
In this 60-minute session, you'll gain practical tools and insights to create more inclusive learning environments that benefit all students, particularly those who are neurodivergent. What to expect: First 30 minutes: Understand neurodivergence through a strengths-based lens and explore specific UDL strategies that address common barriers Second 30 minutes: Apply your learning through engaging case studies of neurodivergent community college students This hands-on workshop will help you recognize how environmental and instructional factors impact neurodivergent students and provide concrete strategies you can implement immediately in your teaching. You'll leave with ready-to-use resources aligned with established UDL principles.
Option 2:
Honoring Identities: How Affinity Groups Can Help Educators Feel Seen, Respected and Valued
Presenter: Dr. Carolyn Gadsden Holliday, Dr. Challa Fleming
Intended Audience: Higher Ed, K-12
In this interactive workshop, Dr. Flemming and Dr. Holliday will engage participants in a conversation about the relevance and value of affinity spaces for educators. They will share anecdotes from their affinity group facilitation at a graduate institution of higher education. Participants will also have the opportunity to experience “time in community” as Dr. Flemming and Dr. Holliday co-facilitate an affinity group experience. Learning Objectives: Participants will explore the relevance and value of affinity spaces for educators. Participants will engage in an affinity group experience to support implementation in their school communities.
Option 3:
Cultivating Problem Solving Mindsets: Strategies for Active Student Engagement in Virtual Learning
Presenter: Julie Pierce
Intended Audience: Higher Ed, K-12, Other
Participants will discover research-backed strategies for fostering active engagement and problem-solving mindsets in virtual learning environments. By session end, attendees will be able to: 1) implement a high-impact virtual engagement technique, 2) design assignments that cultivate innovative thinking, and 3) assess engagement effectiveness through specific metrics. Drawing from my lived experience implementing these approaches in workforce development courses, I'll share both successes and challenges. The session combines brief theoretical foundations with hands-on activities where faculty will collaborate to redesign sample lessons, participate in live polling, and contribute to a shared resource document of best practices applicable across disciplines.
Option 4:
Mini-Sessions: (1) Unlocking Belonging at the Onset of Higher Education, (2) Enhancing Distance Education: The PEEER 5 Model, (3) Better Together: Building Community in Distance Learning
Presenters: (1) Tobe Attah, (2) Ieisha Beasley, (3) Princess Agha
Intended Audience: (1) Higher Ed, Instructional Designer/Technology Specialist, IT, Distance Ed Admin, (2) Higher Ed, (3) K-12
(1) In higher education, a sense of belonging is essential for student success, yet online learners often encounter unique barriers that impede their ability to feel connected to their academic community. Research by Gleave et al. (2024) highlighted the critical adjustment period students experience when transitioning to remote learning, where the absence of in-person interactions with peers, faculty, and tutors can contribute to feelings of isolation. Without structured support systems, students may struggle to acclimate to their new academic environment, leading to self-doubt that negatively affects their educational trajectory. In this presentation, the presenter identified three key challenges online students frequently face when entering college: literacy proficiency gaps, imposter syndrome, and limited awareness of institutional support systems.
(2) Distance learning presents challenges for students in building relationships, staying engaged, adapting to new learning styles, and accessing scholarly support. The PEEER 5 Model aims to bridge the gap between instructors and students by creating a structured process for understanding students' goals and aspirations. It also emphasizes ongoing evaluation and reflection for both instructors and students to identify successes and areas for improvement.
(3) In our session, Better Together: Building Community in Distance Learning, we will explore strategies for cultivating community in distance learning spaces. Participants will learn how to foster rapport, promote collaboration, and use tools to strengthen connections. Through interactive activities, multimedia, and firsthand demonstrations, participants will gain helpful insights and strategies that they can use immediately. There will also be time to reflect on personal experiences and collaborate.
Option 5:
Mini-Sessions: (1) Time Management Module: A Student Intervention, (2) Reimagining Online Learning Through Bell Hooks: Strategies for Engaged Pedagogy
Presenters: (1) Deanne Michaelson, (2) Nia Taylor
Intended Audience: (1) Higher Ed, (2) Higher Ed, K-12, Instructional Designers/Technology Specialists
(1) In this session you will learn how to motivate and improve student performance by providing a time management intervention. A Brightspace Module designed to assist students in developing time management skills will be illustrated. This Module will also be available to faculty at PSCC to integrate into their courses beginning fall semester. The presentation will also expose participants to the utilization of Creator Plus in producing interactive course content.
(2) Strengthening urban education systems involves intentionally and authentically centering learners’ identities. Bell Hooks’ framework of engaged pedagogy emphasizes cultural consciousness, critical thinking, and self-actualization as essential tools to support diverse learners. In online environments, where students may feel disconnected or unseen, these principles become even more critical. This presentation aims to share strategies and insights for creating inclusive online learning spaces that reflect Bell Hooks’ engaged pedagogy. Guided by three core competencies, knowledge, self-awareness, and action, participants will be invited to reflect deeply on their teaching practices and consider how to align them with equity and culturally conscious goals. The session will blend reflection, dialogue, and practical tools to support educators in transforming their online teaching approaches. Whether you’re an instructor, instructional designer, or learning support staff, this session will offer ideas and inspiration for reimagining online learning as a space of connection and empowerment.