| 3:00 PM | Concurrent Session I |
Lessons Learned Building and Distributing a Custom Learning Analytics System for Faculty
Tags: Analytics and Evaluation; Compliance/Governance; Faculty
This session will present lessons learned in the design, development, and distribution of a custom learning analytics system tailored specifically for faculty use. The presentation will offer valuable insights into project funding, pace of development, data complexity, faculty concerns and desires, gathering faculty input, faculty development, and campus adoption.
Exploring the Future and Present of Distance Education: Federal Policy Updates and Forecasts in the US
Tags: Learners; Compliance/Governance
This session offers a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape of distance education policy in the United States, spotlighting the latest developments and anticipations in federal regulation and legislation. Join us for an enlightening discussion on what's new in distance education policy, including recent updates from negotiated rulemaking, regulatory changes, and legislative actions that impact the delivery and quality of online education. Our panel of experts will also provide insightful forecasts on what's on the horizon, examining potential policy shifts, emerging trends, and the implications for institutions, educators, and students engaged in distance learning. Whether you're directly involved in distance education or interested in the broader implications of policy changes on the educational landscape, this session will equip you with essential knowledge and perspectives to navigate the future of distance education in the US.
Making Your Mark on Course Affordability
Tags: Learners; Compliance/Governance; Open Educational Resources
Providing online courses has become an important way for institutions to increase access and affordability, reducing one’s expenses related to housing, food, commuting, and other ancillary educational costs. Course materials, however, remain a hidden cost that many students struggle to afford. Textbook prices have skyrocketed in recent years, leading students to plead for ways to identify courses that have low, or no, course materials costs. As part of Penn State’s strategic plan initiative, a team was tasked with creating a way for course instructors who use free or low-cost (≤$50) required course materials to indicate that cost-savings in the course registration system, LionPATH. Presenters will share how this vision became a reality, from tackling administrative and technical hurdles to addressing the myriad of questions and concerns that were raised by stakeholders along the way. Using this case study, participants will be better prepared to hit the ground running with such an undertaking at their own institution.
| 11:00 AM | Concurrent IV |
NC-SARA: Expanding Services and Engagement for SARA Participating Institutions
Tags: State Authorization; Compliance/Governance; Analytics and Evaluation
State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA) is an agreement amongst member states, districts, and territories that establishes comparable national standards and streamlines regulations, fees, and approvals for institutions offering interstate distance education programs. More than 2,400 institutions in 49 member states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands all voluntarily participate in SARA. This session will include both updates and discussion on how NC-SARA can better engage with SARA participating institutions; including the SARA policy modification process and the implementation of new policies and other considerations that might impact SARA participating institutions and State Portal Entities. We will begin with a quick overview of the SARA landscape and move to a few updates of NC-SARA’ current work; followed by a discussion with the participants on improvements and ideas for future engagement with SARA institutions will round out our time together.
Conversations with Colleagues
3:45 PM - 4:15 PM
Management of State Authorization at a Large University
Tags: State Authorization; Compliance/Governance
The key concept for this session will be to show how a large University works to maintain up to date processes and procedures in State Authorization matters, including new Federal Regulations around Professional Licensure and Certification. A successful outcomes for this session would be the sharing of best practices around State Authorization management and the importance of developing a continuity plan.
- Anna Hollis, University of Texas at Arlington
| 10:00 AM | Concurrent VIII |
The Evolution of an Internal OPM: A Case Study from Indiana University Online
Tags: Online Program Management; Compliance/Governance
Indiana University has invested in an internal online education structure that builds upon the university's traditional academic structures. This approach, similar to an internal online management program, has evolved significantly over the past decade in response to internal and external pressures. With over 8,600 students and 230 academic programs, the results have been a significant driver of innovation and change within the university. This session will explore the history of this approach with an emphasis on the most recent adaptations coming out of the pandemic which has included greater centralization of services a new funding model integration with the university strategic plan and new academic governance structures. This session will explore the how and why of this evolution, provide a blueprint for others and encourage participants to contribute from their experiences of internally managing online programs.
Navigating Digital Accessibility Compliance: Strategies from Three Universities
Tags: Compliance/Governance; Accessibility and Belonging
As the importance of digital accessibility and inclusive technology practices grow, educational institutions must develop and implement effective strategies that ensure equal access to digital resources for all students. Proposed Title II rulemaking from the Department of Justice is prioritizing the need for high educational institutions to revisit their educational practices and operations to ensure that accessibility compliance is met. Online learning administrators from three universities within the University of Illinois System share their experiences addressing digital accessibility compliance on their campuses. Their institutions’ strategies for promoting awareness, providing training, and integrating accessibility into the development of online courses and digital content will be shared. By bringing together these three universities that have different models for digital education, this presentation aims to provide valuable insights, practical strategies, and lessons learned for conference participants to enhance digital accessibility compliance at their institutions.