2026 UPCEA Annual Conference

Smarter, Scalable, Intentional: Balancing AI in Course and Program Design
Churchhill B1 | eDesign Collaborative | Strategic | Tag(s): Engagement and Opportunity, Policy, Faculty
AI in higher education design is no longer just about generating content, it’s about making smarter decisions and scaling impact—even when resources are limited. In this session, participants will explore ways that human expertise remains essential, ways that AI creates value, and how to balance both for sustainable innovation. An AI-enabled design platform demonstrates how institutions can efficiently scale from course to program development, map outcomes across levels, and produce accreditation-ready documentation in record time. Building on this, the ROTI  framework helps faculty and designers optimize time, scope, and quality for greater efficiency and collaboration. Through interactive simulations and practical tools, attendees will leave with frameworks, rubrics, and actionable strategies to accelerate design workflows without sacrificing instructional quality.

• Lord Giddie, National Louis University
• KC Coburn, Metropolitan State University of Denver
• Carrie O'Donnell, Alchemy
• Courtney Hebert, Louisiana State University
• Jennifer Morrisette, Louisiana State University

Moderator: Liz Davie, Creighton University

Roundtables
Grand Ballroom AB
In this session, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with up to two different topics during small-group, 30-minute, table-based guided discussion around a specific and timely topic, question, or issue. Roundtables are designed to provide space and time to important but particularly nuanced topics which deserve attention, and presenters will promote the sharing of thoughts, solutions, and questions among their respective table’s attendees.

Moderator: Jill Boatright, Loyola University of New Orleans

Boosting Learner Engagement with Interactive Video
eDesign Collaborative | Foundational | Tag(s): Engagement and Opportunity, Faculty, Graduate Education
Discover how interactive video transforms passive viewing into active learning, boosting learner engagement and improving learning outcomes in online and professional education. We'll present a data-driven approach, including findings from a Forrester TEI study on the ROI of interactive video tools. The roundtable will cover practical strategies and real-world examples for integrating these tools into your courses, providing actionable insights for educators and leaders.

• Ashton Robbins, PlayPosit (powered by WeVideo)
• Amanda Rosezweig, Delgado Community College

Title II is Here: Operationalizing Accessibility Governance Across the Institution
eDesign Collaborative | Applied | Tag(s): Engagement and Opportunity, Faculty
As ADA Title II establishes clear federal compliance requirements for digital accessibility across LMS platforms, course materials, student portals, and third-party tools, institutions must ensure their governance models are aligned and enforceable. This roundtable presentation, featuring Bryan Aylward and Dr. Allison Rief, examines how universities can strengthen existing accessibility governance structures, clarify cross-functional ownership, and align procurement, instructional design, and faculty support within a cohesive compliance framework. Participants will consider how accessibility compliance can be integrated into existing academic leadership structures, faculty relationships, and institutional systems without disrupting core mission and culture while reinforcing long-term institutional readiness.

• Bryan Aylward, University of Arizona Global Campus
• Allison Rief, University of Arizona Global Campus
• Daniel Kalef, OES (Online Education Services)
• Annie Phalen, OES (Online Education Services)

Designing for AI Fluency: A collaborative reframing of Bloom’s Taxonomy
eDesign Collaborative | Applied | Tag(s): Engagement and Opportunity, Policy, Faculty, Graduate Education
Generative AI is redefining deep learning design, challenging educators and technologists to go beyond content delivery toward fostering AI literacy, ethical reasoning, and adaptability. This interactive session introduces a reframed Bloom’s Taxonomy for the AI era, transforming a classic cognitive framework into a practical design toolkit. Using real-world examples from institutions already embedding AI literacy, participants will explore updated cognitive levels and map them to outcomes, assignments, and assessments. Through small-group collaboration, attendees will co-design objectives, activities, and rubrics that leverage AI while maintaining human-centered pedagogy, leaving with adaptable templates, tested strategies, and a shared framework for ongoing collaboration.

• Lisa Clark, Blackboard
• Michelle Morrison, Marshall University

From Simulation Labs to Financial Literacy: Designing High-Impact Courses at Scale
eDesign Collaborative | Foundational | Tag(s): Engagement and Opportunity, Faculty, Graduate Education
Explore cross-disciplinary approaches to designing high-impact courses at scale. This roundtable shares lessons from two case studies: an online Simulation in Nursing Education course and a campus-wide Financial Wellness course. Participants will engage in two activities, a “Before & After Instructional Design” review and a “Challenge & Solution Swap,” to uncover strategies for managing timelines, diverse learners, and multi-expert collaboration.

• Megan Slatton, Auburn University
• Sydney Bassett, Auburn University
• Meghan Jones, Auburn University
• Carrie Leffler, Auburn University

UPCEA TALK: AI and Course Design
Churchill B2
UPCEA Talks are quickfire introductions of an idea by a single presenter, designed to offer quick forays into critical topics, where multiple viewpoints are essential. Four Talks are scheduled in this one, hour-long concurrent session, in sequence, guided by a moderator who will help with flow and facilitate audience questions at the end.

Moderator: Tracy Miller, Northern Illinois University

AI as Co-Designer: Building Better Courses with Intelligent Tools
eDesign Collaborative | Foundational | Tag(s): Engagement and Opportunity
The arrival of generative AI in higher education has opened up new opportunities to streamline and enhance the course design process. This talk will explore how instructors and instructional designers can use AI tools to support the planning, development, and revision of courses—without sacrificing pedagogical quality or academic integrity. Participants will learn how AI can assist in aligning learning objectives with assessments, generating content scaffolding, supporting Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, and developing multimodal learning materials. We'll also examine how AI can be a collaborative partner in brainstorming assignment ideas, identifying potential gaps in course flow, and enhancing student engagement. Drawing from real use cases and hands-on experimentation, the talk will offer practical demonstrations of how tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Microsoft Copilot can be leveraged to support decision-making and creativity in course development. Ethical considerations, including transparency, bias, and faculty agency, will be woven throughout the discussion.

• Jim Wentworth, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

AI’m Here for You: Supporting Instructors in the AI Era
eDesign Collaborative | Applied | Tag(s): Engagement and Opportunity, Policy
Since the release of ChatGPT, faculty across campuses have been asking: What does AI mean for my teaching, my students, and my scholarship? In this talk, you will learn ways to support faculty through the twists and turns of generative AI by curating resources, providing a variety of faculty development, and meeting faculty where they are in this process. Whether faculty are eager to dive in or still on the fence, you will leave with strategies to help them grow, connect, and confidently navigate this evolving landscape.

• Molly Hines, Creighton University

AI Collaboration for Real People: A Practical Resource Development Case Study
eDesign Collaborative | Applied | Tag(s): Faculty
This talk demonstrates practical strategies for AI collaboration in faculty development resource creation. Attendees will learn specific techniques for maintaining quality and pedagogical integrity while leveraging AI tools to accelerate project timelines. The presentation covers prompt strategies, quality control frameworks, and methods for balancing AI efficiency with human expertise. Through real before-and-after examples, participants will see how AI partnership can enhance professional consulting practices without compromising educational standards. Ideal for faculty developers, instructional designers, and educational professionals seeking immediately applicable AI collaboration methods for resource creation, content revision, and project management under time constraints.

• Jenna Schmidt, Mississippi State University

AI on the Team: Real-Time Support for Instructional Designers
eDesign Collaborative | Applied | Tag(s): Engagement and Opportunity, Faculty
This talk explores a custom AI assistant that supports instructional designers by bridging expertise gaps with faculty and accelerating course prototyping. Attendees will experience a live demo, engage in interactive analysis, and gain a practical roadmap for using AI to enhance instructional design grounded in proven pedagogical frameworks.

• Carolyn Stoll, University of Cincinnati

Optimizing Instructional Design Workflows through Effective Project Management Systems
Churchill C2 | eDesign Collaborative | Strategic | Tag(s): Engagement and Opportunity, Graduate Education
This presentation will explore how project management systems can optimize instructional design workflows, enhancing efficiency from planning and development to delivery. Attendees will learn about key components for system setup, selecting the right tools, integrating them into existing workflows, and strategies for boosting productivity and collaboration. Ideal for instructional designers, project managers, and academic leaders, this session offers insights and tools to streamline processes, reduce bottlenecks, and improve learning outcomes. Join us to transform your instructional design projects through effective project management.

• Jennifer Ferrara, Texas A&M University
• Camille Funk, Utah Valley University

Moderator: Mieke Ridderhof, Drieam

Designing and Teaching for Today’s Online Modalities: Strategies for Faculty Success
Grand Ballroom C | eDesign Collaborative | Applied | Tag(s): Engagement and Opportunity, Policy, Faculty, Graduate Education
Explore research-informed strategies for designing and teaching in today’s online and hybrid environments. Drawing from the forthcoming Teaching Online: A Practical Guide (5th ed., Routledge, 2026), this session addresses inclusive course design, aligning modalities with learning goals, preparing students for online learning, managing complex digital classrooms, and collaborating across departments and academic support units. Includes an open access chapter and guided peer dialogue.

• Susan Ko, University of Maryland Global Campus
• Olena Zhadko, City University of New York

Moderator: Carolyn Stoll, University of Cincinnati

Connect, celebrate, and collaborate at the Network Lunch & Awards. Hosted by UPCEA Networks (Areas of Practice) and open to all attendees, this luncheon brings peers together to recognize excellence through Network Awards and strengthen connections across the UPCEA community. Select the Network that aligns with your professional focus.

eDesign Collaborative and Online Administration
Grand Ballroom D
Join the collaboration of two Networks: eDesign Collaborative and Online Administration to connect with instructional design professionals focused on best practices for online course design, multimedia development, and team-based learning solutions as well as colleagues bridging online program operations, strategic management, and instructional support best practices for online learning.

• Award Presentation: UPCEA Award for Strategic Innovation in Online Education

Moderators:

• April Wolf, Purdue University
• Stevie Rocco, Penn State University
• Connie Hahn, Purdue University
• Megan Slatton, Auburn University
• Ronni Tyger, Tulane University
• Tracy Miller, Northern Illinois University
• David Lawrence-Lupton, University of Michigan
• Amy Gairmaro, Molloy University
• Annie Taylor, Penn State University
  

AI on the Ground: How Instructional Designers Are Actually Using Generative AI in Higher Ed
Churchill B1 | eDesign Collaborative | Foundational | Tag(s): Engagement and Opportunity
What are learning experience professionals really doing with AI? This session shares new data from a cross-institutional survey of higher education professionals using generative AI in course and content design. We’ll explore trends, practical use cases, and simple ways you can apply these ideas to your own work. Attendees will reflect on their own practice, share strategies with peers, and leave with new ideas based on the session's discussion. No prior AI experience needed to join this discussion!

• Kristen Chorba, University of Arizona
• Jessica Zeitler, University of Arizona

Moderator: Shiraz Sultan, AAPC

Roundtable Presentations
Grand Ballroom AB
In this session, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with up to two different topics during small-group, 30-minute, table-based guided discussion around a specific and timely topic, question, or issue. Roundtables are designed to provide space and time to important but particularly nuanced topics which deserve attention, and presenters will promote the sharing of thoughts, solutions, and questions among their respective table’s attendees.

Moderator: Jessica DuPont, Oregon State University

The Dream Team: How ID-Faculty Partnerships and Badging Elevated Course Quality
eDesign Collaborative | Applied | Tag(s): Faculty, Graduate Education
This session will explore a programmatic approach to scaling quality course design at Molloy University, focusing on a badging system that rewards faculty for developing exemplary 7-week, fully online, asynchronous courses. Building on an existing badging program, we will detail the unique strategy of proactively promoting these quality-assured courses at the program level. Presenters will share the successful model that integrates dedicated instructional design support, faculty incentives, the creation of an internal peer network of quality reviewers based on the QM Rubric framework, and recognition strategies to celebrate faculty achievements. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of how to implement a similar, incentivized, and sustainable model for enhancing online course quality and enrollment.

• Amy Gaimaro, Molloy University
• Susan Watters, Molloy University

Building Collaborative Learning Communities to Drive Student Success
Marlborough B | eDesign Collaborative | Tag(s): Engagement and Opportunity, Faculty
Join the authors of Building Collaborative Learning Communities to Drive Student Success, recipients of this year’s UPCEA Frandson Award for Literature, as they host an interactive dive into their work around building cultures of collaboration and continuous improvement that directly enhance student outcomes. Participants will explore key topics such as mentorship, talent development, artificial intelligence, and the evolving role of online learning as a core institutional priority. Drawing on best practices and diverse perspectives, the session provides actionable tools for strengthening learning communities, advancing digital strategy, and leading meaningful change across campus. Designed for faculty, administrators, and academic leaders alike, this session delivers high-impact insights that attendees can immediately apply to support student success and institutional resilience.

• Robin Dhakal, University of Arizona Global Campus
• William Davis, University of Arizona Global Campus
• Kira Heske, University of Arizona Global Campus

Moderator: Jodene DeKorte, Purdue Global

Stop & Share Presentations
Grand Ballroom AB
Attendees are invited to stop in, mill about, and engage in these dynamic, demonstration-type conversations hosted by presenters ready to share ideas on a hot topic, best practice, or technological innovation.

Moderator: Kelley Brandt, Boise State University

Diversifying Faculty Development with Faculty Learning Communities
eDesign Collaborative | Applied | Tag(s): Engagement and Opportunity, Faculty
Faculty Learning Communities (FLCs) bring small, cross-disciplinary groups together for peer-led growth in online and hybrid teaching. Grounded in research, they strengthen inclusive pedagogy, encourage technology adoption, support faculty scholarship, and build campus-wide community. This presentation shares a practical framework for designing and sustaining FLCs, including strategies for recruitment, facilitator preparation, activity planning, and program evaluation – equipping participants with the tools to implement or enhance FLCs at their own institutions.

• Claire Arabie, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
• Francesco Crocco, University of Louisiana at Lafayette

E-learning for Undergrads
eDesign Collaborative | Applied | Tag(s): Engagement and Opportunity, Faculty
What can a self-paced, non-instructor-led e-learning course add to an undergraduate for-credit course? Survey data collected from students in a pilot course reveals a generally positive reception, with students reporting ease of use, high levels of motivation, and perceived learning gains compared to traditional formats. Participants in this session will be invited to engage with a live e-learning course while exploring the benefits of blending e-learning into the undergraduate curriculum. The presentation will highlight specific design features that contributed to student success, address challenges, and offer practical recommendations for incorporating similar elements into other online courses.

• Joan York, Oklahoma State University

Peer Review Playground: Exploring Peerceptiv
eDesign Collaborative | Foundational | Tag(s): Engagement and Opportunity, Faculty
Join us for a dynamic presentation where we’ll explore how Peerceptiv can transform peer review in your course. We’ll walk you through how it’s being used in real faculty collaborations and dive into its powerful features—including customizable rubrics, grading tools, and feedback options for both students and instructors. Whether you're new to Peerceptiv or looking to enhance your current use, this presentation will equip you with tips to make peer review more engaging and effective.

• Sydney Wilk, Virginia Commonwealth University
• Cairo Jones, Virginia Commonwealth University
• Rebecca Stooks, Virginia Commonwealth University

The Invisible Curriculum: Embedding Critical Thinking and Soft Skills by Design
eDesign Collaborative | Applied | Tag(s): Engagement and Opportunity, Faculty
Soft skills like critical thinking, communication, and collaboration are essential but often invisible in course design. This session explores practical strategies to embed these competencies into online courses through backward design, assessment alignment, and scaffolded activities that make the invisible curriculum explicit, transferable, and measurable.

• Casey Rogers, Mississippi State University

Fast, Flexible, and High-Quality: Rethinking Course Design Workflows for Efficiency and Impact
Churchill B2 | eDesign Collaborative | Applied | Tag(s): Faculty, Graduate Education
How can institutions accelerate online course development without compromising quality? This session brings together two complementary approaches to rethinking design workflows. Tulane University’s Learning Design and Development Team will introduce “backward development,” a workflow extension of Backward Design (Wiggins & McTighe, 2005) that speeds onboarding, cuts rework, and leverages AI for efficiency while preserving authenticity and alignment. Purdue University’s Course Production Team will highlight rapid design strategies developed in partnership with faculty, emphasizing multimedia integration, the smart use of AI tools, and sustainable quality at scale. Together, these perspectives balance structured innovation with adaptable peer-driven practices, equipping attendees to design courses faster, smarter, and with sustained quality.

• Larissa Cremeens, Purdue University
• Connie Hahn, Purdue University
• Matt Charles, Purdue University
• Emily Craven, Purdue University
• Ashlie Davis, Tulane University