On-Site and Online Learning Innovation Summit
March 5-6, 2026 | Bryant Conference Center
Overview
The University of Alabama Teaching Academy invites you to join us for this year’s On-site and Online Learning Innovation Summit. Veterans of OLIS will notice the addition of onsite teaching to this year’s conference as we expand the scope to include those who teach in person as well as virtually. The purpose of OLIS remains unchanged. The conference serves as a space to bring together passionate educators from the state of Alabama and beyond to share new and innovative teaching practices to engage students.
| Available Dates | March 5-6, 2026 |
| Registration Fees | Free for all UA Faculty and Staff Early Bird – $99 (Good through January 31, 2026) Standard Registration – $125 |
| Location | Bryant Conference Center 240 Paul W. Bryant Drive Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 |
| Lodging | Hotel Capstone |
| Keynote Speaker | Dr. Jennifer Golbeck and Dr. Todd Zakrajsek |
This year’s theme, “Teach to Inspire,” highlights the importance of motivating students in a time when distractions and challenges are greater than ever. We invite you to explore how innovative course design, engaged in-person and online teaching, experiential learning, and emerging technologies like generative AI can empower students and connect learning to their current and future goals. OLIS is your opportunity to share, learn, and grow with a vibrant community of educators. Presenters and attendees will leave with fresh ideas and renewed energy for inspiring the next generation of learners.
Agenda
Teach to Inspire
Thursday, March 5, 2026
| Time | Session | Speakers | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. | Registration and Check-In | ||
| 1:00 – 1:15 p.m. | Welcome and Introduction of Keynote Speaker | Rast | |
| 1:15 – 2:15 p.m. | Keynote Address: Increasing Student Motivation and Engagement: Strategies both Old and New | Dr. Todd Zakrajsek | Rast |
| 2:15 – 2:30 p.m. | Break | – | |
| 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. | Concurrent Session 1 | ||
| AI with Integrity: Teaching AI Ethical Use | Danielle Sagirs | Rast | |
| Combatting Burnout and Reigniting Passion | Anthony Dodson | Birmingham | |
| Teaching for Tomorrow: Empowering Learners Through Innovation, Tech, and Human-Centered Leadership | Rico Sharp | Mason | |
| Empathy in Action: Fostering Connection and Engagement in Online Learning | Camille Karabasz-Shubert Emily Covington | Mobile | |
| How Faculty can Leverage Pop Culture as a Teaching Tool | Dr. Erin Borry Dr. Peter Jones | Lackey | |
| Boots on the Ground: Integrating Research, Policy, and Compassion into Experiential Learning for BSW Students | Keisha Pickens Creasap Densmore | Wilson | |
| 3:30 – 3:45 p.m. | Break | – | |
| 3:45 – 4:45 p.m. | Concurrent Session 2 | ||
| Scaffolded Computer-Assisted Assessments: Enhancing Mathematics Learning Through Structured Problem Solving | Dr. Roberto Torro-Rodriguez | Birmingham | |
| "I have a short attention span and this doesn't matter" – How are Students Using AI in Their Work | Dr. Jennifer Golbeck | Central | |
| Teaching , Learning, Improving: A Course Design Review Approach | Emily Peck Laurie Nave | Mason | |
| AI Generated Case Studies: Sparking Engagement and Real World Thinking Across Disciplines | Dr. Connor Franklin | Mobile | |
| Transforming Classroom Dynamics Using Immediate Feedback Assessment Technique | Amy McLean | Wilson | |
| 4:45 – 6:00 p.m. | Reception | Rast |
Friday, March 6, 2026
| Time | Session | Speaker | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7:30 – 8:15 a.m. | Registration and Check-In | ||
| 8:15 – 8:30 a.m. | Welcome and Introduction of Keynote Speaker | Sellers | |
| 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. | Keynote Address: Making the Right Path the Easy Path: HCI-Informed Approaches to Technology-Enhanced Learning | Dr. Jennifer Golbeck | Sellers |
| 9:30 – 9:45 a.m. | Break | – | |
| 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. | Concurrent Session 1 | TBD | |
| Teaching Up: Preparing Graduate Students to Teach with LIFT @ UAB | Stacey S. Cofield, PhD Dr. Melissa Hawkins Dr. Amy Chatham | Rast | |
| Using AI to Build Interactive Experiences in the Classroom | Dr. Kim Parker | Birmingham | |
| Human Presence and Pedagogical Integrity in AI-Enhanced Learning | Preston Rudell Camille Karabasz-Shubert | Smith | |
| AI: If You Can't Beat it, Join it – Managing Ethical AI Integration in Schools | Austin Green | Mason | |
| A Storytelling Approach to Designing Engaging Courses: The Case of International Business | Carolina Forero | Mobile | |
| Human Presence and Pedagogical Integrity in AI-Enhanced Learning | Meredith McCall | Sellers | |
| Building an Evidence Based Gen AI Curriculum: From Industry Research to Undergrad Implementation | Mengshi Pei Dr. Laura McNeill | Wilson | |
| 10:45 – 11:00 a.m. | Break | – | |
| 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Concurrent Session 2 | TBD | |
| AI-Centered Learning Assessment Strategies | Tess Olten | Rast | |
| Teaching to Inspire: Leveraging Inclusive Practices and Technologies to Engage all Learners | Dr. Nicole Henderson | Birmingham | |
| Doubling Student Engagement with CircleIn Peer-Led Learning | Dr. Jennifer Roth-Burnette | Sellers | |
| Digital Accessibility in Higher Education: New Rules, New Mindset | Dr. Rachel Thompson Dr. Ivon Foster McGowan | Mason | |
| Designing for All: Practical Strategies to Break Barriers in Digital Learning Spaces | Abiodun Ijeluola | Mobile | |
| Mission Accessible: Creating Courses that Work for Every Learner | Dawn Dunaway | Smith | |
| Playful Learning in Action: Using Interactive Game Platforms to Boost Student Engagement | Gulmira Amangalieva | Wilson | |
| 12:00 – 12:45 p.m. | Networking Lunch & Poster Presentations | Sellers | |
| 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. | Concurrent Session 3 | TBD | |
| Grade Wars: Students versus AI | Dr. Eric Lake | Rast | |
| Small Groups, Big Impact: Inspiring Readers Through the Science of Reading | Tomika Walker | Birmingham | |
| From Feedback to Framework: Rapid Scaling and Student Driven Change in a Campuswide Course | Dr. Jennifer Roth-Burnette Dr. Chapman Greer Dr Sarah Burcher Dr. Anne Franklin Lamar | Smith | |
| AI Unleashed in the Classroom: 14-Week Journey from Digital Literacy to Human-AI Collaboration | Dr. Laura McNeill Sierra Cantrell | Mason | |
| The Documented Power of Reflection: Journaling as a Tool for Student Engagement | Dr. Jennifer Humber | Sellers | |
| Gen AI as a Thought Partner: Reimagining Learning Activities in Higher Education | Dr. Lesley Regalado Thomas McCaleb | Mobile | |
| Flipped for Focus: How Pre-Class Content Transforms Live Discussion | Dr. Allen Linken | Wilson | |
| 2:00 – 2:15 p.m. | Closing Session | Sellers |
OLIS 2026 Keynote Speakers
Dr. Jennifer Golbeck
Dr. Jennifer Golbeck Bio
Dr. Golbeck is a leading computer scientist and professor at the University of Maryland, where she directs the Social Intelligence Lab. Her research focuses on artificial intelligence, social media, online privacy, trust, and the human impact of technology. She is the author of influential books including Analyzing the Social Web and Computing with Social Trust, widely used in data science and social computing.
Dr. Golbeck is a nationally recognized science communicator who regularly appears on NPR and was featured in the Netflix documentary series Connected: The Hidden Science of Everything. An internationally sought-after keynote speaker, she presents on AI ethics, digital privacy, and the societal implications of emerging technologies.
Dr. Todd Zakrajsek
Dr. Todd Zakrajsek Bio
Dr. Todd Zakrajsek is an internationally respected educator, researcher, and keynote speaker specializing in the science of learning, evidence-based teaching, and faculty development. He serves as Associate Research Professor at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he works with educators to improve teaching effectiveness and student success.
Dr. Zakrajsek has delivered hundreds of keynote addresses and workshops across the United States and internationally, helping institutions transform teaching and learning practices. He is co-author and editor of several widely used higher education texts, including Teaching at Its Best and Dynamic Lecturing. He also leads the nationally recognized Lilly Conferences on College Teaching and Learning, bringing educators together to advance learning science and instructional excellence.
Summit Location and Lodging
The On-Site and Online Learning Innovation Summit will be held at the Bryant Conference Center, Tuscaloosa, on Thursday-Friday, March 5-6, 2026.
Directions
Parking Your Vehicle
Attendees can park at the Capstone Parking Deck, which is located across the street from the Bryant Conference Center. A limited number of handicap parking spaces are available in front of the Conference Center. Approximately one week prior to the conference start date, you will receive a parking permit. The parking permit will only be valid for the Capstone Parking Deck and the handicap spaces in front of the Bryant Conference Center.
Hotel Accommodations
| Hotel | Hotel Capstone 320 Paul W Bryant Dr, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 205-752-3200 |
| Cost | $141 per night |
| Distance from conference | within walking distance from the Bryant Conference Center |
| Room Block Dates | March 5th-6th 2026 |
| Reservation Deadline | February 10th, 2026 |
Make your hotel reservation online:
Only the dates and room types contracted are available at the contracted rate — rooms requested outside of your block dates or different room types are based on availability and at the prevailing rate.
Book your room by phone:
- The Agent will ask for an email address, so that we may email your confirmation letter. They will also be able to provide the confirmation number for you over the phone.
- Please be prepared with your payment method as it will be required to make a reservation over the phone.
Registration
Registration is REQUIRED for this conference.
Register Online
You will be taken to our online registration area. The screen will look different from this part of our website and will open in a new window. You will click on the year that you wish to register for. If you register more than one person, each must have an individual email address to utilize the online registration system.
Register By Mail
Navigate to a printable version of the form.
Register by Phone
Our Registration Services Office is open Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. To register by phone or for inquiries regarding your registration, please call 205-348-3000.
Special Accommodation Requests
The University of Alabama is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Requests for accommodation of physical and/or dietary needs should be made at least 30 calendar days in advance of the program date. Please email your request to professionaldevelopment@ua.edu.
A portion of the invoice amount for this program will go to the Capstone Lifelong Learning Foundation to support activities of The University of Alabama and the Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education.
Need our STAARS Vendor Number? Please use VC000118827 for UA Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education.
Cancellation Policy
A cancellation charge of 100% of the registration fee will be assessed on cancellations occurring within seven (7) days of the start of this session. Any changes to the session registration type (example: in-person to virtual or virtual to in-person) within seven (7) calendar days of the program will be assessed a $25.00 administrative fee. Refunds will not be granted after the program has begun. The University of Alabama reserves the right to cancel, postpone or combine class sections, to limit registration or to change instructors. Contact the Registration Services department at 205-348-3000 or registration_services@ua.edu to cancel your registration. View the OTIDE Cancellation Policy.
Poster Presentations
*The poster presentations listed below are from last year’s conference. This year’s agenda will be posted once proposals are submitted.*
Room: Sellers Auditorium
Presentations
| Poster | Presenter |
|---|---|
| Using Storytelling to Design Courses and Engage Students: The Case of Using Storytelling for Teaching International Business Online and In Person | Carolina Forero, The University of Alabama |
| Empowering Student Autonomy: Leveraging Choice Boards in the World Language Classroom. | Dr. McKenzie Britnell Wayman, Alabaster City Schools |
| AI-Generated Activities for Literature Classrooms | Jakiya Sultana Lime, The University of Alabama |
| Building Seamless Pathways: Designing Logical Progression in Online Curriculum | Joshua Cole, The University of Alabama |
| Rejection or Integration of AI in Academia: Determining the Best Choice through the Opportunity Cost Theoretical Formula | Mohammad Uddin, The University of Alabama |
| Hunting for Knowledge: Collaborative Approaches to Modernize Rural Alabama’s Hunter Education | Jed Smart, Auburn University Dr. Hannah Howell, University of North Alabama |
| Adapting to Change: Effective Methods for Engaging College Learners | Dr. Deborah Baxter, Dr. Elizabeth Woodruff, The University of Alabama |
| Students’ Engagement Through Engineering Design | Shannon Davis, Andalusia City Schools |
| On Duty and Online: Breaking Barriers for Military Success in Distance Education | Elyse Peters, The University of Alabama |
| Facilitating Experiential Learning Approaches in Virtual Classrooms through VR Games: An Investigation of Students Engagement and Knowledge Retention | Stephen Abu, The University of Alabama |
2026 OLIS Planning Committee
Dr. Leah Gutenson
Program Manager, Teaching Academy
Dr. Jennifer Humber
Assistant Professor, Department of Consumer Sciences
Dr. Nathan Loewen
Associate Professor, Department of Religious Studies
Dr. Claire Major
Faculty Director, Teaching Academy and Distinguished Professor, College of Education
Amy McLean
Instructor and Distance Online Coordinator,Social Work Continuing Studies
Dr. Tyler Roberts
Director of Operations, Teaching Academy
Dr. Caleb Walters
Associate Professor, Department of Advertising and Public Relations
Questions about the summit?
Contact the Professional Development and Life Learning Department at 205-348-6225 or email professionaldevelopment@ua.edu.