Continuing Education Lifelong Learning Online and Onsite Learning Innovation Summit

Online and Onsite Learning Innovation Summit

Online and Onsite 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 O²LIS 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 DatesMarch 5-6, 2026
Registration FeesEarly Bird – $99 (Good through January 1, 2026)
Standard Registration – $125
LocationBryant Conference Center
240 Paul W. Bryant Drive
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487
Lodging Hotel Capstone
Keynote SpeakerTo be announced soon

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. O²LIS 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.

Summit Agenda

Teach to Inspire

Thursday, March 5, 2026
TimeSessionRoom
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.Registration and Check-InTBD
1:00 – 2:15 p.m.Welcome and Keynote SpeakerTBD
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.Concurrent Session 1TBD
3:30 – 3:45 p.m.Break
3:45 – 4:45 p.m.Concurrent Session 2TBD
4:45 – 6:00 p.m.Reception
Friday, March 6, 2026
TimeSessionRoom
7:30 – 8:15 a.m.Registration and Check-InTBD
8:15 – 8:30 a.m.Welcome and Introduction of Keynote SpeakerTBD
8:30 – 9:30 a.m.Keynote Address: Dr. Jennifer GolbeckTBD
9:30 – 9:45 a.m.Break
9:45 – 10:45 a.m.Concurrent Session 1TBD
10:45 – 11:00 a.m.Break
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.Concurrent Session 2TBD
12:00 – 12:45 p.m.Networking Lunch & Poster PresentationsTBD
1:00 – 2:00 p.m.Concurrent Session 3TBD
2:00 – 2:15 p.m.Closing SessionTBD

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
PosterPresenter
Using Storytelling to Design Courses and Engage Students: The Case of Using Storytelling for Teaching International Business Online and In PersonCarolina 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 ClassroomsJakiya Sultana Lime, The University of Alabama
Building Seamless Pathways: Designing Logical Progression in Online CurriculumJoshua Cole, The University of Alabama
Rejection or Integration of AI in Academia: Determining the Best Choice through the Opportunity Cost Theoretical FormulaMohammad Uddin, The University of Alabama
Hunting for Knowledge: Collaborative Approaches to Modernize Rural Alabama’s Hunter EducationJed Smart, Auburn University Dr. Hannah Howell, University of North Alabama
Adapting to Change: Effective Methods for Engaging College LearnersDr. Deborah Baxter, Dr. Elizabeth Woodruff, The University of Alabama
Students’ Engagement Through Engineering DesignShannon Davis, Andalusia City Schools
On Duty and Online: Breaking Barriers for Military Success in Distance EducationElyse Peters, The University of Alabama
Facilitating Experiential Learning Approaches in Virtual Classrooms through VR Games: An Investigation of Students Engagement and Knowledge RetentionStephen Abu, The University of Alabama

Keynote Speaker

OLIS 2026 Keynote Speaker

Dr. Jennifer Golbeck

Dr. Golbeck is a professor at the University of Maryland. She is an expert in artificial intelligence, social media, psychology, privacy, and malicious online behavior. She is a sought after speaker and science communicator, and works as a journalist covering stories related to her scholarly work.

​Jen also rescues special needs golden retrievers and shares their lives on social media as The Golden Ratio.

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

HotelHotel Capstone
320 Paul W Bryant Dr,
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
205-752-3200
CostInformation coming soon
Distance from conferencewithin walking distance from the Bryant Conference Center
Room Block DatesTBD
Reservation DeadlineTBD

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 information coming soon. Registration is REQUIRED for this conference.

Register Online

Available Soon

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 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.

Interested in Presenting?

Call for Proposals

  • Please be prepared to submit presenter/co-presenter contact information, a brief biography, the proposed session title, a short description and at least one learning objective.
  • If you are submitting multiple topic proposals, please submit the form for each proposed topic.

A variety of session types will be hosted. As part of the proposal, you will be asked to select the session type (up to two selections) that best fits the proposal. A description of each session type is listed below for reference:

Session Types
  • Presentation: A structured talk where a speaker shares research, insights, or findings with minimal audience interaction.
  • Workshop: An interactive session focused on building specific skills or knowledge through hands-on activities and participation.
  • Demonstration: A session where the presenter shows how a tool, technique, or process works, often with live examples.
  • Expert Panel: A moderated discussion featuring multiple experts who share diverse perspectives on a common topic.
  • Facilitated Discussion: A guided conversation where the facilitator prompts dialogue among participants to explore ideas collaboratively.
  • Poster: A visual display summarizing a teaching innovation or research study.

Topic Tracks

In addition to selecting a session type, you may also select up to two topic tracks that best fit your proposal. Topic tracks help attendees quickly identify sessions most relevant to their interests.

Available Tracks
  • Course Design
  • Online Teaching
  • Onsite Teaching
  • Experiential Education
  • K–12 Education
  • Leveraging Technology

**All proposals must be submitted by the close of business day November 10.

2026 O²LIS Planning Committee

Dr. Leah Gutenson

Program Manager, Teaching Academy
Dr. Leah Gutenson

Dr. Jennifer Humber

Assistant Professor, Department of Consumer Sciences
Dr. Jennifer Humber

Dr. Nathan Loewen

Associate Professor, Department of Religious Studies
Dr. Nathan Loewen

Dr. Claire Major

Faculty Director, Teaching Academy and Distinguished Professor, College of Education
Dr. Claire Major

Amy McLean

Instructor and Distance Online Coordinator,Social Work Continuing Studies
Amy McLean

Dr. Tyler Roberts

Director of Operations, Teaching Academy
Dr. Tyler Roberts

Dr. Caleb Walters

Associate Professor, Department of Advertising and Public Relations
Dr. Caleb Walters

Questions about the summit?

Contact the Professional Development and Life Learning Department at 205-348-6225 or email professionaldevelopment@ua.edu.