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 1, 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.
Summit Agenda
Teach to Inspire
Thursday, March 5, 2026
| Time | Session | Room |
|---|---|---|
| 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. | Registration and Check-In | TBD |
| 1:00 – 2:15 p.m. | Welcome and Keynote Speaker | TBD |
| 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. | Concurrent Session 1 | TBD |
| 3:30 – 3:45 p.m. | Break | – |
| 3:45 – 4:45 p.m. | Concurrent Session 2 | TBD |
| 4:45 – 6:00 p.m. | Reception |
Friday, March 6, 2026
| Time | Session | Room |
|---|---|---|
| 7:30 – 8:15 a.m. | Registration and Check-In | TBD |
| 8:15 – 8:30 a.m. | Welcome and Introduction of Keynote Speaker | TBD |
| 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. | Keynote Address: Dr. Jennifer Golbeck | TBD |
| 9:30 – 9:45 a.m. | Break | – |
| 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. | Concurrent Session 1 | TBD |
| 10:45 – 11:00 a.m. | Break | – |
| 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Concurrent Session 2 | TBD |
| 12:00 – 12:45 p.m. | Networking Lunch & Poster Presentations | TBD |
| 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. | Concurrent Session 3 | TBD |
| 2:00 – 2:15 p.m. | Closing Session | TBD |
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 |
OLIS 2026 Keynote Speakers
Dr. Jennifer Golbeck
Dr. Jennifer Golbeck Bio
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.
Dr. Todd Zakrajsek
Dr. Todd Zakrajsek Bio
Dr. Zakrajsek currently directs four Lilly Conferences on College and University Teaching, has served on numerous educationally related boards (journals and workgroups) in the area of teaching and learning. He is an international speaker who is requested regularly for keynote presentations and campus workshops, having published and presented widely on the topic of effective teaching and student learning.
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
| Hotel | Hotel Capstone 320 Paul W Bryant Dr, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 205-752-3200 |
| Cost | $139 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 information coming soon. Registration is REQUIRED for this conference.
Register Online
Available SoonYou 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.
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
- On-Site Teaching
- Experiential Education
- K–12 Education
- Leveraging Technology
**All proposals must be submitted by the close of business day November 10.
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.