On-Site and Online Learning Innovation Summit
Save the date for next year's conference!
Finding Focus through Intentional Teaching
Virtual Thursday, March 4, 2027 and In-Person Friday, March 5, 2027
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.
Following another successful year of OLIS, we continue to reflect on the impact of our recent theme, “Teach to Inspire,” which emphasized the importance of motivating students in an era filled with increasing distractions and evolving challenges. Conversations throughout the conference explored innovative course design, engaging in-person and online teaching strategies, experiential learning, and the role of emerging technologies like generative AI in connecting learning to students’ present and future goals.
OLIS remains a space where educators come together to share ideas, learn from one another, and grow as a community. Participants left with fresh perspectives and renewed energy for inspiring the next generation of learners—and we look forward to building on that momentum at our next conference.
2027 Agenda Coming Soon!
OLIS 2027 Keynote Speaker
Dr. Michelle Miller
Dr. Michelle Miller Bio
Dr. Michelle D. Miller is a cognitive psychologist, professor, author, and nationally recognized speaker who specializes in the science of learning. She is a professor of Psychological Sciences at Northern Arizona University, where her work focuses on attention, memory, motivation, technology, and how people learn.
Dr. Miller is passionate about translating research into practical strategies that educators can use immediately. She is the author of Minds Online: Teaching Effectively with Technology and Remembering and Forgetting in the Age of Technology, and she is known for engaging presentations that connect cutting-edge research with effective, evidence-based teaching practices.
Summit Location and Lodging
The On-Site and Online Learning Innovation Summit was held at the Bryant Conference Center, Tuscaloosa, on Thursday-Friday, March 4-5, 2027.
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 | TBD |
| Distance from conference | within walking distance from the Bryant Conference Center |
| Room Block Dates | TBD |
| Reservation Deadline | TBD |
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.
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. Lori Greene
Senior Instructor, Department of Human Nutrition, Hospitality, and Sport Management
Questions about the summit?
Contact the Professional Development and Life Learning Department at 205-348-6225 or email professionaldevelopment@ua.edu.