This year, Online and Adult Learning is hosting its 3rd annual Distance Learning Week at USI from November 2 – November 6. Each year, the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) hosts a National Distance Learning Week to promote online/distance learning, explore issues and trends in distance/online learning and highlight best practices relating to online learning. Each day, there will be activities for our faculty and students relating to online learning. Join Online and Adult Learning for a week of activities for faculty/staff and students, including information sessions, workshops, and more. We know you have a busy schedule, so many of our events will be available virtually, as recorded sessions, or as online activities.
Activity | Presenter | Description | Format | Date/Time |
"Start Here": Building a Introductory Module for Your Students | Online and Adult Learning's Instructional Designer Team | What do students see in the first five minutes of your course? A clear Start Here module answers their first questions before they have to ask: where to begin, how the course is organized, what’s expected of them, and how to reach you. In this recorded session, USI’s instructional designers walk through the pieces of an effective introductory module, including a course welcome, a navigation guide, a syllabus and policy overview, an instructor introduction, and a low-stakes first activity. You’ll see examples built in Blackboard Ultra and leave with a checklist you can use to build or revise your own. | Online asynchronous workshop | Monday, November 2 |
Instructor Presence in an Online Course | Online and Adult Learning's Instructional Designer Team | Instructor presence is how you show up in a course you aren’t physically standing in front of. This recorded session covers practical, manageable ways to stay visible to students throughout the term: welcome and weekly videos, announcements that guide rather than just remind, timely and personal feedback, and discussion participation that adds to the conversation without taking it over. You’ll leave with strategies you can add to a course already in progress and plan into your next one. | Online asynchronous workshop | Tuesday, November 3 |
Beyond Watch, Read, Quiz, Repeat; Reimagining Engagement and Assessment in Online Learning | Dr. Elaine Reeder, Assistant Vice Provost of Learning Experience Design at Virginia Commonwealth University | What if we designed online learning experiences around what students need to do, rather than simply what content they need to consume? This interactive workshop challenges familiar online teaching routines and explores ways to move beyond lectures, readings, and quizzes as the default structure of online learning. Through examples, discussion, and hands-on activities, participants will explore strategies for meaningful engagement, authentic assessment, and effective feedback. Participants will have an opportunity to rethink a conventional learning activity or assessment and leave with a redesigned approach they can implement in their own courses. | In-person interactive workshop | Wednesday, November 4 9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. Orr Center 2004 |
Keynote Presentation: What If We're Designing for a Learner Who No Longer Exists? Reimagining Learning Experiences for a Future We Can't Predict | Dr. Elaine Reeder, Assistant Vice Provost of Learning Experience Design at Virginia Commonwealth University | Are we designing learning experiences for the students we serve today and the world they're entering tomorrow, or are we continuing to rely on assumptions about teaching and learning that no longer reflect their needs? This keynote challenges conventional thinking about higher education by exploring the changing learner, the evolving skills graduates need, and the opportunities we have to reconsider what higher education must provide and whom it must serve in a rapidly changing world. Rather than focusing on the latest technologies or instructional trends, we'll reconsider the purpose of the learning experiences we create and the assumptions that shape them. Through provocative questions, relatable examples, and moments of reflection, participants will be invited to challenge familiar thinking and imagine what's possible when we design learning for a future we can't yet predict. | In-person keynote address | Wednesday, November 4 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. UC Carter Hall A-C |
Online and Adult Learning Open House | N/A | Visit the new space for Online and Adult Learning in the Orr Center. Demonstrations of our new technology, including recording studios, green screen, teleprompter, and Learning Glass technology will be available. | In-person open house | Wednesday, November 4 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Orr Center 095 |
Navigating Blackboard Gradebook: Tips for Instructors and Course Builders | Blackboard | The end of the semester is when the gradebook matters most. Final assignments are coming in, grades need to be calculated, and students want to know where they stand. To help you get ready, Blackboard is hosting a live webinar with practical guidance for the gradebook. Register through Bb. | Synchronous webinar | Thursday, November 5 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. |
Accessibility for Faculty | Online and Adult Learning's Instructional Designer Team | Can every student in your course use everything in it? This session introduces the accessibility practices that make the biggest difference in online courses: structured headings, descriptive links, alt text for images, captioned video, and accessible documents and slides. We’ll also look at how Blackboard Ally’s scores and alternative formats can help you find and fix issues. Bring a course or document you’re working on, and you’ll leave knowing where to start. | Synchronous webinar | Friday, November 6 1:00 p.m. -2:00 p.m. |
Activity | Presenter | Description | Format | Date/Time |
Where to Get Help in Your Online Classes | N/A | Not sure who to contact when something goes wrong? This printable handout points you to the right place for common issues, including Blackboard questions, password and technology problems, online learning support, tutoring, and accessibility services. Keep it handy so you know where to turn when you need help! | Printable handout | Monday, November 2 |
Reinventing Your Professional Story: A Strategic Guide to Career Transition for Online and Adult Learners | Megan O'Connor, Career Coordinator | This comprehensive session teaches online and adult learners how to identify and communicate their transferrable skills with confidence while leveraging life experience as a competitive advantage. Topics include AI-powered skill analysis using tools like JobScan for ATS-optimized resumes, the SOAR method for skill discovery, personal brand development, LinkedIn SEO strategies, STAR interview techniques, and confident career gap explanations. | Asynchronous webinar | Tuesday, November 3 |
Blackboard Basics | Online and Adult Learning's Instructional Designer Team | New to Blackboard or still finding your way around? This recorded walkthrough covers the essentials of Blackboard Ultra: finding your courses, navigating course content, submitting assignments, checking grades and feedback, and setting up notifications so you don’t miss announcements or due dates. | Online asynchronous walkthrough | Wednesday, November 4 |
Succeeding in an Online Class | Scott Derr, Online and Adult Learning Intake Specialist | Online courses give you flexibility, and they also ask you to manage more on your own. This recorded session covers the habits successful online students rely on: planning your week around due dates, keeping in touch with your instructor, taking part in discussions, and asking for help early. You’ll leave with tips you can use this semester. | Asynchronous webinar | Thursday, November 5 |
The Science of Motivation: How to Keep Going When Life Gets Busy | Mariel Cox, Online and Adult Learning Student Support Specialist | Searching for ways to stay motivated in your online courses? This session explores the science behind motivation and how simple changes can help keep you on track. You'll learn practical strategies, from habit stacking to reward systems, to help you keep moving forward, even when life gets busy. | Asynchronous webinar | Friday, November 6 |
This year, Online and Adult Learning hosted its 2nd annual Distance Learning Week at USI from November 3 – November 7. Each year, the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) hosts a National Distance Learning Week to promote online/distance learning, explore issues and trends in distance/online learning and highlight best practices relating to online learning. Each day, there will be activities for our faculty and students relating to online learning. Join Online and Adult Learning for a week of activities for faculty/staff and students including information sessions, workshops, and more. We know you have a busy schedule so many of our events will be available virtually, as recorded sessions, or as online activities.
Activity | Presenter | Description | Format | Date/Time |
Unlocking USI's Online Resources | N/A | Celebrate National Distance Learning Week by exploring USI's online student support resources at your own pace! Using interactive Scribe guides, you'll walk through how to access and navigate the Rice Library, Academic Success Center, Career Success Center, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Disability Resources, and IT Help Desk websites. This self-guided activity helps you become familiar with the tools and services available to support your success from anywhere. | Monday, November 3 | |
Career Success Center Overview | Kim Sullivan, Career Coordinator | The Career Success Center offers comprehensive student support through online resources, Career Launch platform for job searches and mock interviews, and personalized career coordinators. Services include resume printing, professional development resources, career exploration tools, and one-on-one appointments for job search assistance and interview preparation. | Tuesday, November 4 | |
Creating Structure out of Chaos | Alex Medina, Online and Adult Learning Intake Specialist | Balancing school, work, and life can feel overwhelming, especially for online and adult learners. This session offers practical strategies to bring order to the chaos, from organizing digital files and managing time effectively to setting goals, building study routines, and creating a productive workspace. Viewers will leave with simple, actionable tools to reduce stress, boost focus, and take control of their learning journey. | Wednesday, November 5 | |
The Science of Motivation | Mariel Cox, Online and Adult Learning Student Support Specialist | Searching for ways to stay motivated in your online courses? This session explores the science behind motivation and how simple changes can help keep you on track. You'll learn practical strategies, from habit stacking to reward systems, to help you keep moving forward, even when life gets busy. | Thursday, November 6 | |
Reinventing Your Professional Story: A Strategic Guide to Career Transition for Adult Learners | Megan O'Connor, Career Coordinator | This comprehensive session teaches adult learners how to identify and communicate their transferrable skills with confidence while leveraging life experience as a competitive advantage. Topics include AI-powered skill analysis using tools like JobScan for ATS-optimized resumes, the SOAR method for skill discovery, personal brand development, LinkedIn SEO strategies, STAR interview techniques, and confident career gap explanations. | Friday, November 7 |
Activity | Presenter(s) | Description | Format | Date/Time |
Keynote Speaker - Living in a Time of Disruptive and Accelerated Change: Charting the Future of Higher Education | Dr. Blake Faulkner, Assistant Vice President for Online Learning and Professional Education, Miami of Ohio | This session will cover the trends and shifts impacting higher education today, as well as an overview of the competitive landscape. The session will provide insights into how higher education institutions are evolving to better meet the needs of the modern learner, as well as the dynamic and rapidly changing needs of business and industry. | Monday, November 3 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. | |
Engaged Learning with AI | Dr. Zack Ward, Associate Professor of Health Services Administration Dr. Jenny Skelton, Assistant Professor of Health Administration and Health Informatics and Information Management | What happens when your EHR demo crashes the day of class? Instead of giving up, we turned to AI. In this session, we'll show how we used ChatGPT to vibe code a custom electric health record system for long-term care residents - then pushed it further with home health templates, U.S.-based formats, and even school colors. Along the way, we'll share lessons learned on prompting, iteration, and how AI can spark creativity in health professionals' education. | Tuesday, November 4 Noon - 1:00 p.m. | |
Competencies Connect College to Careers | Dr. Jason Hardgrave, Assistant Provost | How can we assist students in communicating not only what they know, but what they can do? This presentation explores how college-developed competencies—such as critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving—align with the evolving workforce demands. By translating academic skills into career-ready capabilities, it highlights strategies for educators, employers, and students to bridge the gap between higher education and professional success. Insights into competency-based learning, employer expectations, and practical approaches to preparing students for meaningful careers will be presented. | Wednesday, November 5 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. | |
Meeting the Needs of Online and Adult Learners | Dr. Brian Crose, Director of Online and Adult Learning Spence Farmer, Instructional Designer Alex Medina, Online and Adult Learning Intake Specialist | Online and adult learners thrive when education is practical, relevant, and respectful of their experiences. By combining authentic assessments, collaborative activities, and a balance of flexibility and rigor, courses help learners build real-world skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities, fostering personal growth, fulfillment, and a commitment to lifelong learning. | Thursday, November 6 | |
Accessibility | Online and Adult Learning's Instructional Designer Team | Learn about accessibility requirements and discover simple ways to make your course materials more accessible. Skills include writing descriptive links, adding meaningful alt text, using proper headings and checking reading order and contrast. This session will also show you how to use Microsoft's Accessibility Checker to ensure your content is inclusive for all learners. | Friday, November 7 |
| Activity | Description | Format | Date/Time |
| Introduction to Learning Online | There are many myths and misconceptions about online learning. Students will gain a better understanding about online learning at USI, hear about common perceptions about online learning to find out if they are myths or facts, identify strategies other students have found beneficial to be successful in an online course, and learn about resources to assist online learners. | Pre-Recorded | Tuesday, November 5 |
| Library Scavenger Hunt | Using the Rice Library's FUSIon Search Tool, help Archie find missing source info for his assignment on green marketing. Learn about online research tools, complete a digital scavenger hunt and get entered to win some Online and Adult Learning swag! | Online Activity | Wednesday, November 6 |
| Time Management Strategies | It is reality that all of us are challenged to have enough time in a day to accomplish all we need and want to do. This session will explore time management strategies that have worked for other online students, everything from prioritizing your tasks to techniques to let someone know you need to focus on your coursework. | Pre-Recorded | Thursday, November 7 |
| Resource Tables for All Learners | Informational booths will be setup to learn more about resources available to all students, regardless of modality. Give-aways will also be available if you visit the booths. A recorded version will be coming for those not able to attend. |
In-Person University Center East, 2nd Floor Concourse Outside Rooms 2205-2220 |
Thursday, November 7 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. CT |
| Interacting with Your Peers and Professors in the Virtual Environment | Communication can be challenging, and especially so when you are communicating in a virtual environment. Learn about strategies and techniques to ensure you message is understood and your communications are understood for tone, intent, etc., things which can be hard to determine in a virtual environment. | Pre-Recorded | Friday, November 8 |
| Activity | Description | Format | Date/Time |
| Keynote Speaker | Join Dr. Barbara Kopp Miller from the University of Toledo Online as she discusses the benefits of online learning, challenges, and opportunities. | Monday November 4 at 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. CT | |
| VoiceThread | VoiceThread is a powerful multimedia tool you can use to develop course content. It's possible to create lectures, discussion boards, debates, presentations and more with robust student interaction, and flexibility. You'll learn how to create instructional material, assignments, and troubleshoot common technical issues in VoiceThread. | Pre-Recorded | Monday, November 4 |
| AI Tools and How to Leverage Them in Your Courses | Leverage AI to revolutionize your course design! Automate everyday tasks with Co-pilot, freeing up time to focus on student success. Create robust rubrics, develop formative knowledge checks from text or video, interactive video questions and draft weekly announcements effortlessly. | Pre-Recorded | Monday, November 4 |
| Adobe Pro | All faculty now have access to Adobe Pro. Learn what tools are available to you in Adobe Pro, how you can use the available tools to create or modify PDF documents, and view demonstrations on the most common use cases for faculty. | Pre-Recorded | Tuesday, November 5 |
| Blackboard Ultra Overview | USI is transitioning to a more modern version of Blackboard, Blackboard Ultra. During this overview session, you will learn more about Blackboard Ultra, new tools to assist you as a faculty member, and what resources are available to you to transition your courses. Hosted by the USI Blackboard Team. | Recorded | Tuesday, November 5 at 11:00 a.m. - Noon CT |
| OER and Open Access Publishing | Open Educational Resources (OER) are educational materials that are openly available for educators and students, without the need to pay royalties or license fees. USI has stipends for faculty who adopt, adapt, revise, and even publish their own OER content in their courses. This session will cover the basics of OER and the opportunities available at USI. Also, learn more about Open Access (OA) journals, and how you can work with the Rice Library to utilize and even publish openly accessible academic research. | Recorded | Wednesday, November 6 at 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. |
| Library Scavenger Hunt | Using the Rice Library's FUSIon Search Tool, help Archie find missing source info for his assignment on green marketing. Learn about online research tools, complete a digital scavenger hunt and get entered to win some Online and Adult Learning swag! | Online Activity | Wednesday, November 6 |
| H5P Exploration | H5P is a tool that the USI instructional designers are using to update training content for Outreach and Engagement. Explore the different tools available within H5P to enhance the interaction and resources for your online course. Upon completion, we will ask participants to complete a simple survey to determine if this a tool we should consider adopting for faculty to use in Blackboard. | Online Activity | Thursday, November 7 |
| Blackboard Ultra Overview | USI is transitioning to a more modern version of Blackboard, Blackboard Ultra. During this overview session, you will learn more about Blackboard Ultra, new tools to assist you as a faculty member, and what resources are available to you to transition your courses. Hosted by the USI Blackboard Team. | In-Person | Thursday, November 7 at 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. CT (UC 2217-2218) |
| Engaging Online Students: Strategies for Creating a Warm and Inviting Virtual Classroom | It can be more challenging to create a warm, inviting environment in an online course and develop a sense of rapport with your students. In this session, we will explore the importance of engaging with your students, techniques to create a warm environment, ways to develop rapport with your students, and best practices for providing feedback to your students. | Pre-Recorded | Friday, November 8 |
| Hands-On with Blackboard Ultra | USI is transitioning to a more modern version of Blackboard, Blackboard Ultra. During this session, you will learn more about Blackboard Ultra, new tools to assist you as a faculty member, and what resources are available to you to transition your courses. You will also have an opportunity to explore a Blackboard Ultra course shell. Hosted by the USI Blackboard Team. |
In-Person (Feel free to bring your own device or computers will be available.) |
Friday, November 8 at 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. CT (BE 2001) |