Digital Teaching Symposium

Dr. AbdulQuddus Mohammed is as an Assistant Professor in Business Division Chair at HCT-Al Dhafra Colleges. I am enjoying the academic leadership experience because I have an amazing team of incredible faculty, support staff and caring management. My leadership philosophy is “leaders eat last”; I believe in the idea of people come first in organizations

Session: AI Tools to Implement Competency-Based Education Model

A skilled educational technologist, Alex Fiscus brings a wealth of expertise in instructional design, eLearning platforms, and data analysis. Originally from Pennsylvania, she holds a Master of Arts in Higher Education and a MicroMasters in Instructional Design and Technology. With a strong background in Blackboard administration, Alex excels in supporting instructors and students with Blackboard and other eLearning technologies. Her proficiency lies in troubleshooting technical issues, providing training, and ensuring seamless online learning experiences.

Session: Blackboard AI Conversation: A Student’s Personal Socrates

Dr. Amy Griffith is a Professor of Biology at Trocaire College in Buffalo, NY. She serves as Vice President of the Trocaire Faculty Association, as a Faculty Senator, and is the science lab coordinator. Dr. Griffith has taught biology and chemistry courses at Trocaire for the past eight years. Her classes include anatomy & physiology, microbiology, nutrition and wellness, and introductory chemistry. Her favorite part of being an educator is helping students toward their goals, and she especially enjoys enlightening her students with information about the inner workings of the human body. She was awarded Trocaire's Innovative Educator of the Year Award in 2023 and their Patricia Lavender Distinguished Educator Award in 2021, and has been invited to serve as a peer evaluator for the global institutional accreditor Middle States Commission on Higher Education. When not in the classroom, Dr. Griffith teaches group fitness classes in the evenings, and on the weekends she plays gigs with her cover band UltraViolet.

Session: Up and Running in Six Weeks: Tips from the Trenches for Teaching in Blackboard

Arlene King-Berry is a dynamic educator, lawyer, and publisher with over 20 years of experience in organizational, instructional, and business management across corporate and educational settings. She is a professor of special education at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) and chair of the Senate faculty. She has held several leadership roles, including Director of the Institutional Review Board and Director of Special Education for Friendship Edison Charter Schools. Her expertise includes assistive technology for individuals with disabilities.

Session: Designing Digital Teaching Strategies to Meet the Needs of All Learners, Including Those with Disabilities: A UDL (Universal Design for Learning) Approach

For the past 20 years Autumn has taught at Jefferson Community and Technical College where she teaches classes in both Psychology and Religion. Autumn serves as the Department Head for Religion and Philosophy. Before becoming a professor for Jefferson, Autumn was a school-based therapist for Seven-Counties in Louisville, Kentucky.

Session: Getting Started: How to Have a Strong START HERE Module

Barb Haines is the Associate Dean of Academic Technology, Teaching and Learning at the University of Hartford. Barb believes that asynchronous online learning can be inclusive and engaging. Her doctoral research focuses on the impact of social feeds in asynchronous online education. She leads a team that supports faculty in integrating innovative tools into their classrooms. In addition to training faculty to use Blackboard Ultra, Barb often brainstorms with faculty to design creative solutions to enhance student learning. As an instructor, she has used a social feed and continues to think of innovative ways to use it. Barb holds a BS in accountancy from Miami University, an MA in Education from the University of Connecticut, an MS in Organizational Psychology, and an MS in Management from the University of Hartford. She is learning to speak French and dreams of working at Disneyland Paris when she retires.

Session: You Had Me at Scroll: Social Feeds for Student Engagement

Betsy Langness has been a professor at Jefferson Community and Technical College for 22 years. Prior to becoming a full-time faculty member in 2015, she was a Counselor at the college and taught as an adjunct for 9 years. Before coming to Jefferson, she was a Senior Academic Advisor for the Honors Program at the University of Louisville. Betsy graduated from Transylvania University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and education and later obtained a master’s degree in counseling psychology from the University of Louisville. Her areas of interest include teaching and learning, the digital classroom, and student success. She is currently teaching general and developmental psychology courses in a virtual, asynchronous environment.

Session: Getting Started: How to Have a Strong START HERE Module

Bridgette has been working in higher education since 1996, delivering face-to-face, hybrid, and completely online courses to college students locally and across the nation. Specifically, Bridgette has offered instruction at Del Mar College, Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi, University of Texas: School of Social Work Training Institute, and most recently, teaching online graduate level research courses at Western Governors University. Bridgette's experience stretches beyond the college classroom, with Bridgette serving as an upper-level administrator in the area of institutional assessment, planning and effectiveness. Bridgette is also a published author of peer-reviewed works, including an international award-winning book. Bridgette provides faculty training and development in online/hybrid instruction and academic assessment, and also assists faculty in the course development process for all instructional modalities.

Session: Identifying Imposters: Recognizing the Difference Between Correspondence Course Interactions and Distance Education Course Interactions

As an Assistant Professor with the University of the District of Columbia, my knowledge and experience with the University and its students have served as an asset to the partnership associated with being a part of the Associate in Arts in the Education Program. Notably, I have earned a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Howard University and attained multiple certifications in Education. I pride myself on having worked in the field for more than thirty years. With my acquired knowledge and expertise in program management, delivery of early care and education services, staff development and advancement, and family empowerment, I have been able to impart my knowledge to undergraduate students on the best practices of Early Childhood Education. I am now in pursuit of a terminal degree in Program Assessment & Evaluation. This rewarding career continues to be my life’s work and commitment to the field of Education.

Session: Designing Digital Teaching Strategies to Meet the Needs of All Learners, Including Those with Disabilities: A UDL (Universal Design for Learning) Approach

Ciska Snyman is an instructional designer at the University of Pretoria with over eight years of experience in higher education, specializing in innovative teaching strategies and the design of engaging learning experiences. She holds an Honours degree and a Master’s in Computer-Integrated Education (CIE) and is currently pursuing her PhD, focusing on reimagining assessment practices through AI integration. Passionate about empowering educators, Ciska has played a pivotal role in advising lecturers on pedagogically sound approaches and harnessing digital tools to enhance learning outcomes. Her research interests include assessment principles, AI in education, and technology adoption in teaching. Ciska is also a dedicated mentor and actively fosters communities of practice that promote collaboration and professional growth. A creative thinker, she is committed to advancing educational technology to shape future learning environments and support sustainable, student-centered teaching practices.

Session: Setting Up Your Gradebook for Ultra Success: Lessons Learned and Best Practices in Assessment

As a Digital Learning Leader and innovation Manager at the Pedagogical Innovation Laboratory (PILab) of EDHEC Business School, Claudia is actively involved in the search for transformation of the educational landscape. She is dedicated to improving the learning experience, contributing to an engaging environment for students, teachers, and researchers. Her role involves providing strategic guidance for the seamless integration of technology into face-to-face, blended, and online learning across all university programs. Claudia's approach to teaching and learning also revolves around the use of Artificial Intelligence to promote creative engagement and collaborative learning, ensuring that the educational journey is not just informative but also transformative.

Session: Empowering Professors with AI

Corrie got in on the ground floor of Ed Tech and has been privileged to work with some of the folks who dug the basement. He learned to program on punch cards, remembers when the Apple II was the hot new classroom tech (for an extra $100 you could get color – four of them!), and set DIP switches on GENLOCK cards to sync NTSC to SVGA.

Session: Don't Beware the Blob - Embrace It

Desiah Melby is a passionate educator with over two decades of experience, both in higher education and the k-12 system. Her expertise lies in meticulously crafting, planning, and delivering instructional methods while fostering robust and respectful connections with students. With a background comprising dual master's degrees in Adult Education/Teaching English and Curriculum/Instructional Design, Desiah brings profound insights into curriculum design, assessment techniques, contemporary educational trends, student engagement strategies, and student-centered pedagogy.

Session: Lessons Learned: An AI-Infused Writing Course

Edith De Leon, is a seasoned Instructional Developer Designer I (IDD) currently serving at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, based in Brownsville, Texas. Her career spans over 15 years in the field, commencing as a Course Developer before ascending to the role of an Instructional Designer. Edith finds immense fulfillment in her vocation, which is dedicated to assisting educators and students in hybrid and online course development. Her academic journey commenced in 2003 when she earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Sciences from the University of Texas at Brownsville, culminating in a Master's in Educational Technology from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

Session: Microlectures: Learning at the Speed of Thought

Ellis Reeves IV is a dedicated educator and course developer at the University of South Carolina Aiken, specializing in the innovative integration of generative AI into curriculum design. With a background in learning designs and technology and a passion for enhancing student engagement, Reeves leverages cutting-edge AI tools to create dynamic, interactive learning experiences. Reeves has presented nationally on developing courses that utilize AI-driven resources, encouraging critical thinking, and enhancing content online course content with generative AI.

Session: Enhancing Critical Thinking and Engagement with AI Conversation in Blackboard

Elizabeth Valdez is an Instructional Development Designer at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Elizabeth holds a Master of Education degree and a Master of Science degree. She's currently pursuing a doctorate in education (Ed.D). With a fifteen-year journey in the field of education, including a decade spent as a dedicated classroom teacher, Elizabeth possesses invaluable firsthand insights into the profound responsibility of crafting exceptional learning environments and experiences for all students. Beyond her professional achievements, Elizabeth holds dear her friends and family, which form the core of her identity. She loves exploring new adventures and DIY projects.

Session: Microlectures: Learning at the Speed of Thought

Estelle Drysdale is a skilled instructional designer working at both the University of Pretoria and the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS). With a passion for creating interactive, technology-enhanced learning experiences, Estelle focuses on combining sound pedagogical principles with innovative digital tools to support both educators and students. Her role spans higher education and business, where she designs student-centered courses that engage learners and enhance outcomes. Estelle is particularly interested in the integration of AI and other emerging technologies to optimize teaching methodologies and streamline assessment processes. By working closely with faculty and business professionals, she empowers them to adopt effective, sustainable digital strategies that align with their teaching and organizational goals.

Session: Setting Up Your Gradebook for Ultra Success: Lessons Learned and Best Practices in Assessment

Dr Eugenie Wolff currently works at the University of Pretoria’s, Comprehensive Online Education Services Directorate as Project Manager of the Online Education team. She holds a PhD (Computer Integrated Education) with a focus on Scrum as project management framework to promote social interactions among learning design teams. Eugenie has extensive experience in curriculum design and development, for both hybrid and fully online (distance) programmes, across numerous disciplines. She has facilitated courses on teacher education specialities such as educational paradigms, research methodology, curriculum design and development, assessment, and e-learning tools.

Session: Storyboarding: The Secret to Getting Online Pedagogy Right

Gabrielle Likavec is an experienced educator and instructional consultant with a rich background in teaching and curriculum design. Currently, she serves as a Teaching and Learning Consultant at Central Michigan University, where she collaborates with faculty to enhance instructional practices across various modalities.

Giselle A. Pempedjian is a senior instructor of English in the Department of Communication, Arts and Languages. Her research interests include implementing web tools in learning and incorporating technology in learning. Her emphasis is on effectively blending online learning with face-to-face classes and implementing online learning in order to meet students’ individual needs.

Session: AI-Powered Pedagogy: Practical Applications for Enhancing Teaching and Learning

Heidi Reed is a socio-legal scholar specializing in the intersection of business and society. With a PhD in Applied Social Science from the Hong Kong Polytechnic and a JD in Law from Indiana University, she brings a unique multidisciplinary perspective to her research. Her expertise spans law, psychology, and anthropology, allowing her to delve into the complex ethical dilemmas and value conflicts that companies face. Currently a professor at Audencia Business School in Nantes, France, Heidi teaches courses in business ethics, AI ethics, conflict management, and research methods. Her current research focuses on the societal implications of technologies, using feminist approaches to explore how corporations can navigate ethical challenges and contribute positively to society.

Session: More Than Just Clipart: Integrating AI-Generated Images into Classroom Activities

Dr. Jacquelynn Pleis is an Associate Professor in the College of Education at Charleston Southern University. With over 20 years’ experience in PreK-college settings in nine states and National Board Certification, she teaches Early Childhood and Elementary education majors in methods, creativity, literacy, curriculum and assessment, and child development. Her research interests include student engagement and curriculum design.

Session: Organizing Your Blackboard Course for Maximum Student Achievement

J'Andra is a certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and a Certified Nurse Educator through the National League for Nursing (NLN). Her research interests are broadly related to the effects of internet culture and social media on mental health. Specifically, she has focused on signs, symptoms, and risk factors of cyber victimization in teens to identify and address gaps in the research concerning the assessment of teens for cyber victimization in the healthcare setting. Additionally, through her research, she strives to find methods for healthcare professionals to engage teens and promote healthy online behaviors.

Session: Teaching with Technology: Empowering Nursing Faculty

Joanna C. Hillman, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Science at Trocaire College in Buffalo, NY, dedicated to using digital tools to support student learning and streamline assessment. With over five years of experience teaching college-level science, Dr. Hillman focuses on practical, student-centered approaches to grading that clarify expectations and promote success. She is experienced in using Blackboard’s tools for transparent, consistent assessment and has developed methods for creating fair, effective rubrics with AI assistance. Dr. Hillman’s work empowers both students and fellow educators, fostering equitable learning outcomes.

Session: Up and Running in Six Weeks: Tips from the Trenches for Teaching in Blackboard

Kalie Pead is a queer writer from Salt Lake City, Utah, with a particular love of essays and computer programming. In 2023, she graduated with an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Notre Dame. She lives in South Bend, Indiana, and her work has been published in Shenandoah, Folio, and The Martello.

Session: Teaching with Technology: Empowering Nursing Faculty

Karla Bronicki has been with Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame for 20 years. She has been serving as Administrative Assistant for 11 years, 6 years with nursing and 5 years with speech-language pathology. Karla is from Mishawaka, IN, and is a graduate of Indiana University South Bend. Her philosophy is to create an environment where teamwork leads to successes and every member of the team is acknowledged. She is self-taught in her software and computer skills primarily through online tutorials. She also serves on the Teaching with Tech committee to help inform faculty in the software they are expected to use. She received the 2021 "Unsung Hero Award" which was voted on by her colleagues at Saint Mary's College. Karla practices self-care through daily walks, and crocheting items for her family; most recently she crocheted a piece of bread with banana slices.

Session: Teaching with Technology: Empowering Nursing Faculty

Dr. Kevin Coghlan attained a PhD in psychology and an MA in sociology. Dr. Coghlan is an associate professor at Edison State Community College. Dr. Coghlan resides in Upper Arlington, OH, and is from Nashville, TN and Chicago, IL.

Session: A Pedagogical Approach to Flip Teaching

Kristiaan plays a vital role in supporting educators in their digital transformation at PXL University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Belgium. As an Educational Digital Support Coordinator, he provides guidance, advises policy makers, conducts sessions, and promotes innovative teaching methods. In 2023, he won a Catalyst Award in the category "Training & Professional Development" for his implementation strategy of Blackboard Learn Ultra for the entire PXL institution within just one academic year. With a deep understanding of digital learning environments, Kristiaan helps educators overcome challenges and enhance their digital skills. His expertise contribute to the advancement of digital education, creating engaging learning experiences for both students and educators. As a speaker, he has been featured at international conferences, including Anthology Together in Nashville and Birmingham in 2023.

Session: Qualitative Design of Digital Assessments in Your Learning Environment

Dr. Pajakowski is currently an Assistant Professor at Saint Mary's College with a 15 year history of teaching in the academic setting and a passion for incorporating technology as a teaching strategy in both the classroom and clinical settings. Dr. Pajakowski is currently certified as a healthcare simulation educator, incorporating a variety of technological teaching strategies to enhance the simulation experience for students. In the classroom, Dr. Pajakowski is a strong advocate for the use of peer response systems to promote engagement and clinical reasoning.

Session: Teaching with Technology: Empowering Nursing Faculty

Mary Beth is the Director of Digital Learning at Trocaire College, where she is dedicated to designing motivating and engaging online learning experiences. With expertise as a Blackboard LMS administrator and instructional designer, she develops professional development programs and student trainings and orientations. Mary Beth collaborates closely with faculty and staff to enhance their online presence, create high-quality courses, and implement best practices that enrich the educational experience.

Session: Up and Running in Six Weeks: Tips from the Trenches for Teaching in Blackboard

I’m Mary Lou Canales, an Instructional Support Technologist at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). I bring nearly 18 years of experience with the university, including 9 years in my current role, where I support faculty in utilizing educational technologies to enhance classroom engagement and improve student learning outcomes. My goal is to empower faculty to effectively leverage technology for impactful teaching.

Session: Microlectures: Learning at the Speed of Thought

Educator/Consultant guiding change in companies and careers. Research interest: trust in the workplace.

Session: Neurodiversity and Digital Teaching

Meredith Grace Hawcroft is an instructional designer in the Office of Online Learning and Support at the University of South Carolina Aiken. With over seven years of experience in higher education, she leverages advanced technologies to enhance both teaching and learning experiences. Meredith is also a doctoral student in the University of South Carolina Columbia's Educational Practice and Innovation program where her research centers on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve accessibility, personalization, and student engagement in online and face-to-face learning environments. Her work explores how AI-driven tools can support equity, inclusion, and retention by tailoring educational content to meet diverse learner needs. She is particularly interested in how AI can transform course design, making educational materials more adaptable and interactive to support improved learning outcomes.

Session: Enhancing Critical Thinking and Engagement with AI Conversation in Blackboard

Dr. Nicole Powell Farrow is an Assistant Professor of Special Education at The University of the District of Columbia. She has over 17 years of experience in special education, working in a variety of roles. Dr. Farrow began her career as a high school special education teacher with Prince George’s County Public Schools. She has since served as a special education coordinator, director of student support, school administrator, and special education consultant.

Session: Designing Digital Teaching Strategies to Meet the Needs of All Learners, Including Those with Disabilities: A UDL (Universal Design for Learning) Approach

Rebecca Schkade is a Training & Customer Success Specialist with Respondus, Inc. Rebecca has worked in educational technology for more than 15 years, with experience in LMS operations, faculty training for online teaching & learning, and implementing solutions for online testing challenges.

Session: Innovations in Online Proctoring: New Features for Respondus Monitor

Dr Shelley Barfoot received her PhD from the University of Queensland in the School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, in the fields of Computer Science and Virology. Since, Shelley has worked in the Professional Learning team at the Centre for Teaching and Learning at Southern Cross University, before starting her current role in Technology Services as a System Analyst in the Teaching and Learning Technologies Team. She has worked in various roles in Higher Education for the past decade and is an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Session: Promoting Digital Literacy during widescale change with Anthology Adopt

Dr. Stephanie Thacker is a tenured Associate Professor of Business Administration at the University of the Cumberlands. She has worked in higher education for 10+ years in various positions and holds an MBA in Strategic Management and a DBA in Management and Marketing. She possesses numerous generative AI, blockchain, HubSpot, Microsoft, and project management certifications.

Session: Leveling Up Learning with AI

Dr. Sue Anderson has worked as a nurse educator and Family Nurse Practitioner for 30 years. For the past seven years, she worked at Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame Indiana, as a graduate nurse educator. In her last four years there, she served as the Chair of the Department of Nursing Science. She has greatly enjoyed the fusion of clinical practice and academia. Her research interests include giving voice to people who might otherwise be unheard by using photographic methods. In 2024, she moved to the University of Idaho where she is working to establish a nursing major.

Session: Teaching with Technology: Empowering Nursing Faculty

Susmita Hazra, PhD, is an assistant professor of physics at Cameron University. She received her PhD degree in space physics and remote sensing from University of Alaska Fairbanks. Dr. Hazra is very enthusiastic in teaching physics and helping students to understand the world around us with a scientific mindset. She has developed online courses in astronomy and physical sciences in undergraduate level. She has received Quality Matter certifications for developing online courses. She is interested in innovative classroom teaching technology to prepare students for professional success and develop life-long learning mind set for science. Her research area includes space physics, observational astronomy, image processing, physics education, and digital learning in science education. She is very passionate about promoting physics and engineering as a career for young girls. She has been actively involved in various physics outreach activities from Chemistry, Physics, and Engineering department of Cameron University.

Session: STEM Education in the Era of Digital Teaching and Learning with a Variety of OER and AI Resources

Tech savvy Engineer with an adaptive/flexible mindset that thrives in dynamic situations! A creative thinker recognizing new technology while educating others on it as well. I love resolving problems on the spot, and proud to be a long life learning and leader.

Session: Designing Digital Teaching Strategies to Meet the Needs of All Learners, Including Those with Disabilities: A UDL (Universal Design for Learning) Approach

I am delighted and honored to be a faculty member in the HDFS department! My professional work is centered around young children's playful learning, school-family partnerships, and content area learning in early childhood classrooms. I have taught in primary grade classrooms, worked as an instructional coach in K-12 classrooms, and worked to prepare preservice teachers in teacher education. I received my doctoral degree in Curriculum, Instruction, and Teacher Education from Michigan State University in 2021. Previously I earned a Masters in Reading Education degree from North Carolina State University and a Bachelor's of Elementary Education from Appalachian State University.

Session: Building Community in the Asynchronous College Classroom

Dr. Vidaña is a person with love, hope, passion and people at heart. She received a bachelor’s degree in Spanish, with a minor on secondary education for modern language majors,and a master’s in Latin American literature. She also attained a PhD in Teaching, Learning and Culture with a focus on literacy and biliteracy from the The University of Texas at El Paso. She is certified by the State Board of Education, has over 16 years of teaching experience, a lot of enthusiasm, and an immense desire to impact the life of her students.

Session: Building Presence in (Online) Courses Through Subtle Technological Use

Yumi Wilson is a San Francisco State University professor teaching broadcast journalism, media writing, and theory in the Broadcast and Electronic Communication Arts Department. With more than twenty years in journalism and media education, she focuses on preparing students to navigate the evolving media landscape responsibly. In addition to her academic work, Yumi hosts a podcast on AI in journalism and actively coaches individuals on career transformation. Her upcoming session, Teaching Media Writing and Journalism Students to Use AI Tools Responsibly, will provide educators with practical strategies for integrating AI into journalism courses while addressing ethical considerations and preserving professional standards.

Session: Building Presence in (Online) Courses Through Subtle Technological Use