Blog post cover titled "From Perfection to Imperfection in Student Assessment—GenAI's Impact

Blog post excerpt reading: " Writing assessment practices should value engagement in writing processes, foster students’ critical thinking, and encourage transparency in GenAI use. Ultimately, the goal is not to quarantine students from GenAI but to ensure they retain—and develop—the intellectual skills of argumentation, synthesis, and reflection that define scholarly work." Written by Dr. Murad Abdu Saeed, Senior Lecturer at Universiti Malaya.

🖋️ In the latest #OLCInsights, learn how adopting critical digital literacies and reimagining evaluation can transform writing assessments into inclusive opportunities that prioritize original thought over AI-generated perfection.

🔗 bit.ly/PerfectionToImperfection

#GenAI #HigherEd

Blog post cover titled "When Civility is Optional in Higher Education"

Blog post excerpt reading: "Professional and non-academic staff deserve the same dignity as faculty. Students deserve learning environments free from hostility. Adjuncts and early-career academics deserve respect, not conditional collegiality. Faculty deserve to follow their scholarly pursuits with support and without derision." Written by Carrie Miller, Ph.D., Senior Researcher at OLC

While institutions champion values of belonging and respect, a troubling pattern of "academic bullying" often persists. 🖋️ The latest #OLCInsights uncovers how this subtle incivility harms well-being and organizational trust

🔗 Read the Insights at the link in our bio

#AcademicBullying #HigherEd

Blog post cover titled "Supporting Student Development in Online Learning Environments"

Blog post excerpt reading: "The challenge for educators is to resist the temptation to use technology merely for efficiency or content delivery. Instead, online learning environments should be designed with the same developmental goals as traditional classrooms: to help students like Johnston discover who they are, what matters to them, and how they can contribute meaningfully to the world." Written by Ana Useche, Ph.D., Instructional Designer at Santa Fe College

🌱 #OnlineLearning should be a platform for meaningful growth, not just content delivery.

🖋️ In the latest #OLCInsights, learn how educators can create digital spaces that support student development by applying learner-centered design principles

🔗 Read the Insights at the link in our bio ✨

Blog post cover titled "Five Strategies to Enhance Online and Hybrid Learning Through Faculty Development'

Blog post excerpt reading: Change doesn’t have to wait for the next big initiative or budget cycle. Faculty can begin experimenting with these strategies right now, building confidence along the way. The result? Online learning experiences that are not only more effective but also more human." Written by Aiman Khamitova, Ed.D., Innovative Learning Officer at Nazarbayev University

🛠️ Intentional support can empower educators and enhance student engagement.

🖋️ The latest #OLCInsights highlights five practical strategies institutions can use to strengthen course quality through #FacultyDevelopment

🔗 Read the Insights at the link in our bio ✨

Dark navy graphic promoting the Innovate 2026 reflections article written by the conference chair

#OLCInnovate2026 was a week of connection, creativity, and courage!

In the latest #OLCInsights, Conference Chair Jennifer Wurch reflects on how the #OnlineLearning community explored the complex, human-centered future of digital learning.

🔗 Read the conference recap: bit.ly/IN26Reflections

Blog post titled "Creating Collective Expertise at the OLC-MERLOT Innovate Conference

Blog post excerpt reading: "The strategy we recommend is to learn from others who have attempted to innovate and who are willing to share their outcomes, and the OLC-MERLOT Innovate Conference is where such sharing happens. Even though individually we can’t “try and try again,” collectively we can, by learning from members of our community about the creative solutions (and failures) to our common problems." Written by Gerry Hanley, MERLOT Executive Chair and Dylan Barth, Innovate Executive Conference Chair and OLC Program Advisor

Innovation shouldn’t require "trying and failing" alone. Bridge the gap between ideas and impact at Innovate 2026, hosted by #OLC and MERLOT

Read the latest #OLCInsights to learn more about the collective successes and creative solutions you can expect at #OLCInnovate 👉 bit.ly/CollectiveExpertise

Blog post cover titled "Beyond the Classroom: How Learning Design Adapts Across Industries"

Blog post excerpt reading: "Learning design is no longer confined to the classroom. It’s a dynamic, evolving field that touches nearly every corner of the professional world. By understanding the nuances of different industries, learning designers can craft experiences that are not only effective—but transformative." Written by Yue Ma and Nicholas R. Werse from Baylor University

#LearningDesign now extends far beyond traditional classrooms, shaping training and education across corporate, nonprofit, government, and military contexts.

🖋️ In the latest #OLCInsights explore how core learning design principles adapt across industries.

🔗 Read more at the link in our bio

Blog post cover titled "Supporting K-12 Teachers in the Age of AI"

Blog post excerpt reading: "Teachers’ skepticism toward new technologies is often rooted not in fear of innovation but in fatigue from cycles of unfulfilled promises. The difference with AI is that it challenges educators to rethink—not just update—their professional identities. When we invite teachers into the design process, they move from feeling replaced by AI to redefining their role alongside it." Written by Qurrat ul Ain Rasheed, Ph.D., Georgia State University

😵‍💫 As #AI becomes part of everyday classroom practice, #K12 teachers are navigating new expectations.

🖋️ The latest #OLCInsights argues that meaningful AI integration requires support for teacher agency, #AILiteracy, and reflective practice.

🔗 Read the Insights at the link in our bio

🖋️ The latest #OLCInsights examines how suspicion around #GenerativeAI use can undermine peer-to-peer engagement and offers practical, relationship-centered strategies that reinforce authenticity, presence, and community.

🔗 Read the Insights at the link in our bio

Blog post cover titled "From Tool to Interlocutor: Pedagogical Strategies for AI Integration in AI Learning"

Blog post excerpt reading: "GenAI can be intentionally designed as a conversational partner to support knowledge building, thereby enhancing learning and understanding. Instructors should guide students on how to effectively interact with GenAI, critically evaluate its responses, and foster deeper engagement with the content." Written by Wen Wen, Ph.D. and Alina Denham, Ph.D.

💬 The latest #OLCInsights explores how #GenAI can function not just as a tool, but as a conversational partner that supports deeper learning in online environments.

🖋️ Read the Insights at the link in our bio

Blog post cover titled "Why Innovate 2026 Matters Right Now"

Blog post excerpt reading "The work ahead of us requires a kind of innovation grounded in humanity, equity, and collaboration. And this is why Innovate 2026 matters so deeply to me: it is a space where we can gather not to admire the challenges in front of us, but to re-envision what’s possible – together." Written by Jennifer Wurch, OLC Innovate 2026 Conference Chair

🚀 We are at a profound inflection point where innovation meets humanity. In the latest #OLCInsights, Innovate 2026 conference chair Jennifer Wurch shares how #OLCInnovate2026 creates a purposeful space for renewal and shared discovery.

💡 Be inspired by the latest Insights at the link in our bio

Blog post cover titled "Ethical AI: Should We Hold Students Accountable with AI Detectors"

Blog post excerpt reading: Understanding the difference between detectors and checkers is only the first step in addressing accountability measures for violating either plagiarism rules or unauthorized AI use; the real issue is the ethical implications behind the infractions. Unauthorized AI use raises significant ethical concerns, particularly when it substitutes for independent work. However, what counts as ‘unauthorized’ varies across institutions." Written by Dr. Terri Smith

🎓 As classrooms navigate evolving norms around #AcademicIntegrity, confusion around AI detectors, plagiarism checkers, and what constitutes unauthorized #AI use is only growing.

🔗 Read the latest #OLCInsights at the link in our bio ✨

Dark navy graphic from OLC reading "Snap Survey Results, November 2025, WCAG and Accessibility Compliance."

🌐 We asked, you answered! Our November #SnapSurvey asked the OLC community about the status of digital #Accessibility efforts at their organizations amid this shifting regulatory landscape.

Read more in the latest #OLCInsights at the link in our bio ✨

#WCAG #A11y

Blog post cover titled "A Taste of Innovation: Integrating AI into a Nutrition and Aging Course"

Blog post excerpt reading: "Inspired by strategies gained in the OLC Foundations course, they integrated artificial intelligence into a graduate-level Nutrition and Aging course. Their goal was straightforward but ambitious: using AI to strengthen student engagement in nutrition education while also preparing learners for a workforce where digital literacy is increasingly important." Written by Mallory Matthews Ed.S., Instructional Designer, Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning and Samantha Hutson, Ph.D., Graduate Program Director in MS in Community Health & Nutrition Associate Professor, Tennessee Tech University

🥗✨ The latest #OLCInsights highlights how faculty and IDs collaborated to integrate #AI into an online Nutrition and Aging. The #CaseStudy shows how thoughtfully designed AI activities can enrich online learning without overshadowing pedagogy.

🖋️ Read the Insights at the link in our bio

Blog post cover titled "Paradigm Pivot: Envisioning a New Education System to Cultivate an Era of Human Intelligence"

Blog post excerpt reading: "Faculty responses [to integrating AI into curriculum] range from excitement to skepticism, influenced by pedagogical, ethical, and disciplinary considerations. I am not here to add to the AI discourse. Rather, I want to focus on something more fundamental: our education system itself. AI only amplifies what has long been true – we need a redesign." Written by Heather Leslie, DBA, MEd, Instructional Designer, Adjunct Professor, and Educational Developer, University of San Diego

🖋️ The latest #OLCInsights proposes a #HumanCentered vision amidst unprecedented shifts in education where curiosity, collaboration, and meaning-making drive learning and cultivate human intelligence rather than performance metrics.

Read the Insights at the link in our bio ✨

Blog post cover titled "Funding Distance Learning Initiatives Post-Pandemic"

Blog post excerpt reading "Funding is a constant challenge, but exceptional leaders find ways to expand their options and grants are a key avenue to consider. Now is the time for distance learning leaders to think boldly about funding, partnerships, and federal and state grants that can extend their institution’s reach and effectiveness." Written by Dr. Marc Smithers, Grants Development Associate, Grants Office, LLC

💸 As federal pandemic-era investments fade, institutions are seeking new ways to fund and advance #DistanceLearning. The latest #OLCInsights article outlines where leaders can find strong opportunities and offers practical guidance for seeking grants.

🖋️ Read more at the link in our bio ✨

Blog post cover reading "OLC's Best of 2025: The Conversations that Defined the Year in Digital Learning"

Blog excerpt written by OLC reading: As 2025 comes to a close, the Online Learning Consortium reflects on a year defined by innovation, inquiry, and an unwavering commitment to advancing quality digital learning. Together, these highlights offer a snapshot of the ideas, challenges, and emerging practices that shaped digital learning in 2025—and point toward the conversations that will carry us forward."

🌅 As 2025 comes to a close, #OLC reflects on a year defined by innovation, inquiry, and an unwavering commitment to advancing quality digital learning.

This reflection spotlights the most impactful webinars, #OLCInsights articles, and OLC research from 2025. Read more at the link in our bio ✨

OLC Insights blog post cover, titled "The Real Environmental Footprint of Generative AI: What 2025 Data Tell Us"

"From Amazon shopping and LMS usage to streaming and cloud storage, data centers already support an enormous portion of modern life. AI adds to that load, but it is one part of a much larger digital ecosystem. The way forward is measurement, transparency, efficiency, and using AI where it truly displaces higher-footprint activities—not where it adds unnecessary load." Written by Carrie Miller, Ph.D., senior researcher at the Online Learning Consortium.

⚡️ ♻️ New research offers the clearest picture yet of how much energy, carbon, and water a modern AI prompt actually uses

🖋️ Explore what the latest data reveals in the latest #OLCInsights at the link in our bio

Dark graphic from OLC reading "Snap Survey Results, October 2025, Ethics in Generative AI"

✨ Our September Snap Survey results indicated strong sentiment around ethics and GenAI. The October Snap Survey explored that area in greater depth, building on those findings!

🖋️ Read more in the latest #OLCInsights at the link in our bio

Blog post cover, titled "AI in Education: Partner, Provocateur, and Practical Tool."

Blog post excerpt, reading: "The panel closed with a shared recognition: AI is here to stay, and it will transform education in ways we are only beginning to grasp. It can democratize expertise, streamline workload, provide real-time feedback, and prepare students for AI-augmented workplaces. Yet it also carries risks—bias, overreliance, misinformation, and the temptation to hand over too much intellectual labor to machines." Written by Carrie Miller, Ph.D., Senior Researcher at the Online Learning Consortium

🎙️ At ICEBM 2025, OLC Senior Researcher Carrie Miller, Ph.D., moderated a dynamic panel exploring how #GenAI is reshaping teaching, learning, and faculty work.

🖋️ Read Carrie's reflections and key takeaways in the latest #OLCInsights 👉 bit.ly/InsightsAIInEducation

#OnlineLearning

Blog post cover titled "Distance Learners Want Meaningful Engagement in the Classroom, Too"

Blog post excerpt reading: "Engagement within the online classroom contributes to student success, persistence, progression, and retention. Faculty support enhances students’ learning experiences providing a sense of belonging, purpose, and a clear picture of how course topics will build skills needed for desired careers. Intentional asynchronous and synchronous communication from faculty gives students a sense that they are valued and important." Written by Dawn Coder, Ed.D., Acting Associate Vice Provost for Online Education, Student Engagement, The Pennsylvania State University, World Campus

🤝 Online students thrive when they feel connected, supported, and engaged.

🖋️ The latest #OLCInsights outlines how faculty can strengthen #StudentSuccess through communication, active, and purposeful design.

🔗 bit.ly/EngagingDistanceLearners

#OnlineLearning #DistanceEducation

Blog post cover titled: "Welcome to Accelerate 2025! The Next 30 Years - Highlights and What Not to Miss."

Blog post excerpt reading: "The theme The Next 30 Years reflects a shared belief that the work of teaching and learning is both timeless and transformative. As we look to the future, we have an extraordinary opportunity to reimagine how technology, pedagogy, and leadership intersect to support meaningful learning for all." Written by Jennifer Mathes, Ph.D., CEO, Online Learning Consortium.

🚀 As #OLCAccelerate marks its 31st year, CEO Jennifer Mathes, Ph.D., reflects on how far we’ve come—and where we’re headed next.

🖋️ Read the Latest #OLCInsights: bit.ly/WelcomeToAC25

#OLCAccelerate2025 #OnlineLearning #EdTech

Blog post cover, titled "GenAI Use and Ethics Framework: A Pedagogical Model for Responsible AI Integration in K-12 and Higher Education"

Blog post excerpt reading: "The GenAI Use and Ethics Framework turns broad AI principles into clear stages, concrete tasks, and guardrails that work for both schools and universities. It offers a practical path to use generative AI while guarding honesty, privacy and public trust." Written by Marcus Green, Instructional Designer at Kennesaw State University

🖋️ In the latest #OLCInsights article, the #GenAI Use and Ethics Framework presents a clear five-level model for responsibly integrating generative AI across #K12 and #HigherEducation.

🔗 Read the Insights: bit.ly/GenAIEthicsFramework

Blog cover titled "Thinks You Maybe Don't Know about Conferences

Blog post excerpt reading: Now that I’m nearing the end of my fourth year at OLC, I’ve come to realize that most attendees probably don’t know about the inner workings of conference planning. For the most part, this is a good thing. We want you to think that our conferences are magical... So, as we gear up for the Accelerate conference in November, I offer you an insider perspective that I hope will expand your thinking about our conferences." Written by Dylan Barth Ph.D., Vice President of Innovation and Programs at the Online Learning Consortium.

☕️ Ever wondered what it takes to make OLC conferences feel effortless? This insider look reveals the planning, partnerships, and people behind every inspiring event.

👀 Take a peek behind the scenes in the latest #OLCInsights 👉 bit.ly/AC25BehindTheScenes

#OLCAccelerate2025 #OLCAccelerate

Blog post cover titled "Beyond the Talking Head: Strategically Reinforced Learning with Multimodal Interactives."

Blog post excerpt reading: "Learners expect more than just video lectures and static readings—they need opportunities to engage, apply, and reflect. That’s where multimodal interactives come in. These dynamic learning assets combine various forms of media—video, graphics, clickable elements, simulations, and real-time feedback—into a single, cohesive experience. When used strategically, they don’t just enhance engagement; they deepen understanding and improve learning outcomes." Written by Baylor University Learning Design and Technology Program.

🖋️ In the latest #OLCInsights, discover how targeted, well-timed multimodal interactives can deepen comprehension and prepare learners for real-world application.

🔗 Read the Latest Insights: bit.ly/MultimodalInteractives

Blog post cover for OLC Insights with text reading: "Using Bloom's Taxonomy to understand AI Adoption in Higher Education".

Blog post excerpt reading: "Oregon State University’s revision of Bloom’s Taxonomy aims to clarify AI’s role in learning by delineating how Gen AI can supplement learning at each level of Bloom’s Taxonomy. However, further distinction is needed regarding which cognitive skills and knowledge types AI can and cannot handle. This clarity supports the effective integration of AI and pedagogy, helping to assess whether students are prepared to benefit from AI-assisted, higher-order tasks." Written by Ana Useche, Ph.D., Instructional Designer, Center for Academic Technologies at Santa Fe College

🧠 ✨ In the latest #OLCInsights, discover how to use Bloom’s Taxonomy as a guide for determining when AI can support—rather than replace—human cognition.

🖋️ Read the Insights: bit.ly/BloomsForAIAdoption

#GenAI #HigherEducation

Blog post cover, titled "From Reactions to Insights: Lessons on AI from a Chemistry Conversation."

Blog post excerpt, reading: "AI has the potential to transform education, but relationships, dialogue, and experimentation are what make it effective. Listening closely to faculty voices highlights both the opportunities and the challenges of AI. For educators, instructional designers, and leaders, the path forward is less a straight line and more like a reaction that requires careful conditions and adjustment." Written by Mallory Matthews, Ed.S., Ph.D. candidate (ABD), from the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning at Tennessee Tech University.

🧪 💥 AI in education, like a catalyst, is transforming how we teach and learn.

🖋️ In the latest #OLCInsights, explore the four “elements” for meaningful integration—student-focused teaching, ethics, practical application, and preparing learners for the future.

🔗 bit.ly/ReactionsToInsights

Blog post cover titled "The Evolving Landscape of Online Learning in South America"

Blog post excerpt reading: "The conversations I had in Chile, along with developments across South America, highlight both the promise and complexity of this work. When strategy, collaboration, and a focus on learner needs come together, online learning has the potential to expand access and improve outcomes in meaningful ways. While approaches vary, these emerging models provide valuable insight into what makes digital education both sustainable and effective." Written by Jennifer Mathes, Ph.D., CEO of the Online Learning Consortium.

🖋️ In the latest #OLCInsights, OLC CEO Jennifer Mathes, Ph.D., discusses key trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping digital education across South America.

🔗 Read the Insights: bit.ly/OnlineLearningSouthAmerica

Interactive graphics created in collaboration with Genially

Blog post cover titled "Recharge and Re-engergize: Personalize your Accelerate Engagement Experience".

Blog post excerpt reading: "The learning sessions are packed with content, research, and strategies to take back home. However, when you step into an engagement session, the rules shift.Instead of quietly listening and taking notes, you will find yourself laughing, moving, teaming up with strangers, and maybe even making a complete fool of yourself (in the best way possible)." Blog written by OLC Accelerate 2025 Engagement Co-chairs, Haley Sampson and Amy Johnson, The University of Arizona Global Campus

🖋️ In the latest #OLCInsights, learn more about the engagement activities you can look forward to at #OLCAccelerate2025, including high-energy games, scavenger hunts, and wellness activities in The Sanctuary

🔗 Read the Insights: bit.ly/AC25EngagementBlog

Blog post cover, titled "The Responsive Classroom: Instructional Strategies that Reach Every Learner."

Blog post excerpt reading: "Creating responsive learning experiences means designing instruction and developing curriculum that adapts to the diverse needs, backgrounds, and perspectives of all students. When we prioritize responsiveness in instructional design, we ensure that every learner has meaningful access to opportunities, support, and resources." Written by Manisha Sharan, Ph.D, Science program director, online campus and metro campus, Baker College and Kristina Marshal, JD, Director of Institutional Standards and Practices and adjunct professor, Oakland Community College.

🛠️ Creating inclusive, student-centered learning environments requires instructional strategies that adapt to diverse student needs.

🧠 In the latest #OLCInsights, learn how to ensure all learners feel supported and empowered to succeed.

🔗 bit.ly/InsightsResponsiveClassroom

#InstructionalDesign