Conference Proposals

We invite you to submit your proposal for our 2016 conference.

IDEAS for Change

Ignite Develop Engage Advocate Stimulate

The 12th annual Innovations in Online Learning (IOL) Conference seeks proposals for interactive and engaging presentations related to changes and innovations in online education. Proposals that address the unique challenges and opportunities with the delivery, support, evaluation, and management of online teaching and learning are encouraged.

The conference theme is I.D.E.A.S. for Change in Online Learning. Ideas are sparks that drive innovation and represent visions for the future. As ideas guide toward new scenarios or technologies they create a thread that connects people and generations. Join online learning professionals at the 2016 IOL (Innovation in Online Learning) Conference to Ignite, Develop, Engage, Achieve, and Stimulate ideas for change.

IOL Conference 2016 Call for Proposals is now closed.

Notifications for accepted and declined submissions will be sent by Tuesday, February 23rd.


Conference Tracks

Presenters are invited to address persistent and new teaching and learning challenges. Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following list of topics:

Learning Models and Pedagogical Processes

  • Collaborative and cooperative learning
  • Project and portfolio-based learning
  • Competency and skill-based learning
  • Authentic and experiential learning
  • Solutions and scenario based learning
  • Teaching and Learning

  • Challenging activities for interdisciplinary or intradisciplinary thinking
  • Assessment and evaluation
  • Student needs, motivation, perception, and expectations for success
  • Formal and informal learning connections
  • Course goal and measureable learning outcome alignment
  • Effective and engaging learning activities and delivery strategies
  • Large and small online class management strategies
  • Incorporation of publisher content in online courses
  • Institutional and Administration Policies

  • Marketing
  • Infrastructure, analytics, and security
  • Multi-Institutional collaboration
  • Support services
  • Professional development
  • Advising, orientation, and counseling
  • Accessibility and learner friendly environment
  • Technology Trends

  • Learning management systems
  • Educational apps
  • Mobile technology
  • EBooks, digital, and open repository resources
  • Cloud computing
  • Wearable technologies
  • Game-based learning
  • Proposal Formats

    Pre-conference Workshops

    These three hour sessions allow presenters to go in-depth into a topic or skill and include time for questions, discussions, and hands-on practice.

    Demonstration

    A 50 minute presentation focused on demonstrating a topic in an engaging and active learning environment. Participants may receive handouts or resources to further their understanding of the topic.

    Ignite Session

    Presenter(s) have 20 minutes to share one unique, effective teaching practice from their classroom or excitement about a new tool that sparks creativity with their fellow faculty in order to raise awareness and stimulate discussion among the audience. Each Ignite presenter shows 10 or fewer slides for a total 5 minute time frame. The session is then opened for a 15 minute Q & A.

    Roundtable Discussions

    An opportunity for the participants to get together in an informal setting to discuss a topic given by the presenter(s). There is no formal agenda: the participants will determine the discussion points.

    Panel Discussion

    The panelists will each give a short 5-10 minute presentation/speech and they will open the floor to the audience for an open panel discussion and Q&A. All panel presentations must have 2-3 presenters and a panel moderator. Share with the audience to make a change for online learning.

    Peer Reviewed Research

    This is a 20 minutes session focused on a project's findings or published research articles. This is an opportunity for researchers to present their work as well as collect different perspective and constructive feedback. The aim of this session is to enhance collaboration in the academic community as well as spark creativity, innovation, and awareness of best practices in higher education.

    Proposal Elements

    Proposals must include all of the following sections which are found in the online submission tool.

    • Lead Presenter Contact Information
    • Co-presenter Information (if applicable)
    • Conference Track
    • Title (10 words max)
    • Abstract (50 words max)
    • Full Description (300-500 words)
    • Keywords
    • Presentation Type (Pre-conference Workshops, Demonstration, Ignite Session, Roundtable Discussions, Panel Discussion, Peer Reviewed Research)
    • Suggested Audience (beginner, intermediate, or advanced)
    • Technology Requirements
    All proposals must be submitted using the online proposal submission tool.

    Proposal Key Dates

  • Call for Proposals: October 20, 2015
  • Proposal Submission Deadline: January 10, 2016
  • Committee Review Deadline: February 19, 2016
  • Speaker Acceptance Notification: February 23, 2016
  • Lead presenters will be notified and asked to forward all information to their co-presenters

    Selection Criteria

  • Quality of the presentation and submission including:
  • Evidence of innovation and effective practice
  • Audience appeal
  • If you are a vendor/company and which to present at IOL, email Diana Amis at [email protected] for sponsorship opportunities. All proposals will be blind reviewed by a sub-committee of three or more individuals from different institutions and backgrounds. All presenters and co-presenters are expected to register for the conference.

    Please Note...

    IOL Conference will provide a standard set up (LCD data/ video projector and screen). You will need to provide your own laptop computer. Please note that we are unable to provide audio resources (house sound or speakers) for concurrent sessions. If you need Internet access for your session, you must include that information below. We cannot accommodate a request made during the conference.