Texas Digital Learning Association

Texas Digital Library and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board are thrilled to announce the opening of the Call for Proposals for Open Texas 2024, taking place September 25-27!

Join us on an extraordinary voyage at Open Texas 2024 as we delve into Global Horizons of Open Education: The View from Texas. This year, we are transcending traditional boundaries to foster innovative, inspiring, and transformative ideas that reflect the essence of open education through the lens of Texas. We aim to challenge the limits of the imaginable, integrating educational theory and practice with a focus on global collaboration and sustainable innovation. Your proposals should illuminate paths towards not only advancing open education but also ensuring its sustainability and adaptability for future generations.

Learn more: opentexas.org/open-texas-2024

The deadline to submit your proposals is Saturday, June 15 at 11:59 PM CDT.

If you have questions or suggestions about the Open Texas call for proposals, please email us at [email protected]. 📧

The 2024 conference will again be held fully online and is free to attend.

Our own TxDLA Public Policy Chair, Raymond Rose, quoted in this articles on the new Title II digital accessibility requirements.

How can schools prepare for Title II digital accessibility requirements? A new U.S. Department of Justice rule aims to ensure that state and local government web content and mobile apps are accessible for people with disabilities.

Support Diversity Through Holistic Student Success

Join our "Bite-Sized Learning" webinar on May 8, 12-1pm CDT — "The Crucial Role of Holistic Student Support for Diversity and Inclusion." Gain strategies to blend campus services, online resources, AI, and empathetic communication for robust student support.

Rebecca Wurm (Upswing VP Revenue) will provide:

* Data trends spotlighting inclusive learning environments
* Understanding intersecting student identities
* Actionable insights to embrace diversity through equitable support systems

Don't miss this free webinar! Cultivate an experience where every student thrives. https://www.txdla.org/bitesized/

DOJ Releases Final Rule on Web Accessibility

On April 8, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) released its Final Rule to revise existing regulations implementing Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This Final Rule clarifies the obligations of state and local governments to make web content and mobile applications accessible.

The Final Rule requires public entities to ensure their websites and mobile apps comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA. Public entities include public schools, community colleges, and public universities. https://mailchi.mp/txdla/hyuu7wdd4q-4743763

Entities have two or three years to be in compliance depending on their size.

While the DOJ does not mandate training, it acknowledges its necessity for compliance.

The TxDLA Digital Accessibility Certificate program, one of the earliest programs of its kind, offers comprehensive training to help achieve compliance. With over 275 completers from the US and abroad, it provides in-depth instruction on digital accessibility principles and WCAG guidelines. Enroll in the next session from June 3 - July 8. https://www.txdla.org/accessibilitycertificate/

Also, register for our free webinar on June 12, "Federal Disability Rights Law: What to Do Right Now and How to Prepare for Tomorrow's Challenges," featuring presenters from the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). https://www.txdla.org/bitesized/

Digital learning trailblazers! 🌟 Get ready to unleash your edtech potential at the highly anticipated TxDLA 2024 Virtual Conference, April 16-17. This premier online event is designed to propel your digital fluency to new heights. Here's what awaits you:

✨ 40+ dynamic live sessions covering the latest trends in AI, Accessibility, Open Education Resources, Microlectures, Gamification, Learning Analytics, and beyond

✨ Visionary keynote speakers to ignite your passion and inspire innovative thinking

✨ Invaluable networking opportunities to collaborate with a community of edtech enthusiasts

✨ 60 days of recording access, allowing you to continue your professional growth journey at your own pace

With its affordable and future-focused approach, TxDLA 2024 delivers an unparalleled virtual professional development experience, accessible from anywhere in the world.

Don't miss this game-changing chance to elevate your edtech expertise. Level up your skills, expand your horizons, and unlock new possibilities in digital learning. Register now and join the movement shaping the future of education technology!
Register now: https://conference24.txdla.org/register/

Need a mentor?
Looking for a chance to share your expertise with others?
Sign up for TxDLA's Mentorship Program, a new initiative available to TxDLA members only.

We are looking for Mentors interested in sharing their expertise, as well as Mentees looking for career guidance in digital learning. TxDLA will match like-minded mentors and mentees. Resources, support, and training will be provided.

https://www.txdla.org/mentorships/

LSC-Online’s inaugural Online Teaching & Learning Summit is April 11-12.
This virtual conference will focus on three learning tracks with focus on online instruction:
• Pedagogy & Best Practices
• Instructional Technologies
• Student Services & Support

The Keynote Speaker is Dr. Kasonde Musoma, who you might remember from a video of him that went viral in 2017 and landed him on the Ellen DeGeneres Show. As a Professor at Texas A&M University, he held a 10-month old baby during class so that a single mom student could attend class and was officially dubbed “The Professor of Kindness.” This sparked a global conversation, not only on the power of kindness, but on non-traditional student experiences and accessibility to higher education.

Please register here.
https://www.lonestar.edu/lsc-online/online-summit

There is no cost to attend this Summit.
For questions, please contact [email protected].

Unlock Future-Ready Skills Virtually at TxDLA 2024 -

Unlock Digital Learning Skills Virtually at TxDLA 2024 TxDLA 2024: Premier Virtual Edtech Event! Digital Innovators! Don't miss the premier virtual edtech event - TxDLA 2024 Virtual Conference April 16-17. From anywhere, you'll experience: ✨ 40+ Live Sessions on AI, Accessibility, Engagement, Instructional Design, and More ✨ Visionary Keynotes ✨ ...

D2L Brightspace is the fastest growing learning management system in North America. Brightspace empowers higher education institutions in Texas and beyond to deliver personalized and accessible learning experiences that inspire student success. https://www.D2L.com

Anthology offers the largest EdTech ecosystem on a global scale for education, supporting more than 150 million users in 80 countries. Discover how we empower learners, leaders, and educators with a range of innovative SaaS products for education, business, and government institutions at www.anthology.com.

Happy Open Education Week, y'all! Join us for a session as we celebrate open education at the Coordinating Board. 📚

Sessions will focus on OER research, development and implementation. We'll also build on the ONE Summit and share more on the Open Educational Resources Nursing Essentials Project.

Read more on the sessions and register today! https://lnkd.in/gWGm63py

Join the edtech movement at in Galveston March 25-28! ⏰ Book rooms at Moody Gardens Hotel by this Saturday (3/2) to secure the group rate! Plus level up with workshops like Ntrinsx for $50. From AI to equity, power up with game-changing strategies at this premier TX event. Assemble your crew & register today! ⚡️https://conference24.txdla.org/

Cidi Labs provides affordable, easy-to-use plug-in tools for Canvas that help course designers and educators unleash superpowers to create amazing learning experiences. Cidi Labs products dramatically increase productivity, ignite creativity, and scale the delivery of high-quality, accessible learning for all students. We're excited to connect with you at TxDLA! https://cidilabs.com/

CourseArc is the leading course authoring platform on the market. After spending years trying to find the right course authoring solution that met all of their needs and coming up short, Katie Egan and Bethany Meyer banded together to create their own product, which is now known as CourseArc. CourseArc was their comprehensive solution to the problems they encountered with existing tools on the market which were difficult to use, not fully WCAG and Section 508 compliant, required downloaded software, had expensive single-license pricing, didn’t allow collaboration, and made it difficult to establish and follow consistent design patterns while developing a course. CourseArc supports organizations – encompassing K-12 school districts, state-level K-12 virtual learning organizations, community colleges, four-year institutions, graduate programs, nonprofits, and other training organizations – as they facilitate the collaborative creation of engaging, equitable, and accessible online content. https://www.coursearc.com/

Registration is open for TxDLA's 2024 Digital Accessibility Certificate Program sessions starting with March 25-May 6.
In just six weeks per session, gain practical digital accessibility skills and legal understanding. The program provides 31 CPE hours and an official certificate. Space fills up quickly, so secure your enrollment soon in the 2024 program if you haven't already. https://www.txdla.org/accessibilitycertificate/

TxDLA Thanks Silver Partner, Honorlock!

Honorlock protects your reputation and intellectual property with the most effective academic integrity solution on the market. Our live proctors, enhanced by AI and patented technology, save instructors time, institutions money, and give students peace of mind. Top-notch security & data privacy. Exclusive AI prevention & cell phone detection. Quick to set-up. US-based support 24/7/365.
https://honorlock.com/

Game on! Our featured Pre-Conference Workshop on 3/25 in Galveston teaches you to leverage Ntrinsx principles for just $50 (reg $75). Gain XP in conflict resolution, interpersonal skills & more to strengthen team culture. Add workshops when registering for . https://conference24.txdla.org/register/

Inspera is a global leader in digital examination solutions. Our cutting-edge platform ensures efficient, effective, and accessible assessments and examinations. More than 160 educational institutions worldwide are using Inspera to digitally deliver standardized tests, open and closed-book exams, final exams, and coursework assessments, on-site or in a hybrid/remote environment. Founded in 1999, Inspera serves active users in 164 countries across five continents. Our end-to-end platform, remote proctoring services and originality and AI probability solutions ensure successful institution-wide adoption and implementation to facilitate, promote and capture student success.

Game changers in instructional design, higher ed, K-12, and nonprofit training! The final piece of our power-packed TxDLA 2024 lineup is locked in. Complete your squad of educators, designers, and learning innovators and gain an edge by registering before February 11 to catch earlybird rates.

We're thrilled to announce that the closing keynote workshop for "Game On!" will be led by award-winning speaker and educator Tim Mousel. He'll guide you in building your own AI teaching assistant tailored to your role in an interactive workshop. Attendees will leave equipped to construct chatbots supporting personalized help for assignments, policies, tutoring, syllabi, and more.

With topics from AI to digital accessibility and stellar speakers like Tim Mousel, this event will launch your learning programs into the future. Check out the full program and don't fumble - earlybird registration ends February 11, on Super Bowl Sunday!

Join us in Galveston March 25-28 (virtual access April 16-17) and get ready to level up!

https://conference24.txdla.org/

Upswing has supported thousands of students on their journey to graduation with a holistic student services platform. Today's students are taking more online courses than ever before, but many campuses have struggled to transition their support services to an effective virtual setting. Upswing leverages technology to expand access to the resources students need, creating pathways for digital learners to succeed in and out of the classroom. With 24/7 tutoring, teletherapy, an SMS virtual assistant, and much more, Upswing is dedicated to ensuring no students are left behind—whenever and wherever they are. https://upswing.io/

Rule changes around distance learning are being proposed by the Dept of Education, including virtual location designations and revised modular program withdrawal policies. Stay on top of how these federal updates could impact digital education in Texas via TxDLA's latest policy article:

Proposed Changes to Digital & Distance Education Rules Proposed changes to federal rules around digital and distance education are currently being discussed, according to an update from TxDLA's Public Policy

Score an exclusive inside look at 20+ top sessions for the 2024 TxDLA Conference at the "Bite-Sized Learning: Conference Sneak Peek" free webinar on February 14th at 12pm CDT.

Experience rapid-fire previews on hot topics like AI in education, holistic student support, learning analytics, course design, gamification, discussion boards, empowering student/faculty success, TxDLA Journal, digital accessibility, and more!. Moderated by TxDLA leaders Texas Reardon and Rhonda Blackburn.

Reserve your spot now to preview what sessions hold in store at the full conference this March and April. An energetic showcase you won't want to miss!

Register here: https://www.txdla.org/bitesized/

Open Texas 2024 Seeks Conference Committee Members

The 2024 Open Texas conference is jointly organized by Texas Digital Library (TDL) and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to convene open education leaders across Texas.

The Open Texas Steering Committee recently hosted a webinar announcing plans for the 2024 Open Texas conference on September 25-27. View the full webinar recording: https://oertx.highered.texas.gov/courseware/lesson/5322/overview. This fully virtual event brings together librarians, faculty, administrators, and open education practitioners, researchers, and advocates to share best practices and innovations.

The committee is now seeking members to join the 2024 planning committees:

🌟 Program Committee: Develops conference program and content
🌟 Digital Experience Committee: Oversees virtual platform and experience
🌟 Promotions Committee: Leads communications and outreach
🌟 Post-Conference Committee: Manages conference follow-up

Join and help shape the future of open education in Texas! Committee members collaborate starting in February 2024.

View committee details and sign up to volunteer by February 2nd at https://forms.gle/ex7GrJht8c49Kr1F7. Questions? Reach out to [email protected].

Elevate your TxDLA 2024 experience! Join our Pre-Conference Workshops on March 25, 1-4 p.m. Uncover valuable insights in Ntrinsx principles, accessibility rules, and TxDLA journal writing. Register now for the conference in Galveston (March 25-28) or Virtual (April 16-17) to score epic savings, earlybird discounts, and scholarship opportunities. Game On! 🌟 https://conference24.txdla.org/attend/schedule-of-events/

Last Call - Recognize Excellence in Digital Learning - https://mailchi.mp/txdla/hyuu7wdd4q-4743628

Instructional designers, higher ed & K-12 faculty, nonprofit trainers & more: the final lineup for TxDLA 2024's "Game On!" is here! Check out our all-star speakers and hot topics like AI, accessibility, diversity, engagement, & more that will bring your digital learning strategy up a level.

Nab bonuses like motivating keynotes, networking, earlybird discounts & scholarships before the power-ups expire Feb 12.

It's game on at TxDLA 24! https://conference24.txdla.org/attend/schedule-of-events/

Bite-Sized Learning For Busy Professionals!
Driving Accessibility
Your approach to accessibility: Are you backseat, hands-on, or "Jesus take the wheel"? In this webinar, learn how to apply the universal design process to six frequent problem areas, improving the online learning experience. Walk away with immediate ideas for you, your stakeholders, and your organization to implement universal design and drive accessibility.

Reserve your spot now for this FREE live webinar (and recording for one month) on 1/10 at 12pm CDT featuring Lindsay Foster, Instructional Designer with Tarrant County College District.

Bite-Sized Learning For Busy Professionals!
Driving Accessibility
Your approach to accessibility: Are you backseat, hands-on, or "Jesus take the wheel"? In this webinar, learn how to apply the universal design process to six frequent problem areas, improving the online learning experience. Walk away with immediate ideas for you, your stakeholders, and your organization to implement universal design and drive accessibility.

Reserve your spot now for this FREE live webinar (and recording for one month) on 1/10 at 12pm CDT featuring Lindsay Foster, Instructional Designer with Tarrant County College District.

https://www.txdla.org/bitesized/

The new distance ed rules are now in effect! Attend our FREE timely webinar at noon CDT on 12/13/23 explaining Texas' revised regulations that higher ed institutions must comply with. We'll outline the new policies so you can navigate next steps for alignment. Join us and leave fully prepared to incorporate the new distance education path ahead! REGISTER: https://www.txdla.org/bitesized/