Buckle up: D2L’s annual learning conference, Fusion 2023, is right around the corner and we’ re taking you along for the ride. With all the action—sessions, keynotes, learning moments, swag and more—set to kick off on July 12, we want to introduce our exciting keynote speaker and highlight a few sessions you won’t want to miss.
Announcing D2L’s Fusion Keynote Speaker: Dr. Talithia Williams
Date and Time: July 14 at 2:45pm PT
Location: Mainstage
Attend if: You’re interested in being inspired by an individual effecting change in the STEM industry.
We’re thrilled to share that professor, host, TED speaker, author, and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) advocate Dr. Talithia Williams will be delivering the keynote address to close out our 2023 conference. An associate mathematics professor at Harvey Mudd College, Williams has made it her mission to get people from all walks of life excited about the possibilities of STEM education.
Williams is the author of “Power in Numbers: The Rebel Women of Mathematics,” a book that reflects her passion to rebrand the field of mathematics as anything but dry, technical or male-dominated.
For a taste of what you can expect at Fusion, watch Williams’ popular TED talk, “Own Your Body’s Data.”
Williams also hosts the PBS series “NOVA Wonders” and has delivered numerous presentations around the globe. Described by audiences as engaging, relevant, funny and accessible, Williams captivates and inspires with her contagious enthusiasm for STEM, and she is sure to be a highlight of the event.
You can learn more about Williams on her website and connect with her on Twitter or LinkedIn.
On top of our amazing keynote, we also wanted to highlight three sessions on trending topics happening at Fusion 2023. Be sure to check out the full schedule for a comprehensive run down. If you can’t make it to California, you can always register for Fusion On-Demand.
Optimizing Accessibility in the Digital Learning Environment
Date and Time: July 13 at 11:35am PT
Location: Mainstage
Attend if: You’re in the higher education space and curious about accessibility, inclusive learning, change management and organizational strategy.
Join Kim Scalzo, executive director of Open SUNY, State University of New York (SUNY) for a session on how they’re successfully optimizing accessibility in online learning environments. SUNY was able to streamline the process for integrating reviewing tools into the digital learning environment for electronic and information technology accessibility compliance. It’s currently conducting a review of these tools for all campuses.
In this session, you’ll learn how SUNY is approaching this work at the system level. Expect insights on how these processes can be scaled across numerous campuses, saving everyone time in the long run.
Learn more about Kim Scalzo and connect with her on LinkedIn.
A Recipe for Impact: Four Critical Elements of Student-Centered Design
Date and Time: July 14 at 9:55am PT
Location: Grand Ballroom F
Attend if: You’re a professional in the higher ed space looking for tips on designing student-ready learning materials.
As faculty and staff gear up to welcome students back for another semester, it’s important to check that learning environments are designed with their needs in mind. We’re so pleased to have Dr. Amelia Parnell, vice president for research and policy at the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, delivering a talk that focuses on this topic.
Parnell will highlight current trends in higher education with a focus on how faculty, staff, and administrators are collaborating to provide holistic student support. The discussion will also include examples of four critical elements that professionals should consider when creating and delivering learning resources.
Connect with Amelia Parnell on LinkedIn and check out her educational podcast “Speaking of College”.
Using Chatbots in Teaching and Learning
Date and Time: July 14 at 10:55am PT
Location: Grand Ballroom F
Attend if: You’re a professional in the higher education or K–12 space with an interest in artificial intelligence (AI) and instructional technology and design.
It wouldn’t be a 2023 conference without at least one session on generative AI. In the fall of 2022, ChatGPT broke into the news cycle and caught the attention of the academic world. AI-driven chatbots present both opportunities and challenges in the education space, for learners and instructors alike.
In this session, you’ll hear how Dr. Niki Davis of Southern Illinois University (SIU) Carbondale is using chatbots in planning and course design. You’ll also get perspectives on ChatGPT from SIU’s Brightspace administrator, JP Dunn. Expect a robust discussion about the implications chatbots have for learning as well as an opportunity to see how chatbots might be useful in your own courses or daily work.
Learn more about Dr. Niki Davis and connect with her on LinkedIn.
Learn more about JP Dunn and connect with him on LinkedIn.
See You at Fusion
These are just four of the nearly 200 sessions planned for professionals in the K–12, higher education and corporate learning industries. If you haven’t booked your ticket to California or registered for our on-demand stream, what are you waiting for?
Book your ticket to Fusion today.
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