Horizons of Digital Learning in Texas: Monday, November 13th, 2023, 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. CST

Session Recording: Horizons of Digital Learning in Texas | OERTX

Speaker: Dr. Michelle Singh, Assistant Commissioner, Division of Digital Learning, THECB

Join us for an engaging and informative webinar where we will explore the current landscape of and future of digital education in the Lone Star State. As technology continues to impact the way we teach and learn, it's crucial to stay updated on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the field of digital learning. 

Ready for Resources Series and Community Building 

This three-part series connects participants to the THECB Division of Digital Learning, offers a deeper dive into new OERTX resources, and provides opportunities for networking with your like-minded peers. 

Session 1: Digital Instruction and Digital Information Literacy Hubs: Tuesday, November 14th, 2023, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. CST 

Speakers: 

Jessica McClean, Director of Open Educational Resources, The University of Texas at Arlington, Jacob Spradlin, Director of Online Instructional Development and Support, Sam Houston State University Online, and Daniel Walker, Director, Online Technology Support Operations, Sam Houston State University Online

Two new hubs provide a wealth of open resources designed to empower educators with knowledge and insight about digital instruction and digital information literacy. 

Session 2: Texas OER Core Elements Course: Wednesday, November 15th, 2023, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. CST 

Speakers: Dr. Judith Sebesta, Higher Education Consultant, Sebesta Consulting and Carrie Gits, Director, Division of Digital Learning, THECB

This revised and remixed asynchronous course, adapted from the original Texas Learn OER, is a self-paced course covering the fundamentals of open educational resources (OER) for beginners or those wanting to refresh their OER knowledge. 

Session 3: High Impact Course Resources: Thursday, November 16th, 2023, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. CST 

Speaker: Lea Deforest, Partner Success Manager, Institute for the Study of Knowledge Management in Education 

Developed out of research conducted by THECB and the Institute for the Study of Knowledge Management in Education, this hub provides quality open resources for highly transferable, high-enrollment courses required for degree paths in high-wage and high-demand fields. 

 Adapting to Innovation: Perspectives from Across Sectors (Panel session): Tuesday, November 14th, 2023, 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. CST  

Session Recording: Adapting to Innovation: Perspectives from Across Sectors | OERTX (texas.gov)

Speakers:

Dr. Judith Sebesta, Higher Education Consultant, Sebesta Consulting

Dr. Van Davis, Chief Strategy Officer, WCET, Service Design and Strategy Officer, Every Learner Everywhere, Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE)

Patrick Pluscht, Executive Director DSI Digital Growth, University of North Texas

Dr. Brenda Quintanilla, Regional Manager, Center for Learning Innovation, East Region, Houston Community College

Dr. Dylan Ruediger, Program Manager, The Research Enterprise, Ithaka

In a rapidly changing world, adaptability and innovation are the cornerstones of success. Join us for an inspiring and thought-provoking panel session with leaders and experts in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in higher education to share their insights on thriving in an era of constant transformation.

This engaging session will feature a distinguished panel of professionals who have successfully navigated the ever- evolving landscape of their respective sectors, and they'll discuss how the integration of AI has become a pivotal driver of innovation in their areas. This panel can inform educators, leaders, policymakers, and anyone interested in staying at the forefront of innovation. Join us for a conversation that explores new horizons in digital learning. 

OER Horizons in Texas (Open Texas webinar): Wednesday, November 15th, 2023, 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. CST 

Session Recording: OER Horizons in Texas (Open Texas webinar) | OERTX

Speaker: Daniel Williamson, Managing Director, OpenStax

The Open Texas Conference will be back September 25-27, 2024. In the meantime, join members of the Open Texas Steering Committee during Texas Digital Learning Week to learn more about how to get involved. Special guest, Daniel Williamson, Managing Director at OpenStax will speak on the horizons of open education in Texas to provide inspiration for the 2024 Open Texas Conference. Open Texas Presents: Horizons of Open Education | OERTX

New Distance Education Rules: What to Know and How to Get Ready: Thursday, November 16th, 2023, 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. CST 

Session Recording: New Distance Education Rules: What to Know and How to Get Ready | OERTX (texas.gov)

Speakers:

Dr. Kylah Torre, Senior Director, Division of Digital Learning, THECB

Dr. Andrew Lofters, Director, Division of Academic and Health Affairs, THECB

Jessica Acton, Program Director, Division of Academic and Health Affairs, THECB

Join us for an informative and practical webinar where we will explore the recent changes to the Texas Administrative Code, specifically the new distance education rules. The new rules require institutions of higher education to assess distance education in accordance with the Principles of Good Practice (or PGP) and report results of that assessment in an Institutional Plan for Distance Education (IPDE) to THECB staff before seeking approval to offer distance education programs or certificates and to renew that approval no less than every 10 years.  This session will detail changes to policy and explain new processes important to institutions. The new rules will go into effect on December 1st.