WCET - WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies (WCET)

When we teach, there is an unspoken power differential, and real connections have the potential to change that power dynamic. Connecting with #students shifts the obligation from the instructor working singularly to create an #inclusiveenvironment to one where the class works collectively to build the community. Instructors lead by example, sharing information about themselves, their backgrounds, and their interests, and encourage students to do the same. By sharing stories, instructors create an environment where students can connect on a deeper level. Learn more on Faculty Focus: https://ow.ly/5CMM50TUqLv

#Collaborativelearning is being highlighted as a powerful approach to enhance students' #educationalexperiences. This method encourages deeper understanding and #criticalthinking by fostering teamwork and interaction among #students. #Educators are urged to implement collaborative techniques, such as group projects and peer teaching, to promote engagement and communication skills. Research suggests that such practices improve #academicperformance and prepare students for real-world challenges. The emphasis is on creating a supportive environment where students learn from one another, ultimately leading to more enriching #educationaloutcomes. Learn about strategies #onlinefaculty use to ensure all students actively participate in collaborative #learningenvironments on Faculty Focus: https://ow.ly/xhnC50TTKZ7

AI is transforming the audio landscape in #e-learning by enhancing #accessibility and engagement. Technologies like #voicesynthesis and #naturallanguageprocessing create high-quality #audiocontent, making #learningmaterials more engaging for #students. AI-driven tools can customize audio experiences to suit individual #learningstyles, improving comprehension and retention. Additionally, these advancements help #educators streamline the creation of #audioresources, allowing them to focus more on #teaching. Overall, integrating #AI in audio for e-learning significantly improves the #educationalexperience. Learn more on Medium: https://ow.ly/8BEg50TTLc1

While effective #technologyimplementation is important, building a successful #onlineeducation program requires a well-defined vision, #strategicplanning, and a comprehensive framework. Featuring Darcy Hardy, a leader in #onlinelearningstrategy, this webcast provided a look at The Hardy Group’s Online Program Quality Framework. Attendees learned how key areas like #academicaffairs, #studentsupport, #educationaltechnology, and #marketinsights work together to create high-quality #onlineprograms. The session focused on the academic affairs element with insights into: ❇️ The importance of vision and strategy in creating successful online programs, ❇️ How #faculty and assessment development play a foundational role in online education, and ❇️ How #AI and integrity tools like proctoring impact #coursedesign and development. This webinar was hosted in partnership with Honorlock. View the webcast: https://lnkd.in/dZ5scD2Y

#DigitalLearning technologies can foster meaningful engagement even at a distance. New approaches in Washington and Arizona show how #AI can help support #distanceeducation #students. These tools help schools provide personalized, timely communication. AI-driven initiatives like Washington’s OTTERS project and Arizona’s Ask Benji make students feel more connected and supported. Today on #WCETFrontiers we welcome Jason Fife from mainstay to discuss these initiatives. Thank you to Jason and these project teams for sharing your work! Enjoy the read: https://lnkd.in/eEpZa7-C

The Online Learning Consortium's Dylan Barth, Vice President of Innovation and Programs joined us for the WCET Annual Meeting in Long Beach, CA. He shares his experience and key takeaways on several high-quality sessions on a range of topics, including credentials, policy, AI, and more. in the latest OLC Insights blog. Enjoy the read: https://ow.ly/XOGu50TQZuP

Check out the latest blog from WCET sponsor, Beyond Campus Innovations, Navigating the Future of Online Education: Key Takeaways from WCET 36th Annual Meeting. They write, "The complexity of #onlineeducation underscores the need for continuous adaptation. As #educators, we must evolve our practices to meet the changing needs of our diverse student body. I'm excited to implement these insights and continue making #education more accessible to all." Enjoy the read: https://ow.ly/XNKJ50TQQth

Join us this week for a #WCETWebcast, Strategy, Vision, and #AcademicAffairs: A Framework for Successful Online Learning, hosted in partnership with Honorlock. Discover the secrets to building a high-quality #onlineeducation program with Darcy Hardy, a leader in #onlinelearning strategy. In this #freewebcast, attendees will learn how vision, strategy, and a comprehensive framework come together to create successful #onlineprograms. Join us tomorrow, October 22, to hear about the importance of vision and strategy in creating successful online programs, how faculty and assessment development play a key role in online education, and how AI and integrity tools can impact course design. Can't join us in person? Register to receive a link to the recording: https://ow.ly/QraJ50TQ7ur

A huge round of applause for this year's WCET Award Winners! 🏆 We are excited to recognize the exceptional contributions to digital learning made by this year's WCET Award winners! WCET Dick Jonsen and Mollie McGill Award: Russell Poulin, WCET Executive Director, for his exceptional leadership with WCET and WICHE and commitment to improving #highereducation #digitallearning. WCET Dick Jonsen and Mollie McGill Award: Luke Dowden, #ChiefOnlineLearningOfficer at Alamo Colleges District, for his #transformativeleadership in digital learning and dedication to empowering peers. Sally M. Johnstone Award: Dr. Kylah Torre, Senior Director of Digital Learning with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, for her outstanding commitment to #studentsuccess and leadership in digital learning. Congratulations to our award recipients for their innovative work and dedication to transforming #digitaleducation!

One of the many appeals of welcoming an AI-trained chatbot to campus is the ability to answer any question at any time or day. #Chatbots are becoming more popular at #highereducation institutions to answer a diverse array of questions and come to the rescue in all types of situations. When higher education networks are set up carefully and correctly, the risk of nosy chatbots spilling sensitive information is low. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done. Keep in mind that any time a chatbot learns something, that is data that could potentially be shared with the wrong people. Administrators must know exactly where the data goes and keep it tightly secured. Learn more from EdTech Magazine: https://ow.ly/mCvR50TNNJH