Opportunities for Professional Development in Online Education

MarylandOnline’s Virtual Professional Development Series provides workshops and sessions on topics of interest to our members and online educators. This includes instructional design, use of new technology, accessibility, inclusive practices, and other topics directly related to the teaching and learning process. A full list of Fall 2024 Webinars can be found here.

To view our list of upcoming spring and summer webinars, click on Spring and Summer Webinars 2021.

To view past webinars, go to the MarylandOnline YouTube Channel.

MarylandOnline also sponsors the MarylandOnline Leadership Institute (MOLLI), a comprehensive program designed to expand and nurture a strong network of emerging leaders in online education. MOLLI webinars and workshops cover a variety of topics related to leadership in online learning.

Beneath the list of MOL Spring webinars, you will find links to other professional resources relevant to online educators.

Fall 2024 Webinars

 

 

September

Academic Focus: Creating a Metaversity: A Journey of Discovery

Tuesday, September 10, 2024
2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m

David P. Johnson, Ph.D., is an accomplished educator of 30 years and innovator with a passion for emerging technologies in education. He is currently the Portfolio Director of the Web and Digital Design undergraduate program at the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC). Dr. Johnson is a member of a team that has been exploring the integration of virtual reality into graduate and undergraduate courses.

In “Creating a Metaversity: A Journey of Innovation and Discovery,” Dr. Johnson will share UMGC’s journey into the metaverse, including lessons learned, outcomes, discoveries, challenges, and best practices.

David P. Johnson (Portfolio Director of Web and Digital Design, University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC))
Moderator: Brianna McGinnis (Division Chair, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, Carroll Community College)

This webinar has already taken place. You can find the recording at MarylandOnline’s YouTube Channel

 

October

Academic Focus: Teaching Online Courses - What Does an Instructor Need to Do?

Wednesday, October 2, 2024
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m

With our MOLLI teammates, we developed criteria for different levels of online instructors. From level 1 to 3, the list could be used by institutions as guidelines for developing criteria for their online programs. We also will present a getting-started-for-the-semester list for online courses for use by instructors.

Kari Everett (Instructional Design Technologist, Harford Community College)
Joe Rafter (Instructional Designer, Frederick Community College)
Moderator: Dionne Thorne (Instructional Design Coordinator, Morgan State University)

TO REGISTER: Please visit: Teaching Online Courses - What Does an Instructor Need to Do?.

 

Academic Focus: Generative AI Two-Years In: What Have You Learned and Where are You Going?

Tuesday, October 15, 2024
2:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m

OpenAI launched ChatGPT in November 2022. Today, it has an estimated 200 million users. The use of AI in education has sparked debate among educators and policy makers. Join us as our panelists discuss the benefits, challenges and risks they’ve encountered and look at the way forward.

AI Panelists:
Cynthia Pascal (Associate Vice President of eLearning, Northern Virginia Community College)
Dana Gullo (Associate Dean for Teaching, Learning, and Technology, Cecil College)
Diane Alonso (Principal Lecturer and Program Director - Psychology at the Universities at Shady Grove, University of Maryland Baltimore County)
Moderator:
Ron Hansen (Director of Instructional Systems, Chesapeake College)

TO REGISTER: Please visit: Generative AI Two-Years In: What Have You Learned and Where are You Going?

 

How To: WCAG, Title II, and April 2026 – The Race is On

Tuesday, October 22, 2024
2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m

The DOJ has spoken; higher ed has 2 years to meet WCAG 2.1 standards. This quick webinar will highlight the main takeaways from the DOJ ruling and ask big questions about how institutions will meet the deadline.

Deborah Dorsey (Associate Professor, Health and Physical Education, Harford Community College)
Moderator: Dana Gullo (Associate Dean for Teaching, Learning, and Technology, Cecil College)

TO REGISTER: Please visit: WCAG, Title II, and April 2026 - The Race is On.

 

November

How To: Finding the Right Websites

Wednesday, November 6, 2024
10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m

New ADA Guidelines make clear that accessibility compliance is not just about the content that lives in your LMS.  Linked third party content still must meet WCAG standards. This webinar demonstrates free tools that can help you determine whether or not that website you love is one you should keep.

Deborah Dorsey (Associate Professor, Health and Physical Education, Harford Community College)
Moderator: Richard Smith (Instructional Designer, Harford Community College)

TO REGISTER: Please visit: Finding the Right Websites

 

Academic Focus: Improving Digital Literacy Using UDL; A Guide for Designers, Developers, and Content Users

Wednesday, November 13, 2024
10:00 a.m. - 11:00a.m.

Higher education often falls short in fully integrating the principles of universal design for learning (UDL) and accessibility, which impedes digital literacy. The project team examined barriers to digital literacy and developed resources to assist both learners and creators of digital content. The team is excited to share how these resources can be adapted for your institution.

Julie Eller (Instructional Design and Technology Coordinator, Cecil College)
Elysse Meredith (Manager of the Writing, Reading, and Learning Center, Montgomery College)
Robyn Alexander (Assistant Director, Center for Learning Excellence, Howard Community College)
Moderator: Isabel DeFeo (Associate Professor and Program Director/Discipline Coordinator, Communication Arts, Carroll Community College)

To REGISTER: Please visit: Improving Digital Literacy Using UDL; A Guide for Designers, Developers, and Content Users

 

How To: Table Accessibility – Do’s and Don’ts

Thursday, November 21, 2024
2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m

It’s an unfortunate truth – fancy tables are often not accessible. This webinar covers why that’s so, the right way to use tables, how to make them accessible, and when to walk away.

Deborah Dorsey (Associate Professor, Health and Physical Education, Harford Community College)
Moderator: Richard Smith (Instructional Designer, Harford Community College)

TO REGISTER: Please visit: Table Accessibility - Do's and Don'ts

 

December

How To: To PDF or Not PDF - Here is the Answer

Tuesday, December 3, 2024
10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m

This webinar covers how to ensure your self-authored PDF meets standards and how to decide whether you should or should not use the one you found on the internet.

Deborah Dorsey (Associate Professor, Health and Physical Education, Harford Community College)
Moderator: Robyn Alexander (Assistant Director, Center for Learning Excellence, Howard Community College)

TO REGISTER: Please visit: To PDF or Not PDF - Here is the Answer

More listings to be added - Check back often for updates.

Additional Resources for Online Professionals