Spotlight on Learning Conference set for March, proposals now being accepted

Members of the Ohio University teaching and learning community are invited to save the date and submit proposals for the 2025 Spotlight on Learning Conference, “Teaching to Empower This (and the Next) Generation of Thinkers.”

The conference theme responds to the Teaching, Learning, and Assessment Committee's commitment to highlighting the experiences of OHIO learners and the constantly evolving landscape of higher education related to generative artificial intelligence, scholarship on effective practice and shifting instructional contexts.

Conference organizers plan a full-day conference to equip attendees with case studies and examples of, as well as implementation tips for, high-impact, highly effective instructional strategies. Those attending will receive a digital toolkit filled with information about diverse peer-tested teaching practices for participants to use in summer or fall 2025 courses and beyond.

The 2025 Spotlight on Learning Conference is tentatively scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Baker University Center.

This year, the Spotlight on Learning Conference Planning Committee welcomes proposals for concurrent sessions in three tracks. These sessions are designed to be 20-minutes followed by 10-minute question and answer sessions, and focus on instructional strategies that presenters have implemented (and assessed) that can be replicated, adopted or adapted by conference participants.

Timestamped Tech: These sessions spotlight timely topics relevant to both teaching and technology, both of which are continually updated. Instructors are encouraged to submit proposals on approaches to or integration of emerging technologies in the classroom, new and/or highly effective methods for supporting students online, or other strategies that use technology to improve student outcomes.

Teaching to Learn (Pillar): Sessions in this track will spotlight pedagogical approaches that enhance student success and engagement. Conference organizers welcome proposal submissions that demonstrate commitment to teaching excellence and fostering a supportive environment where faculty and students thrive together.

Teaching Regionally: This track spotlights the unique strengths of Ohio University’s regional campuses, serving both traditional and non-traditional students. Instructors are invited to submit proposals on practical, flexible and accessible teaching strategies that meet the needs of diverse learners and enhance regional campus identity.

Festival of Learning Demonstrations: In addition, instructors are invited to submit proposals for interactive demonstration of innovative or highly effective teaching practices for showcasing at a Festival of Teaching. Prizes of $500 (3rd place), $750 (2nd place) and $1,000 (1st place) will be awarded based on Spotlight on Learning participant judging and may be used towards activities that support or engage future students.

Proposals are now being accepted. Deadline for proposals is Friday, Feb. 7, 2025. (Please note: Proposals may be submitted to both a concurrent session and for demonstration at the Festival of Learning)

• You can register for the conference here.

The 2025 Spotlight on Learning Conference website will be continually updated to share more about the event.