CSU Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning
Riding the Wave of Innovation: CSU’s Academic Conference Makes a Splash in Online Higher Education
1
48
0
Columbia Southern University’s recent virtual academic conference, Surfing the Waves of Innovation: Enhancing Student Engagement in Online Higher Education, brought together faculty, thought leaders, and innovators for two impactful days of knowledge-sharing and inspiration. The event not only showcased cutting-edge research and practical strategies but also reaffirmed CSU’s commitment to fostering dynamic and inclusive online learning environments.
A Warm Welcome and Powerful Keynotes
The conference opened with a compelling keynote from Dr. Janell Gibson, CSU’s Provost and Chief Academic Officer. In her presentation, Creating Community at a Distance: The Art and Science of Building Human Connections Online, Dr. Gibson offered an inspiring perspective on how to create meaningful student relationships in virtual classrooms. Her insights into the emotional and pedagogical frameworks of community-building set a reflective and energizing tone for the sessions that followed.
On Day Two, Dr. Elwin Jones, Vice Provost of the Doctoral Center and Dean of the College of Business and Technology, delivered a moving keynote titled Who Do They See When They See You Coming? Dr. Jones invited attendees to consider the deeper implications of presence, perception, and empathy in their roles as online educators. His talk reminded us that behind every screen is a student seeking connection, mentorship, and belonging.
Engaging Sessions That Made an Impact
Faculty and presenters from across CSU and beyond shared innovative strategies and powerful tools for enhancing student engagement in the digital space:
CSU Senior Instructional Designers Robyn McKenzie, Cheryl Kula, and Doug Marker offered practical applications for guiding, engaging, and assessing learners more effectively in their presentation titled Designing Online Courses with Gagné’s Nine Events of Instruction.
Dr. Mary Dereshiwsky challenged conventional approaches with a session on rethinking asynchronous discussion forums to promote true community and empowerment.
The power of audio took center stage in Mercedes Musto's session on micro-podcasts as an emerging instructional tool.
Dr. Charles Russo emphasized the value of philosophical analysis and critical thinking in online education to promote deeper student engagement.
Lucia Borsini explored the inclusive potential of AR, VR, and AI, particularly in supporting students with disabilities through transformative technologies.
Dr. Jalane Meloun focused on adult learners in her session on student-centered design and empowering learners through andragogical strategies.
Jackie Pica and Jason Davis, co-managers of CSU's instructional design team, shared real-world applications of AI in feedback, assessment creation, and course delivery, bringing both clarity and creativity to the online teaching toolkit.
Dr. Lezlie Banks delivered an insightful presentation on how emotional intelligence and positivity can enrich every student interaction.
Dr. Patience Adagba's session spotlighted how data analytics is revolutionizing student engagement in Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) and emergency education.
The link between faculty engagement and student success was explored by Dr. Terrance Hinton through mentorship, real-world connections, and resilience-building practices.
Dr. Doreen Sams's session on Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Inquiry (URSCI) demonstrated how faculty can adapt meaningful research experiences for online learners while navigating the implications of AI.
Professors Ronald Signore and Marilyn Pike closed out the conference with a poignant discussion on understanding and supporting military-affiliated students in online settings.
Building Momentum for the Future
Attendees left the conference energized, equipped with new strategies, and ready to implement innovations in their virtual classrooms. The collaborative spirit, practical takeaways, and inspiring messages reinforced the university’s dedication to academic excellence and student engagement in online higher education.
As we reflect on the success of this year’s event, we are already looking ahead to the next wave of innovation. Thank you to all our speakers, attendees, and supporters for making Surfing the Waves of Innovation a transformative experience.
