Looking to stay informed, connected, and inspired in the evolving landscape of online and digital education? The Office of Online Learning’s Digital Compass workshop series will help you navigate the resources, opportunities, and partnerships available across Illinois. Explore topics ranging from professional development and online program planning to dual credit, digital accessibility, and new ways to connect learners with Illinois programs. You’ll hear from campus colleagues and partners, discover resources to support your work, and exchange ideas with others engaged in online and digital education. Whether you’re exploring a new idea, supporting an existing initiative, or looking to expand your knowledge and network, each session offers practical insights and valuable connections to help guide your work.
Participants will receive a participation badge for each workshop they attend, and those who attend all workshops in the series will also receive a series certificate.
Finding Your Bearings: Professional Development for Digital Education
Thursday, September 17, 2026 @ 1 pm CST
Register for Finding Your Bearings
Stay current in the rapidly evolving world of online and digital education. This session will introduce professional development opportunities available through the Office of Online Learning, including institutional memberships that offer discounted conference registration, complimentary workshops, and access to two leading professional organizations. You’ll hear from association representatives from UPCEA and Online Learning Consortium (OLC) about how to make the most of these benefits, as well as Illinois colleagues who are actively engaged in these organizations and can share their experiences and insights.
Discover new ways to expand your professional network, connect with colleagues on campus and beyond, and stay informed about emerging trends and best practices in digital education.
Modality: Zoom
Facilitators:
- Dr. Dylan Barth, Vice President of Innovation and Programs, OLC
- Mary Mcilquham, Partnership Manager, OLC
- Mel Edwards, Director, Membership and Business Development, UPCEA
Start Smart: Planning Your Online Program
Wednesday, October 14, 2026 @ 11 am CST
Whether you’re exploring a new online program or preparing to move from concept to implementation, thoughtful planning is essential. In this session, you’ll explore the Office of Online Learning’s department planning resource—a flexible guide designed to help departments reflect on key decisions throughout the program development process. You’ll also learn how the Office of Online Learning can partner with your department by providing consultation, strategic planning, and expertise to help turn your vision into a successful online offering.
Modality: Zoom
Facilitator:
- Eden Smothers, Project Manager, Office of Online Learning
Previous Workshop Series
2025-2026
Let’s Launch: Online Program Development Series
From Vision to Blueprint: Laying the Groundwork for Online Programs
Thursday, October 16, 2025 from 11 am to 12 pm
Register for From Vision to Blueprint workshop
Before launching an online program, it’s important to first establish a strong foundation through careful planning. Eden Smothers and Dawn Bohn from the Office of Online Learning will share proven strategies used for online program development across campus. They’ll guide you through identifying your target audience and its needs, defining learning goals, spotting curriculum gaps, and planning for staffing and training. You will leave with a clear blueprint to move your program from vision to reality.
Facilitators:
- Eden Smothers: Project Manager, Office of Online Learning
- Dawn Bohn: Teaching Professor, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition,
Director of Faculty and Academic Engagement, Siebel Center for Design,
Provost Fellow, Office of Online Learning
Design, Develop, Deliver: Support for Your Online Course or Program
Friday, November 14, 2025 from 1 to 2 pm
Register for Design, Develop, Deliver workshop
Turning your course or program vision into reality? This session will highlight the end-to-end support available to help you succeed — from market research and learning outcome design to online pedagogy and technology innovations. Whether you’re creating a brand-new course, revising an existing one, or converting it for online delivery, you’ll discover the tools, expertise, and personalized guidance available to bring your online offering to life.
Facilitators:
- Katie Dalpiaz: Assistant Director of Program Support, Center for Innovation in Teaching & Learning (CITL)
- Kelly Birky: Sr. Associate Director of Marketing & Strategic Communication, Strategic Communications & Marketing
Green Light to Go Live: Navigating Online Program Approvals
Thursday, February 19, 2026 from 2 to 3 pm
Register for Green Light to Go Live workshop
Launching or revising an online program involves multiple layers of campus and off campus approvals. In this session, Brooke Newell will guide you through the process, from planning through final notice of approval. Mary Lowry will focus on parts of the process that are different for graduate programs. You’ll leave knowing what resources are available to help you prepare your proposal application.
Facilitators:
- Brooke Newell: Director for Educational Programs, Office of the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor
- Mary Lowry: Graduate Degree Audit Systems Specialist, Graduate College
Stackable Success: Launching Certificates & Non-Credit Programs
Monday, March 9, 2026 from 1 to 2 pm
Register for Stackable Success workshop
Looking to expand your offerings to alumni and the public? This session explores the design and implementation of non-credit courses, certificates, and continuing education units — including stackable credentials that can serve as pathways into degree programs. You’ll also learn how to leverage digital credentialing platforms to launch and scale these programs effectively.
Facilitator:
- John Hart, Director, Office for Professional Education
Link, Learn, and Leverage: Embedding Library Resources in Canvas
Tuesday, April 28, 2026 from 11 am to 12 pm
Register for Link, Learn, and Leverage workshop
Want to strengthen your students’ research skills and make course materials more connected? In this session, the eLearning Librarian for the University Library will show you how to seamlessly integrate Library resources into your Canvas course and ensure students have access to essential collections!
You’ll explore:
- Ways to embed tutorials that support core and discipline-specific research skills
- The University Library Resources Module, which introduces students to key Library tools and services
- Options for designing custom Canvas modules tailored to your class’s needs
- How assigning the “Librarian” role in Canvas can connect your students directly with their subject liaison librarian
Discover how to link Library expertise and collections directly to your digital classroom—helping students learn, explore, and succeed.
Facilitator:
- Evie Cordell, eLearning Librarian, Assistant Professor, University Library
More workshop series are on the way—stay tuned! If you’d like to be the first to know when new sessions are announced, fill out our quick interest form and we’ll send you an update.