The BOLT 2024 (Better Online Learning Together) conference brought 83 U of A employees together online in October to spark ideas and innovation for online and face-to-face teaching. Global Campus hosted this virtual event, now in its fourth year, to unite U of A educators in a day of learning and sharing ideas and expertise to enhance online and face-to-face teaching and learning.

Those interested in reviewing the agenda and watching the session recordings can visit the conference recap page.

The day kicked off with a keynote by Cheryl Murphy, vice provost for distance education, and included 20 unique sessions covering topics such as AI in higher ed, maximizing Blackboard Ultra tools, engaging students with video, and panels with online students and instructors.

Global Campus staff and other campus speakers shared best practices and insights gained from academic departments, national organizations and industry partners.

An anonymous survey of conference attendees found they took away information they believe will have an impact on their students. Attendees praised the speakers, who included instructors from across the university and Global Campus staff. Comments centered on how attendees will use tools they learned about during the conference and their plans to follow up with speakers on other topics new to them.