OSU Learning Design Day: Fresh Ideas
The OSU Learning Design Day: Fresh Ideas symposium is a new annual event dedicated to exploring innovative approaches to instructional design in higher education. This inaugural in-person gathering will bring together instructional designers, educational technologists, and learning experience creators to share forward-thinking ideas and practical strategies that enhance student learning.
We invite you to share the fresh ideas shaping the evolving landscape of learning design at OSU.
- Symposium Date: Thursday, May 13, 2027
- Location: The Center on Education and Training for Employment (CETE), Ohio State University
- Proposal Submission Deadline: Sunday, November 15th
- Registration Opens: January 11, 2027
We are currently seeking proposals for breakout sessions that showcase creativity, innovation, and impactful practices.
Breakout Session Tracks
Breakout sessions will be 45-50 minutes in length. Sessions may include presentations, interactive workshops, or demonstrations.
Proposals should align within one of our two tracks:
Creative Ed Tech
Focus on emerging and applied educational technologies. Possible topic areas in this track might include:
- AI and generative tools in education
- Virtual reality (VR) / immersive learning
- Simulation-based learning
- Technology or software demonstrations
- Project management tools for learning design
- Innovative uses of digital platforms
Learning Design Strategies and Innovation
Focus on pedagogy, design, and instructional effectiveness. Possible topic areas in this track might include:
- Best practices in instructional design
- Innovative course design approaches
- Reflective and active learning strategies
- Assessment and evaluation techniques
- Research-informed teaching practices
The practice of digital accessibility is central to instructional design work. The committee strongly encourages all proposals to incorporate accessibility considerations into session objectives and materials.
Proposal Submissions
Guidelines
All proposals should include the following:
- Session title
- Track selection (Creative Ed Tech or Learning Design Strategies & Innovation)
- Abstract (500 words or less)
- Brief Description (50 words or less; a brief “elevator pitch” for your session)
- Session format (presentation, interactive workshop, demonstration)
- Learning objectives (1-3 total)
- Anticipated technology needs
- Number of facilitators (max of 2 per session due to limited capacity)
Due to the limited registration availability for this inaugural symposium, the committee has selected to limit breakout session facilitators to a maximum of two per session.
Presenter Expectations
Presenters are expected to attend the symposium in person and may be asked to provide session materials in advance. All presenters are required to ensure that their presentation materials are fully accessible prior to delivering their session. Presenters are also encouraged to share a link to their session materials with attendees following the session.
Available Technology: Symposium rooms will be equipped with a screen and projector, HDMI connection, room speakers, a presenter clicker, and a whiteboard. Presenters are required to bring their own laptop and any necessary adapters (e.g., HDMI adapter if your device does not have an HDMI port).
Selection Criteria
The committee will select a minimum of eight breakout presentations. Proposals will be evaluated based on:
- Relevance to track and audience
- Innovation and originality
- Practical application and usefulness
- Clarity of learning outcomes
- Engagement strategies
- Inclusion of digital accessibility practices as part of session deliverables
Important Dates
- Proposal Submission Deadline: Sunday, November 15th
- Acceptance Notifications: Tuesday, December 15th
- Registration Opens: January 11, 2027
Submit Your Proposal
Join us in shaping the first-ever Ohio State Learning Design Day and contribute your fresh ideas to inspire the growing landscape of learning design at OSU.
Questions?
For inquiries, please contact: learningdesign@osu.edu