#WCET2021
 WCET’s 33^rd Annual Meeting will blend the practice and policy of digital learning in a one-day virtual event on November 2, 2021

Virtual sessions will include:

• Collaborative, solution-oriented discussions (Challenge Topics).
• Roundtable discussions.
• Lightning talks.
• Breakout sessions.

The WCET Annual Meeting is known for bringing together diverse perspectives and pragmatic solutions to digital learning in higher education. Current WCET members and non-members are encouraged to submit proposals and attend the meeting on November 2. Proposals are due by the end of the day April 9, 2021.

Who will attend the Annual Meeting?

The WCET audience represents leaders in digital learning in higher education who bring incredible insights and experiences, thus creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue.

Who should submit a proposal?

WCET members and non-members are invited to submit and attend. The program is a blend of formal presentations and informal discussions to foster idea exchange and networking. Sessions that are collaborative and interactive are preferred. 

Due to the shorter meeting format, session slots are limited. However, WCET uses proposal submissions for other content throughout the year, so all ideas are welcomed and you may be invited to participate in a blog, webcast, or other virtual programs.

Sponsors and Corporate Members

EdTech companies, WCET corporate members, and WCET sponsors are invited to submit proposals that include client perspectives as regular concurrent sessions listed above. They will be reviewed with the same consideration of other submissions, provided they are not specifically a demo or direct marketing of the product or service.

A limited number of sponsor session slots are provided to Leader level sponsors and higher and do not need to be submitted through the call for proposal system but must be submitted via email by June 1. The sponsor sessions are separate from the initial call for proposals. If you are interested in participating in a sponsor session, please email staff for more information and view the benefits and opportunities.

The Call for Proposals for this year's Annual Meeting is open through April 9, 2021.

Registration

The early bird registration rate for the Annual Meeting for speakers and WCET members will be $199. Additional colleagues from the same institution can register for $35 per registration. 

Registration opens in June; all speakers must register for the Annual Meeting by October 2. 

Proposal Information

Please review all submission information carefully.

Sessions will take place via Zoom within our event platform. Sessions will occur live and will not be prerecorded.

Proposals should:

• Address how the audience will be involved.
• Include interactivity beyond a short Q&A session.
• Include key takeaways with lessons learned or sharing resources/research. 
• Sessions that include student perspectives are encouraged.

Presenters are encouraged to minimize the use of PowerPoint in order to increase audience engagement and participation. Virtual engagement tools such as polls are encouraged; it is the presenter’s responsibility to plan this in advance with WCET staff.

Session Format Options

Select your preferred format for the virtual presentation during the proposal process. The final program will be a blend of formats.

• Lightning Talks: Breakout sessions with each having 2 to 3 10-minute presentations and moderated conversation.
• Roundtable Discussions: Interactive sessions led by a discussion lead on key digital learning topics. No presentations.
• Challenge Topics: Submit a digital learning higher ed challenge. The challenges are voted on and determined by June 4. Anyone can vote. The four challenges with the most votes receive a session slot, and during the virtual Annual Meeting attendees crowdsource a solution. Solutions will be shared following the Annual Meeting.
• Concurrent sessions:
  • Panel (2-3 speakers + moderator): Speakers make a single, cohesive presentation on the same topic. Speakers represent different institutions/organizations, expertise, or points of view. Student perspectives are encouraged. Slides are optional.
  • Solo Presentation (1 speaker + moderator): Spotlights digital learning subject matter experts and innovators on a specific topic. Slides are optional.

2021 Topic Areas

• Policy and practice of digital learning: effective program management, scenario planning, policies impacting digital learning, ADA compliance, professional licensure, student identity verification, and state authorization.
• Evolving models of education and effective practices post-pandemic: including high-quality online program design, role of Instructional Designers, CBE, OER, alternative assessments, adaptive learning, microlearning, badging and credentialing.
• Student success: effective tools for online student services, how technology-enhanced teaching and learning can enhance access, inclusion, retention, and completion. Creative partnerships, real-world application of learning, integrative advising.
• Institutional success: scalable models, evidence-based approaches, innovative partnerships and collaborations, academic integrity, considerations for edtech adoption, student data and privacy.

 Timeline

• Deadline for proposal submissions: April 9, 11:59 PM MDT.
• Notifications sent out via email: early May.
• Online program launch: mid-June.
• Final edits to accepted proposals: September 3.
• Registration deadline: October 2.
• Annual Meeting: November 2.

Submission Overview

Click the “submit proposal” button to begin. Once you begin the proposal submission process, you must submit all required fields. You can edit your responses later if you need to make revisions. Required: 

• Speaker contact details.
• Brief descriptive title (may be edited to fit the final program). 
• Session description, no more than 1,200 characters (may be edited to fit the final program).
• Indicate if the session will have co-presenters. You can add these later.
• Preferred session format selected.
• Session topic area selected.
• Speaker photos and bios are encouraged. Bios must be less than 100 words. 

Multiple proposals can be submitted but no more than two proposals from the same institution will be accepted. Proposals that include multiple institutions are encouraged.

Proposals must be submitted by April 9 at 11:59 PM MDT. 

Questions? Contact WCET.