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Below you will find a curated list of online teaching and learning articles, reports, research, white papers, podcasts, webinars, conferences, ed tech news/resources, and AI news/resources by the Academic Services and Products team at Risepoint. This list of resources is updated monthly. Last update: March 28, 2025.
OLC Innovate 2025 Online Learning Consortium (OLC) and MERLOT – The Rhythm of Innovation: Hitting the High Notes in Digital Education (April 1-3, Virtual)
Gain insights into the latest trends and innovations in online and blended learning.
AACC 2025 American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) – Conference: The Rhythm of Student Success (April 12-16, Nashville, TN)
Explore emerging trends and best practices that support community college students, faculty, and administrations. Keynote speakers include Tamron Hall, Ken Jeong, and Joel McHale.
AACRAO Annual Meeting American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers – 110th Annual Meeting (March 30 – April 2, Seattle, WA)
Professionals from all aspects of higher education explore the ever-changing landscape of higher education. Featured Speakers include Lex Gillette and Simon Anderson.
Higher Learning 2025 Higher Learning Commission (April 5 – 8, Chicago, IL)
Gain deeper insight into the latest federal and state regulations affecting higher education. Connect with colleges to explore emerging trends and industry standards to enhance institutional quality and credibility. Keynote speakers include David Allison, Amelia Parnell, and Charles Welch.
ASU + GSV Summit Arizona State and Global Silicone Valley – Learning at the Speed of Light (April 6 – 9, San Diego, CA)
A gathering of educators from “”PreK to Gray,”” the summit promises to offer space for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and resource develop around innovative and effective practiced in education. With over eight keynote speakers, you are sure to find an event that fits your needs. Featured speakers include our very own, Fernando Bleichmar!
AI Show@ASU+GSV Summit -The World’s Greatest Show for All Things AI in EDU (April 5 – 7, San Diego, CA)
This ASU+GSV Summit features an adjacent event offering hands-on workshops, demos, and keynotes focused on practical applications of AI.”
2025 GEM (Graduate Enrollment Management) Summit (April 23 – 26, San Francisco, CA)
Learn new approaches and gain insight from peers in graduate enrollment management services. Featured speakers include Jovan Glasgow, Lisa Garcia Bedolla, and Kendra Jason.
2025 International Conference and Annual Meeting (ICAM) Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) – Amplify Your Impact (April 7 – 9, Vienna, Austria)
Explore the world of business education on the global scale. Keynote speakers include Alex Osterwalder and Alex Edmans
Palpable Fear’ Hangs Over International Students – Inside Higher Ed
Recent Trump administration actions, including arrests and deportations related to pro-Palestinian protests, have caused heightened anxiety among international students in the U.S. Columbia University is one campus where the administration has shown that it equates pro-Palestinian protests with national security threats, raising concerns about the repression of international students’ free speech.
Colleges Flag Words Like ‘Women’ to Comply with DEI Bans – Inside Higher Ed
Many colleges and universities are scrubbing words such as ‘biases,” “racism,” “gender,” and “women” from their webpages and courses, to try to ensure that they adequately comply with federal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion bans. Grant reviews are also a sensitive area; the National Science Foundation, for example, recently searched for terms like “female” and “male-dominated” in its research grants.
Searching for the Optimal Class Design to Maximize Learning – Faculty Focus
An optimally designed class effectively combines cognitive and educational psychology – how people learn – with the scholarship of teaching and learning. Such a well-designed class begins with an anticipatory set; next comes the delivery of new learning followed by opportunities for students to practice what they have learned. Finally, the class needs to conclude with a summarizing of key points.
Tired of Awkward Silences? Upgrade your Think-Pair-Share – Faculty Focus
A three-step process is presented to increase student engagement in class discussions. Discussion bubbles are paired with the information in slide presentations; next students have one minute to talk with classmates about the discussion bubble; and finally group discussion is incentivized with extra credit points for students who do participate.
Indiana recently passed a law that mandates that public colleges need to discipline professors who fail to “foster a culture of free inquiry, free expressions, and intellectual diversity within the institution.” Many Indiana professors are fearful that, given the vague wording of the law, their careers could be upended by a stray remark in class.
Send Help!’: 59% of Students Face Insecurities Around Needs Like Food and Housing – Higher Ed Dive
According to a new report from the Hope Center at Temple University, almost three-fifths of surveyed college students said they lack consistent and adequate access to food or housing. The report also found that 48% of these students didn’t know about relevant support services on their campus.
Higher Ed Is at a Crossroads – Will AI and Digital Learning Lead the Way?- Higher Ed Dive
A newly published report by AYTM on behalf of VitalSource finds that students are skeptical about the value of a college degree and are open to change in higher education. In order to meet these modern learners’ expectations, schools must prioritize affordability, accessibility and career readiness. One of the most effective ways to do this is through the use of digital learning tools and artificial intelligence powered education technologies.
At The University of Southern Mississippi, students engaged in a panel discussion titled “Sharing our Perspectives: Student Conversations on AI,” exploring the role of artificial intelligence in higher education and its impact on their academic experiences.
How Higher Ed Institutions Are Using Built-In Generative AI Tools – EdTech
Higher education institutions are integrating built-in generative AI tools from platforms like Microsoft 365’s Copilot and Google Workspace’s Gemini to enhance learning and streamline administrative tasks.
‘Cheat-a-thon’ contest explores AI’s strengths and flaws in higher education – Penn State University
Penn State’s Center for Socially Responsible Artificial Intelligence is hosting a virtual “Cheat-a-thon” from March 3 to April 6, inviting faculty and students nationwide to explore the benefits and challenges of generative AI in academia. Participants will compete for $10,000 in prizes by submitting and answering questions designed to test AI’s capabilities in educational settings.
Researchers have introduced the Higher Education Act for AI (HEAT-AI), a flexible framework inspired by the EU’s AI Act, to guide the ethical and responsible integration of artificial intelligence in higher education institutions. HEAT-AI employs a risk-based approach, categorizing AI applications to ensure academic integrity and data privacy while promoting innovation in teaching and learning.
2025 EDUCAUSE AI Landscape Study: Into the Digital AI Divide – Educause
The 2025 EDUCAUSE AI Landscape Study reveals that while 57% of higher education institutions now view AI as a strategic priority, only 9% consider their cybersecurity and privacy policies adequate to address AI-related risks. The study also highlights a digital divide, with smaller institutions facing challenges in AI adoption compared to their larger counterparts.
Major Funding Cuts Are Coming For Higher Ed. Could AI Be The Lifeline? – Forbes
Facing significant funding cuts, higher education institutions are exploring artificial intelligence as a potential solution to address challenges such as declining enrollment and rising operational costs. AI offers opportunities to enhance educational delivery and administrative efficiency, potentially offsetting financial constraints.
How to create a higher education AI policy – Times Higher Education
Developing a comprehensive AI policy in higher education involves identifying policy leaders, surveying internal and external landscapes, building an AI advisory coalition, and defining clear objectives to guide ethical and effective AI integration.
4 Benefits a Digital Credentialing Program Offers Right Now – Ed Surge
Digital credential, or microcredential, programs help learners showcase specific skills, improving employability, and fostering stronger educator-employer relationships. These credentials provide verifiable proof of competencies, complement traditional degrees, and offer flexibility in learning pathways to better align with workforce demands.
The Key to Success for Nursing Education: Filling Resource Gaps with Technology
Ed Tech Digest is addressing resource gaps in nursing education by enhancing simulation training, virtual labs, and digital learning tools. These innovations provide students with hands-on experience, improve accessibility to training materials, and help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world clinical practice.
Why Teachers Should Talk to Students Before Accusing Them of Using AI to Cheat – Education Week
It is important to have a conversation and communicate with students rather than relying on AI detection tools, which are often inaccurate. Undergraduate educators can use potential infractions as learning opportunities rather than relying solely on punitive measures.
Boston U Expands AllCampus Partnership with New Non-Credit Certificate Programs – Campus Technology
Boston University has expanded its partnership with AllCampus, a provider of online program management services, to offer new non-credit certificate programs building on the success of their existing online Paralegal Studies Program, with the goal of increasing access to high-quality education and better supporting workforce readiness.
Garbage In, Garbage Out: The Importance of Data Management in Higher Education – Ed Tech Magazine
Clean, well-organized data in higher education to ensure accurate AI-driven insights and decision-making. Experts warn that poor data management can lead to flawed outputs, affecting everything from student retention efforts to financial aid chatbots, and stress the need for universities to implement better data governance strategies
Mentimeter is an interactive presentation platform that enables users to create engaging presentations incorporating real-time feedback through polls, quizzes, and Q&A sessions. Participants can join these sessions using their smartphones or other devices, providing responses that are instantly visualized, fostering active audience engagement.
Equip Students to Dialog Across Differences Using an AI Guide-Teaching in Higher Ed
The hosts discuss how to equip students to dialog across differences using AI as a guide.
Higher Education Innovations that Builds Workforce-Ready Graduates-Changing Higher Ed Podcast
The hosts discuss how universities can build institutional innovation capacity and align their programs with workforce relevance and realities.
Navigating Choppy Waters-Tea for Teaching
The hosts discuss a new resource that was created to help education faculty on their legal rights, responsibilities, and liabilities.
Building an AI-Ready College- Furute U Podcast
The hosts explore the need for an institutional AI strategy, its impact on work, and the role of university partnerships in ensuring equity.
Learning from the Swiss Apprenticeship Model – Furute U Podcast
The hosts discuss lessons from Switzerland’s apprenticeship model, including it’s flexibility, employer value, and global relevance.
How to Build Higher Ed’s Hybrid, Experiential Future – The Higher Ed Geek
The hosts explore the intersection of neuroscience and education, the power of digital learning tools, and how institutions can adapt to a rapidly changing world.
Risepoint Impact Report 2024 – Risepoint
The report highlights the organization’s commitment to expanding access to education for underserved populations, emphasizing partnerships with universities to provide affordable, workforce-relevant programs that empower students and positively impact local communities. It showcases case studies demonstrating successful initiatives, such as addressing nursing shortages and supporting adult learners, while celebrating the support of over 750,000 students since inception.
Current Term Enrollment Estimates: Fall 2024 – National Student Clearinghouse: Research Center
The report analyzes current enrollment trends in higher education, indicating a positive growth trajectory for both undergraduate and graduate programs, particularly in community colleges and dual enrollment initiatives. It highlights the importance of adapting to evolving educational demands and the increasing interest in flexible learning pathways among students.
2025 Landscape of Higher Education Report – Education Dynamics
The report reviews trends in online learning enrollment, revealing a significant increase in student participation in online courses while highlighting ongoing challenges related to faculty acceptance and the legitimacy of online education. It emphasizes the need for data-driven strategies to enhance online learning experiences and outcomes moving forward.
Review Session 12 Years and 20 Reports Tracking Online – Bay View Analytics
The report discusses trends in online learning enrollment, highlighting a significant increase in students taking online courses over the years, while also noting persistent challenges in faculty acceptance of online education’s legitimacy. It emphasizes the importance of data collection and analysis to inform future strategies for enhancing online learning experiences and outcomes.
What It’s Like to Work in Higher Ed – The Chronicle
The Chronicle surveyed more than 4,000 employees at two- and four-year colleges in the United States about working in higher education. We heard from administrators, faculty members, and staff members about their experiences, opinions, and sources of satisfaction and stress. Here are some key findings.
Grapevine Fiscal Year 2025 – State Higher Education Finance
The report provides an overview of state funding trends for higher education, highlighting significant disparities across states and the impact of economic conditions on funding levels. It emphasizes the need for sustainable funding strategies to support equitable access to quality education and improve institutional outcomes.
FY 2024 Annual Agency Performance Report – U.S. Department of Education
The annual agency performance report outlines the strategic goals and objectives for fiscal year 2024, highlighting the assessment of 14 performance indicators, of which 12 met their targets. Key focuses include enhancing data governance, workforce development, and efficient acquisition management, with notable achievements in small business contracting and data transparency initiatives.
Showcase Webinar | The Data-Empowered Institution – Educause
Monday, April 7, 2025, 1:00-2:00PM ET
Institutions want to use data and analytics to direct resources that will most effectively impact institutional and student success. Join this EDUCAUSE Showcase Webinar to hear from institutional and industry thought leaders as they explore how institutions can harness data to empower their institutions.
Panel Discussion: AI’s Role in Shaping Future Learning Environments – Educause
Thursday, April 10, 2025, 1:00-2:00pm ET
Join us for an engaging live webinar featuring thought leaders from the higher education community as they explore the transformative role of AI in shaping the future of learning. Hear how AI is reshaping education—unlocking new possibilities for institutions, educators, and students—while introducing potential risks that warrant attention.
Embracing Change: The Future of Campus Connectivity – Educause
Tuesday, April 22, 2025, 2:00-3:00PM ET
Higher education is evolving, and institutions that embrace change are leading the way. Join us for a conversation with West Virginia University and Tennessee Wesleyan University as they share how they are adapting to meet the needs of students, faculty, and staff.
Thursday, April 24,2025, 12:00-1:00PM ET
Clear, connected communication is essential to support the diverse ways students and faculty teach, learn, and collaborate in an evolving educational environment. At Arizona State University, fostering meaningful connections is key to student success
How to Appeal to a New Generation of Adult Learners – The Chronicle of Higher Education
Tuesday, April 8, 2025, 2:00-3:00PM ET
Many new students enrolling across colleges and universities don’t fall within the traditional college-aged group. Confronted by a shift in sentiments around the value of a college education and an overall population decline in high-school-aged students over the next decade, higher-education institutions are looking for ways to engage this new generation of adult learners.
Thursday, April 10, 2025, 2:00-3:00pm ET
Many administrators think they know what their students need to succeed — but true innovation means setting those assumptions aside. Join President Keith Curry of Compton College to discuss the future of student success
AI in Action: Real-World Innovations in Course and Program Integration – Online Learning Consortium
Thursday, April 24,2025, 2:00-3:00PM ET
AI is no longer just a tool for course development—it’s becoming an integral part of the learning experience itself. This webinar goes beyond the theoretical to showcase real-world examples of how AI features and applications are being embedded directly into courses and programs to enhance student engagement, personalize learning, and improve outcomes.
Live online course design and delivery webinars hosted by the Academic Services and Products team
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The information provided on Faculty eCommons, including links to third-party websites, does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials on this website are for general informational purposes only.
Risepoint
700 North Pearl Street, Suite 600
Dallas, TX 75201
855-593-6050