SIDLIT 2026: Full Schedule

11:35am CDT

Session 2B: Drinking from a Firehose: My Journey from Tech Support to Leader in 6 Months

Friday July 31, 2026 11:35am - 3:40pm CDT

Have you ever suddenly found yourself in charge after your supervisor moved on to a better opportunity? That happened to me in October 2024, and I was left to keep our tech systems running smoothly.
Over the past year-and-a-half, I’ve tackled everything from failing server drives to submitting board and credit card reports. It’s been a steep learning curve, but also an incredibly rewarding one.
I’d love to share some of the lessons I’ve learned—and hear about your experiences too. What challenges have you faced when stepping into a leadership role unexpectedly?

Speakers

Dennis K Peirce

Assistant Director of Technology & Data Systems, West-Central Independent Living Solutions

Dennis Peirce is the Assistant Director of Technology & Data Systems at West-Central Independent Living Solutions, a consumer driven, non-residential, 501(c)3 nonprofit resource center that serves people with disabilities and their families at all stages of life. He is the IT administrator... Read More →

Friday July 31, 2026 11:35am - 3:40pm CDT
VH 243 1701 Morse Drive, Emporia, KS 66801

Educational Technology Leadership, Virtual

Skill Level Intermediate
Audience Higher Education, K-12, Private Sector/Commerce, Public Sector/Government
Keywords Admin Management and Policy Issues, Faculty/Staff Support, Instructional Design, Instructional Technology, Technical Support
Role Faculty/Instructors, Instructional Designers, Leadership, Technologists, Librarians

12:50pm CDT

SIG 1 - Special Interest Group Discussion: Preparing for When Tech Goes Down

Friday July 31, 2026 12:50pm - 1:50pm CDT

VH 242

SIGs are a networking opportunity to allow professionals to collaborate on relevant topics. These are held over the lunch hour. Hosts prepare questions and facilitate a discussion on the topic of their choice.

Speakers

Ed Lovitt

Director of Educational Technology & Distance Learning, Johnson County Community College

Ed Lovitt is Director of Educational Technology & Distance Learning at Johnson County Community College

Friday July 31, 2026 12:50pm - 1:50pm CDT
VH 242 1701 Morse Drive, Emporia, KS 66801

Special Interest Group (SIG)

Skill Level Novice, Intermediate, Advanced
Audience Higher Education, K-12
Keywords Academic Continuity, Admin Management and Policy Issues, Apps and Tools, Course/Learning Management Systems, Online Student Support, Technical Support
Role Faculty/Instructors, Instructional Designer, Instructional Designers, Leadership, Technologists

12:50pm CDT

SIG 2 - Special Interest Group Discussion: Accessibility & UDL

Friday July 31, 2026 12:50pm - 1:50pm CDT

VH 243

Speakers

April Sylvester

Instructional Designer, Johnson County Community College

April (Robbs) Sylvester is an instructional designer at Johnson County Community College. After nine years of experience at Ottawa University, she joined the JCCC Educational Technology Center in January 2025. She holds a BS in elementary education and a MS in instructional design... Read More →

Friday July 31, 2026 12:50pm - 1:50pm CDT
VH 243 1701 Morse Drive, Emporia, KS 66801

Special Interest Group (SIG)

Skill Level Novice, Intermediate, Advanced
Audience Higher Education, K-12
Keywords Accessibility/Universal Design, Admin Management and Policy Issues, Apps and Tools, Course/Learning Management Systems

SIDLIT 2026

11:35am CDT

Dennis K Peirce

12:50pm CDT

Ed Lovitt

12:50pm CDT

April Sylvester

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