SIDLIT 2026: Full Schedule

10:40am CDT

Session 1F: Canvas Hidden Gems: Accessibility, AI, and Time-Saving Features for Educators

Friday July 31, 2026 10:40am - 3:40pm CDT

Canvas is packed with powerful features that can save instructors time, improve course quality, and enhance the student experience, yet many of these tools remain underutilized. In this session, participants will explore practical Canvas tips and hidden gems, including targeted messaging in the Gradebook, content recovery tools, accessibility features, page design enhancements, and AI-supported workflows. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to streamline course management, create more accessible and engaging content, and make better use of Canvas’s built-in capabilities.
Participants are recommended to attend with a laptop and try these tips during the presentation.

Speakers

Luna George

Instructional Designer, Metropolitan Community College

I hold a master’s degree in Instructional Design and Technology and currently serve as an Instructional Designer at Metropolitan Community College. With seven years of experience in instructional design and educational technology, I partner with faculty to create engaging, accessible... Read More →

Friday July 31, 2026 10:40am - 3:40pm CDT
VH 126 1701 Morse Drive, Emporia, KS 66801

Teaching and Learning at a Distance, In-Person

Skill Level Novice, Intermediate
Audience Higher Education, K-12
Keywords Course/Learning Management Systems, Emerging Technologies, Instructional Technology, Apps and Tools, Technical Support
Role Faculty/Instructors, Instructional Designers, Technologists

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

VH 243

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

2:45pm CDT

Session 4E: Design Over Dollars: Choosing Engagement Tools That Matter

Friday July 31, 2026 2:45pm - 3:40pm CDT

VH 332

High engagement doesn’t come from expensive tools; it comes from intentional design. In this session, we’ll share how our nonprofit team builds highly engaging Canvas professional development for adult learners ages 14–70+ by thoughtfully selecting and layering the right tools for the right purpose.
You’ll see real examples of how we use Canvas with interactive slides, flip cards, embedded activities, and structured discussions; alongside aligned objectives, reflection, and knowledge checks; to create meaningful learning experiences. More importantly, we’ll unpack the “why” behind each choice: how we match tools to learning goals, cognitive load, application, and desired levels of interaction.
Leave with practical engagement strategies and tools that are purposeful, scalable, and budget-conscious; no premium integrations required.

Speakers

Caroline Teter

Training and Curriculum Specialist, KSU-KCCTO

Caroline Teter, M.Ed., B.S. is an early childhood educator, instructional designer, and professional development specialist with 20 years of experience helping educators create meaningful and engaging learning experiences. She combines a deep understanding of how we learn with expertise... Read More →

Friday July 31, 2026 2:45pm - 3:40pm CDT
VH 332 1701 Morse Drive, Emporia, KS 66801

Educational Technologies

Skill Level Intermediate, Novice
Audience Higher Education, K-12, Public Sector/Government, Private Sector/Commerce
Keywords Apps and Tools, Course/Learning Management Systems, Emerging Technologies, Instructional Technology, Technical Support, K-12, Gamification, Instructional Design
Role Faculty/Instructors, Instructional Designers, Technologists, Instructional Designer

SIDLIT 2026

10:40am CDT

Luna George

11:35am CDT

Dennis K Peirce

12:50pm CDT

Ed Lovitt

2:45pm CDT

Caroline Teter

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