The Craft of Connection: Teaching in a Digital Age
Join faculty colleagues from across the region for a one-day exploration of meaningful, modern teaching. This year’s conference celebrates the evolving craft of teaching in an age where connection matters more than ever, whether face-to-face or through a screen. Expect dynamic keynotes, interactive breakout sessions and the chance to engage with tools, techniques, and ideas that elevate both teaching and learning.
Got a great idea or a classroom strategy that’s working? We want to hear from you. Stay tuned for submission info and registration details.
Hosted by:
Virginia Western Office of Online Learning and Instructional Technology (OLIT)
Questions?
Contact Dr. Carrie Halpin at chalpin@virginiawestern.edu.
Keynote Session
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Morris Thomas from Howard University
Keynote Title: The Compound Effect: Leveraging Generative AI and Learning Theories to ENHANCE Learning Facilitation
Friday, June 27, 2025
9 AM – 4 PM
Lunch included
Fralin Center for Science and Health Professions
3091 Colonial Ave. SW
Roanoke, VA 24015
Session Description
This keynote speech addresses a comprehensive exploration of how AI tools can be effectively integrated into educational environments through the lens of established learning theories. Drawing from his pioneering E.N.H.A.N.C.E. Learning Model, Dr. Thomas will demonstrate practical applications of AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Microsoft Copilot that align with behaviorist, cognitivist, constructivist, and connectivist approaches to learning. Attendees will discover theory-informed strategies for maintaining academic integrity while embracing AI adoption in course design and delivery. Dr. Thomas will share insights on how educators can thoughtfully deploy AI as tools that complement rather than replace human instruction in the digital teaching and learning landscape.
Keynote Speaker Bio
Dr. Morris Thomas serves as the Director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning and Assessment (CETLA) and the Assistant Provost for Digital and Online Learning at Howard University. In addition to his administrative appointments, Dr. Thomas is an Associate Professor in the department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies in the School of Education and a Lecturer in the department of Information Systems & Supply Chain Management in the School of Business. Dr. Thomas has an extensive background in facilitating learning across modalities (in-person, hybrid-blended, Hy-flex, and online).
Dr. Thomas is an established scholar, his research focuses on instructional dynamics which encompass instructional domains, design, and delivery. He has developed a conceptual framework called the E.N.H.A.N.C.E. Learning Model. This conceptual framework provides seven strategies to inform intentional course design and delivery. Dr. Thomas is also the creator of the framework, “The WHOLE Experience Framework,” a
model that addresses the ever-evolving higher education landscape. He serves as an editorial board member for the Journal of African American Males in Education, the Journal of Innovative Higher Education, the American Research Journal of Humanities & Social Sciences, and as reviewer for the International Journal of Virtual and Personal Learning Environments. He is a frequent presenter at conferences and webinars. His scholarship has taken him throughout the continental United States, Canada, Cuba, Germany, India, Ireland, Malawi, Puerto Rico, and South Africa.