Digital Learning Summit 2026 – Call for Proposals
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Call for Proposals
Dates: Tuesday, February 10 and Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Theme: The Power of Practice: Transforming Experience into Innovation
The Division of Digital Learning at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) is excited to invite proposals for the fourth Digital Learning Summit, where leaders, educators, and innovators will gather to explore the latest trends and technologies shaping the future of digital learning.
This year’s theme, The Power of Practice—Transforming Experience into Innovation, highlights agile, innovation-driven approaches that promote student success, timely completion of valuable credentials, and smooth transitions into high-demand careers, advancing Building a Talent Strong Texas by ensuring credentials are meaningful, accessible, and economically transformative for all Texans. We invite proposals from faculty, librarians, instructional designers, administrators, digital learning staff, students, and others in the digital learning community. We look forward to hosting a conference that brings together institutions of every type and from every region of Texas, building bridges and fostering collaboration across the state. There is no registration cost to attend this event.
The Summit will feature engaging virtual sessions to allow participants to collaborate and network with practitioners from institutions of higher education across Texas.
Institutions will be invited to host collaborative Idea Exchanges at their campuses using provided facilitator resources, such as interactive activities and discussion prompts.
Session Topics
We invite session proposals related to the following topics:
From Innovation to Impact
Presenters can highlight how they are moving beyond theory and experimentation with technologies (such as GenAI, XR, or adaptive platforms) to embed innovation as a lasting part of teaching and learning. This topic emphasizes building daily practices and mindsets that not only transform classrooms and campuses but also prepare students to thrive in a rapidly evolving workforce. Presenters may share examples from course redesigns, advising strategies, student engagement initiatives, or operational processes that demonstrate how cultivating adaptability, creativity, and resilience equips learners with the skills needed for lifelong success.
Experience-Driven Design for Learner Success
Bring forward examples of how student and faculty feedback has directly informed design choices that improved engagement, access, or outcomes. This topic invites presenters to demonstrate how they have used reflection and iteration to transform digital tools, course content, or student services into experiences that truly meet learners’ needs.
Leading Innovation at Scale
Presenters are invited to share how they’ve modeled innovative practice, built trust in the change process, and scaled successful pilots across programs or institutions. This topic focuses on leadership strategies rooted in experience and decision-making that translates bold ideas into institutional growth and long-term impact.
Moving Beyond the “Wow” Factor
Explore how sustained use of emerging tools, like extended reality, simulations, or adaptive platforms, has reshaped learning experiences. Presenters may highlight innovative course integrations and share perspectives on how these tools have deepened engagement and learning. This topic emphasizes moving beyond the “wow factor” to show how technology evolves into a core part of learning.
Session Formats
Proposals may be submitted for the following types of sessions:
- Interactive Workshop (50 minutes): Hands-on, immersive sessions designed to offer practical, interactive experiences. Workshops should focus on skill-building, deep dives into technology tools, or collaborative problem-solving activities.
- General Presentation (50 minutes): This format allows presenters to share innovative ideas, programs, and practices in digital learning. Sessions should actively engage participants through dialogue, reflection, and interactive elements. Presenters are encouraged to introduce key concepts or innovations, followed by opportunities for Q&A and audience participation.
- Panel Discussion (50 minutes): A moderated discussion featuring multiple speakers who share broad perspectives on a key topic in digital learning. Panelists highlight experiences, insights, and innovations, followed by audience Q&A to foster dialogue and deeper understanding.
- Lightning Talks (10 minutes): Short, focused presentations highlighting specific institutional activities, program successes, research findings, or case studies. These showcase sessions offer a platform for institutions to share innovative practices or insights in a concise format. , research findings, or case studies. Showcase sessions offer a platform for institutions to share innovative practices or insights in a concise format.
Submission Guidelines:
All proposals must include the following information.
Presenter Information:
- Name(s)
- Title(s)
- Institution(s)
- Contact information
- Profile picture
- A brief bio for each presenter
- Include up to four co-presenters
Session Title: Catchy and descriptive, approximately 10 – 20 words.
Abstract: Maximum 1500 characters, summarizing your proposal.
Session Topic:
- From Innovation to Impact
- Experience-Driven Design for Learner Success
- Leading Innovation at Scale
- Moving Beyond the “Wow” Factor
Session Format:
- Interactive Workshop (50 minutes)
- General Presentation (50 minutes)
- Panel Presentation (50 minutes)
- Lightning Talks (10 minutes)
Learning Objectives: List two to three learning objectives, considering what you want the audience to know or take away from the session. For example, “After the presentation, attendees will be able to describe three emerging technologies and possible applications in their courses.”
Review Criteria:
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following:
- Relevance to the Summit Theme
- Innovative Approach and Practical Application
- Session Engagement and Interactivity
- Clarity and Structure
- Contribution to Advancing Digital Learning
Key Dates:
Proposal Submission Deadline: November 14, 2025, 11:59 p.m. CT
Anticipated Notification of Acceptance: Early December 2025
Conference Dates: February 10 and 11, 2026
Should you have any questions or require additional information, please contact Dr. Elizabeth Tolman, Program Director, at digitallearning@highered.texas.gov.