CICS Leaders Share Insights on the Future of Digital Learning at OLC Accelerate 2025

The College of Interdisciplinary and Continuing Studies (CICS) is proud to celebrate the work of Dr. Dionne Thorne and Dr. Nicole M. Westrick, who recently presented at the Online Learning Consortium (OLC) Accelerate 2025, one of the premier national conferences dedicated to advancing online and digital education.

Their session brought together some of the most forward-looking conversations happening in the field today, centered on the powerful intersection of generative artificial intelligence (genAI), backward design, and the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework. Designed for both current and aspiring online learning leaders, the presentation explored how these three areas are reshaping the future of course development, access, and student success.

Exploring the Transformative Potential of AI in Education

In their presentation, Dr. Thorne and Dr. Westrick provided an in-depth look at how generative AI is rapidly influencing every aspect of online learning, from content creation to instructional design workflows. Rather than treating AI as a replacement for human expertise, they emphasized a practical, values-driven approach that positions genAI as a tool to enhance accessibility, equity, and learner-centered design.

Participants examined how backward design principles and UDL checkpoints can serve as grounding frameworks when integrating AI into course development. These structures help ensure that innovation supports, not disrupts, the fundamentals of high-quality, inclusive learning experiences.

A Hands-On Workshop for Real-World Application

One of the highlights of their session was a guided mini-workshop in which attendees actively engaged with generative AI tools to reimagine a course module. Participants experimented with restructuring learning objectives, designing assessments, and enhancing materials using backward design and UDL principles.

This interactive approach demonstrated the potential for AI to increase efficiency while still upholding essential pedagogical values. It also provided attendees with a toolkit of actionable strategies they can apply immediately within their institutions and programs.

Leading Innovation Across Higher Education

By the end of the session, participants walked away with a deeper understanding of how to navigate the rapidly evolving digital learning landscape while staying grounded in principles of intentionality and student-centered design. Dr. Thorne and Dr. Westrick’s presentation reinforced the leadership role that CICS continues to play in shaping the future of online and adult education.

CICS remains committed to supporting innovation that expands access, strengthens learning, and empowers educators and students alike. We are proud to have our leadership represented on the national stage at OLC Accelerate 2025, driving conversations that will shape the next generation of digital learning.