This is the end of a long school day. You spend emails, thinking about the course plans and asking you how to better engage your students in an increasingly digital world. Maybe you explore new ways to personalize learning, integrate AI or build stronger virtual communities. These are the concerns faced in the future of kindergarten education in the 12th year, and these are exactly the conversations we have in OLC Innovate 2025 this spring.
For years, OLC conferences are a center for higher education professionals, but last year marked a major change – K -12 was invited to the party. As an elementary teacher who attended and presented to the OLC conferences before inclusion, I can say in the first hand that this expansion offers something really special: a space where kindergarten in the 12th year and higher education cross, triggering new ideas and strategies. The ideas shared here help learners to the whole educational journey, of their first experiences in digital learning to prepare them for university and beyond.
What is on the horizon for digital learning from kindergarten to 12th year?
One of the reasons why I come back to OLC Innovate is that every year, I rest with new ideas that immediately have an impact on my teaching. Everyone helped me grow in the practice of implementing new AI tools in workshops to discover innovative programs that other educators have created to resolve real class challenges. The ability to learn and collaborate with others in this space has had an impact, and this year’s sessions promise to continue this tradition.
Some of the biggest trends in this year sessions include:
- AI in classroom K-12: From literacy of AI to ethical use, how do we prepare students to a world where AI is everywhere?
- Gamification and student commitment: How can the game-based learning keep the students motivated and invested in their education?
- Personalized learning and flexibility: What works to adapt online learning experiences to various needs for students?
- Build virtual communities: How to promote connection and collaboration in digital learning areas?
- Support students at home and at risk: What innovative models help educators support all learners?
Personally, I am particularly impatient of these sessions:
- Engage the autonomy of students through agile learning strategies – I love to learn new ways to help students appropriate their learning.
- Support students in a hybrid class – As a big fan of hybrid learning, I always look for ways to make it more efficient and more equitable.
- How to replace the conference with team learning – The best learning occurs when students collaborate, and I am delighted to hear new approaches on this subject.
- Motivators so that teachers from kindergarten to the 12th year to adopt AI – The AI is there to stay, and I am curious to learn what helps educators from kindergarten to 12th year to feel confident and authorized to use it.
Unique sessions for real commitment
OLC Innovate is not only to attend sessions – this is a real commitment. Whether through discussions “conversation, not presentation” or “design sprints” that give life to ideas, these unique session formats challenge us to rethink the way we approach digital learning.
One of my favorite formats is “conversation, not presentation”. These sessions feel intimate, inviting deep discussions which often extend long after the end of the session. Some of my best professional ideas came from corridor cats and unexpected collaborations after these sessions.
Another format that I like: “Discovery sessions”. These presentations the size of a bite have quick ideas and an open discussion in a 45 -minute window, making it a huge time saving on several subjects in one place. I had the opportunity to present in some of them, and the informal and frank conversations that emerge are among the most perceptive. They also tend to arouse lasting friendships – there is something about the format of sharing ideas that makes connections occur naturally!
More than just a conference – a community that lasts
A conference is a conference is a conference. Am I right? No. What makes OLC innovate really special is that it is more than just a place to learn – it is a place to establish real connections which last long after the end of the sessions.
During my very first OLC innovate conference, I walked in the place the day before the sessions, giving an idea of space, when I started a conversation with another participant. It turned out that she was the presenter of a session that was the most! I had a million questions, and before we know, we were deep in the discussion – first during a boat trip through the conference center, then during dinner.
We attended each other’s sessions, taken photos and were in contact. Later, we even volunteered together, which solidified my place in the OLC family. And this presenter I met on the first day? We just sent a text on the weekend. Years later, she is still a dear friend.
It is the magic of OLC Innovate – it brings together educators from different horizons and disciplines, creating a space where conversations are transformed into collaborations and colleagues become friends of a lifetime.
Beyond educational sessions, there are many opportunities to relax, connect and recharge. This year’s range of engagement activities includes:
- Meditation and mindfulness – A guided virtual meditation session
- Laugh through chaos – Share stories of virtual work horror
- Knitting and crochet meetup – relax, discuss and create together
In recent years, morning yoga has been my favorite way to start the day and connect with your participating colleagues. Although yoga has not been offered this year since we have become entirely virtual, I am delighted with new ways to build a community and bring a balance to a crowded schedule.
Basically, OLC Innovate does not only concern learning – it is relationships, inspiration and find your people.
Let’s start the conversation
What is the biggest challenge you are faced with in digital learning at the moment? What strategies have worked in your class or school? Place a comment and start the conversation early! Go to OLC Innovate 2025!
