On March 25, 2026, IU17 and IU8 are coming together to host the Online Learning Symposium — and I couldn’t be more excited about what this represents.

This is more than a virtual conference. It’s a recognition of something we all know deep down:

Whether we planned to be or not — we are all educating online.

Learn More at this LINK and fill our your Registration at this Link

“I’m Not an Online Educator”… Or Are You?

If you don’t think of yourself as an “online educator,” I’d gently push you to reconsider.

Do your students:

* Submit work digitally?

* Collaborate in shared documents?

* Participate in virtual meetings?

* Use learning management systems?

* Watch instructional videos?

* Communicate via email or messaging platforms?

Then you are already navigating the online learning space.

At the World of Learning, we’ve been teaching virtually for years — long before it became a necessity. And what we’ve learned is this:

Online learning is not a separate thing. It’s part of how learning happens now.

The 2026 Online Learning Symposium acknowledges that reality — and invites us to get better at it together.

Two Strands. One Shared Purpose.

This year’s Symposium offers two strands:

* Classroom

* Leadership

Participants are welcome to focus deeply in one strand or move between both — because the truth is, classroom practice and leadership decisions are deeply intertwined.

As we’ve seen in our own work, strong virtual instruction requires:

* Clear expectations

* Strong relationships

* Intentional communication

* Flexible structures

* High standards

* Ongoing support

These aren’t “technology skills.” They’re human skills applied through digital tools.

In our own professional learning at WOL, we’ve often reflected on ideas like social presence, meaningful engagement, and compassion in digital spaces. One of the most powerful themes that keeps surfacing is this:

Compassion. Time. Meaningful. Care.

Those words apply whether you’re a superintendent, a classroom teacher, or a parent supporting learning at home.

Why This Matters for District Leaders

For superintendents, curriculum directors, and school board members, this Symposium is especially timely.

Across Pennsylvania and beyond, districts are facing:

* Teacher shortages

* Scheduling constraints

* Budget pressures

* Expanding course expectations

* Increasing digital integration

The question is no longer whether online learning will play a role in your district.

The question is:

How will you ensure it’s done well?

High-quality virtual learning is not:

* A packet.

* A login to a self-paced app

* A video library without connection.

It is built on:

* Certified teachers

* Live interaction

* Relational trust

* Consistent feedback

* Clear communication

* Systems that support engagement

When done intentionally, virtual learning doesn’t replace schools — it extends them.

As we often say at the World of Learning, we are here to extend your campus so students get what they need.

Why This Matters for Families

Families, too, are navigating a changing educational landscape.

Parents want:

* Rigor

* Connection

* Flexibility

* Safety

* Communication

* Real human interaction

The misconception that online learning is isolating or impersonal simply doesn’t match what thoughtful programs can provide.

When live instruction is paired with strong course design, clear routines, and meaningful feedback, students:

* Build confidence

* Develop independence

* Strengthen communication skills

* Experience cultural and global learning

* Connect across districts and communities

And importantly — they feel seen.

As we’ve learned time and again:

Nothing engages a learner more than believing they are capable and valued.

Professional Learning That Builds Culture

One of the hallmarks of strong online programs is ongoing professional learning.

In our own team conversations, we continually ask:

* What is most important about what we do?

* What are we wondering?

* What can we do better?

That mindset — reflective, collaborative, growth-oriented — is exactly what gatherings like the Online Learning Symposium are designed to foster.

Act 48 hours will be available, yes. But more importantly, so will connection.

And in a field that can feel isolating at times, connection matters.

March 25, 2026: A Day to Learn Alongside Each Other

The beauty of this Symposium is that it brings together:

* Classroom educators

* Instructional coaches

* Administrators

* Curriculum leaders

* Technology specialists

* Anyone curious about improving digital instruction

There truly is something for everyone.

Whether you are refining an already-strong virtual program or just beginning to ask questions about how online tools are shaping your classrooms, this day is an opportunity to grow.

We’re All Still Learning

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s this:

Education is not static. Technology is not going away. And learning remains deeply human.

The question isn’t whether online tools belong in education.

The question is how we use them to build:

* Trust

* Belonging

* Engagement

* Rigor

* Access

* Opportunity

The 2026 Online Learning Symposium is a step in that direction.

📅 Join Us

2026 Online Learning Symposium 📍 Virtual 🗓 March 25, 2026 🎓 Act 48 hours available

👉 Learn more about the Online Learning Symposium. LINK

👉 Register now. Registration Link

We hope you’ll join us.

Because whether we named it or not, we are all educating online.

And we can do it better — together.

Pat

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