Opening Keynote: Dr. Constance A. Harris
Dr. Constance A. Harris
Director of Online Learning, Center for Excellence in Learning, Teaching, and
Technology (CELTT), University of Baltimore
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Dr. Constance Harris has nearly 20 years of experience in IT consulting and management in higher education. She earned her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Purdue University in 2013, where she worked as a teaching assistant in Educational Technology and a research assistant in Engineering Education. After graduation, she joined Purdue’s IT division as an instructional technologist and faculty consultant for the IMPACT program. In 2015, Dr. Harris moved to George Mason University (GMU), advancing from Manager of Instructional Design to Assistant Director. At GMU, she spearheaded the Online Course Development Institute (OCDI), a flagship program for the Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning, which won the 2016 Information Technology Project Excellence Team Award. Since 2018, Dr. Harris has served as Director of Online Learning at the University of Baltimore. She oversees the instructional design team, faculty development, and the learning management system, including leading the University’s migration to Canvas LMS in 2023. Her research interests include instructional design management, project management, problem-based learning, and servant leadership. Her leadership continues to shape the University’s strategic direction in online education.
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Tales from the Front: Leading Institution Level Online Learning Initiatives
In this keynote presentation, Dr. Constance Harris will explore research that shapes the
responsibilities, and skill sets essential for instructional design leaders in higher
education. Drawing from her experience leading online learning initiatives and
managing instructional design teams at two institutions, she will share practical
strategies for effective leadership, including establishing clear project charters,
managing cross-disciplinary teams, and fostering a positive team climate.
Participants will learn from Dr. Harris' insights into overcoming project challenges and
staying current in the evolving field of instructional design. The session will focus on
promoting team members' work-life balance, professional growth, and personal
development, concluding with an interactive Q&A to discuss applying these strategies in
attendees' environments. This presentation aims to inspire and empower current and
future online learning and instructional design leaders.
responsibilities, and skill sets essential for instructional design leaders in higher
education. Drawing from her experience leading online learning initiatives and
managing instructional design teams at two institutions, she will share practical
strategies for effective leadership, including establishing clear project charters,
managing cross-disciplinary teams, and fostering a positive team climate.
Participants will learn from Dr. Harris' insights into overcoming project challenges and
staying current in the evolving field of instructional design. The session will focus on
promoting team members' work-life balance, professional growth, and personal
development, concluding with an interactive Q&A to discuss applying these strategies in
attendees' environments. This presentation aims to inspire and empower current and
future online learning and instructional design leaders.