Conference on Meaningful Living and Learning in a Digital World 2025
Welcome
You are invited in our ninth annual meeting which explores one of the most important issues of our era - how to live and learn with technology in ways that add authentic value to our lives and to the world. As we embrace the conveniences of emerging technologies in the classroom and beyond, we will explore ways to employ them with a people-centered approach that includes balance, compassion, healthy living, mindfulness and relationships. The conference is sponsored by The University of West Georgia Continue West in partnership with USG eCore and eCampus.
Date
Sunday, February 9 - Wednesday, February 12, 2025. Please join us for a Welcome Reception and early conference check-in on Sunday at 5:30 PM.
Topics
- Student Engagement
- Reconciling Humanity and Technology in the Classroom
- Humanistic Instructional Design
- Work-Life-Learning Balance
- Health & Wellness on Campus
- Mindfulness and Health
- Learning Science
- Coaching and Mentoring Distance Learners
- Sustainable Technology Solutions
- Social Equity and Educational Access
- Experiential Learning
Intended Audience
- Distance Education instructors
- Instructional designers
- Librarians and media specialists
- Psychologists, counselors and social scientists
- Education administrators
- Nurses, speech language pathologists and wellness providers
- Adult learning leaders
- Distance Learning administrators
Types of Presentations
- 45-minute Interactive Presentation: Presenter will provide 25-30 minute presentation followed by discussion or interactive component.
- 7-minute Simple Talk: Presenter will deliver automatically timed slide-presentation of 21 slides (visual based not bullets), each lasting twenty seconds.
Savannah, Georgia, is a picturesque city known for its well-preserved historic architecture, charming cobblestone streets, and expansive, moss-draped oak trees. Founded in 1733, it is the oldest city in Georgia and boasts a rich history evident in its beautiful squares and historic homes. The city's vibrant cultural scene includes art galleries, museums, and a renowned culinary landscape. Savannah's waterfront along the Savannah River offers scenic views, bustling markets, and a lively atmosphere.
The Brice Kimpton in Savannah, Georgia, is a boutique hotel that seamlessly blends contemporary style with historic charm. Located in the heart of Savannah's Historic Disctrict, the hotel offers a unique and vibrant atmosphere with elegant accommodations, modern amenities, and a pet-friendly policy.
Guests can enjoy the outdoor pool, lush courtyard, and on-site dining at the popular restaurant, Pacci Italian Kitchen & Bar. The Brice Kimpton is known for its exceptional service, making it a favorite choice for travelers seeking both comfort and a touch of Southern hospitality.
Select your room using our discount link!
We invite you to submit your proposals for engaging presentations that delve into the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital world in fostering meaningful living and effective learning experiences. You can opt for either:
45-Minute Presentations: Deep-dive into your research, case studies, and innovative ideas. Share your expertise with a captive audience eager to learn and engage.
7-Minute Simple Talks: Concisely communicate a unique perspective in, a powerful idea, or an inspiring story in 21 slides. Leave a lasting impact with a succinct yet compelling presentation.
Join us in shaping the discourse on how we can navigate the digital landscape while fostering purposeful living and transformative learning. Submit your proposals by October 15, 2024, to ensure priority consideration for this conference.
General Conference Topics (for 45-minute presentations or 7-minute simple talks):
- Reconciling Humanity and Technology in the Classroom
- Humanistic Instructional Design
- Work-Life-Learning Balance
- Health & Wellness in the High-Tech Workplace
- Minimalism and Simplicity
- Coaching and Mentoring Distance Learners
- Sustainable Technology Solutions
- Social Equity and Educational Access
- Learning Science
The conference holds special significance for a diverse range of professionals including online educators and leaders, instructional designers, psychologists, sociologists, trainers, social scientists, communication researchers, healthcare practitioners and researchers, librarians, media specialists, and education administrators.
Conference Registration is Now Open!
Registration includes Sunday Reception, Monday Box Lunch, Tuesday Reception, Wednesday Lunch, and breaks.
Early Bird: $400
Regular: $485
Be mindful that attendance capacity is limited.
Opening Keynote Speaker
Dr. Crystal Neumann
Master the Art of Mindfulness & Emotional Hygiene in the Digital World
Monday at 9:00 AM
As higher education professionals, we juggle countless responsibilities, often pushing through stress, guilt, and emotional exhaustion to support students and colleagues. But what about our own emotional well-being? While we take care of our physical health, we often neglect emotional pain—like anxiety or burnout. It’s time to change that.
At this keynote address, discover how to incorporate emotional hygiene into your daily routine, even in the digital workspace. Transform your relationship with yourself. Through mindfulness techniques, such as loving-kindness meditation and self-compassion, learn how to manage stress, quiet your inner critic, and build emotional resilience. These practices not only benefit you personally, but also improve your professional interactions. Such improvements help you foster more compassionate relationships in the virtual classroom and among your peers. Join us to explore practical strategies for emotional self-care and bring a renewed sense of well-being into your online and professional life.
Dr. Crystal Neumann serves as the Assistant Provost for the business department at American College of Education. She has a doctorate in business administration, MBA, and master’s in adult education. Dr. Neumann previously worked in marketing and market research before she transitioned to higher education to work with and motivate adult learners. In addition to her research and academic side, she is a huge proponent of the “body, mind, spirit” philosophy as a certified hypnotherapist and registered yoga teacher.
Digital Detox Yoga - Monday at 3:00 PM
Take Advantage of the opportunity for deep de-stressing with Angela Reid. Bring your mat provided in each Brice hotel room (extra ones available if you forget) to the Pool Lawn.
Angela Reid, EdS is the Assistant Director of Instructional Design and Development and LMS administrator at USG eCampus for eMajor Programs. She holds an EdS in Media and Instructional Technology from the University of West Georgia and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. Recently, she earned a Master of Science in Integrative Health from the University of West Georgia as part of the inaugural class. Angela loves practicing yoga in the community and is passionate about helping others achieve their health and wellness vision. She is an active member of The Breathe for Change Educator Collective, which supports educators in fostering a culture of wellness. In her spare time, Angela enjoys spending time with family, exploring nature, traveling, and volunteering at health and wellness events. A lifelong learner, she believes continuous learning enriches both her career and overall well-being.
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Hand-Held Labyrinth - Tuesday at 3:15 PM 
Come take a contemplative pause and learn how to "walk" a hand-held labyrinth with Alison Umminger. This nimble tool can be used for personal reflection, and also for guided meditations in the classroom. Labyrinths are ancient and archetypal tools that have been used for millennia, and after leaving this session you may be inspired to explore simple ways to incorporate them into the 21st century classroom.
Dr. Alison Umminger is a Professor of English at the University of West Georgia, where she teaches creative writing and contemplative learning. She is also a certified Spiritual Director and facilitates retreats at Ignatius House and other retreat centers in the Southeast. In July of 2024, she trained as a Labyrinth facilitator with Veriditas, and is integrating this tool into faculty wellness workshops and other spaces of spiritual exploration. You can find her on Linkedin, where she posts about all that is human in a digital world.
We extend our thanks and ask you to support our sponsor who helps to make this experience more meaningful.
Advantage Office Solutions offers life-friendly products and design services for business and work-environments. usaadvantage.net
For information or clarification regarding the Call for Proposals, please contact Marty Davis at gdavis@westga.edu or 678.839.6614.
For assistance with registration, billing, or to pay by phone, please contact Erika McClain at emcclain@westga.edu or 678.839.6611.