About TOPkit Workshop 2026
This year, the workshop is rolling into town Tuesday, March 31 to Thursday, April 2, 2026 — and the theme is Carnival Magic. Whether you’re a seasoned instructional designer, a faculty high-flyer, or just joining the parade, TOPkit 2026 will be your ticket to:
- Thrilling sessions that spin fresh perspectives and innovative practices
- Show-stopping keynotes that juggle research, strategy, and real-world application
- Interactive midway games of collaboration, networking, and skill-building
- View the workshop agenda
Don’t miss the chance to ride the Ferris wheel of faculty development, toss your ideas into the ring, and march in the grand parade of teaching and learning innovation. So grab your cotton candy, polish up your masquerade mask, and join the carnival fun at TOPkit Workshop 2026. The greatest show in instructional design awaits!
Registration
Get your ticket to reserve your spot for TOPkit Workshop 2026!
The TOPkit Workshop is free and designed for faculty development professionals in the State University System of Florida and Florida College System but open to other higher education professionals at a nominal cost.
TOPkit Workshop 2026 Milestones – Important Dates*
| Workshop Milestones | Begins/Opens | Due/Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Submit Proposals | September 19, 2025 | December 1, 2025 |
| Registration – State of Florida Funded | September 30, 2025 | March 30, 2026 |
| Registration – Early Bird General Admission | September 30, 2025 | March 5, 2026 |
| Sign Up to Be a Proposal Reviewer | October 16, 2025 | November 7, 2025 |
| Distribute Proposals to Reviewers for Review | December 11, 2025 | December 22, 2025 |
| Notification of Session Acceptance | January 12, 2026 | NA |
| RSVP to Present | January 12, 2026 | January 19, 2026 |
| TOPkit Workshop 2026 | Tuesday, March 31, 2026 | Thursday, April 2, 2026 |
Full Workshop Schedule
(subject to change)
Day 1 – Tuesday, March 31
- 12:30–1:00 p.m. Welcome, housekeeping, and networking with the TOPkit Team
- 1:00–1:50 p.m.
- Keynote: OER, AI, and ID in a Time of Continuous Transformation David Wiley, Associate Professor and Academic Affairs Fellow for AI in Education at Marshall University, West Virginia Governor’s School for Entrepreneurship, and Director of The Brad D. Smith Student Incubator
- 1:50–2:00 p.m. Break
- 2:00–2:30 p.m. | Concurrent Sessions
- Unreasonable Design: Extraordinary Experiences
Melissa Vasallo, Ena Urbina, Alyssa Foligno-Busta, and Jacqueline Lorente-Pico, Florida International University - Under the Big Top of Terror: What Horror Narratives Reveal About the Online Student Experience
Megan Derrick, University of South Florida - The Power of Narrative: Designing Online Learning That Connects Cate Dowman and Maité Saco,
- Designing Accessible STEM Content with Open-Source Tools
Salina Randall, University of West Florida
- Unreasonable Design: Extraordinary Experiences
- 2:30–2:40 p.m. Break and transition
- 2:40-3:10 p.m. | Concurrent Sessions
- Expanding the ADDIE Toolkit: AI Integration in Instructional Design
Nafije Prishtina and Florence Williams, University of Central Florida - Creative Approaches to Information Literacy Design
Melony Shemberger, Murray State University - Go Big or Go Home: Facilitating Career Readiness in MOOCs
Martha Hubertz, Alisha Janowsky, and Kari Mottarella, University of Central Florida - Using NotebookLM for Student Engagement
Justin Greathouse, Lake Sumter State College
- Expanding the ADDIE Toolkit: AI Integration in Instructional Design
- 3:10–3:20 p.m. Break and TOPkit’s Big Top Talent
- 3:20–3:50 p.m. Best in Track
- Beyond the Syllabus: Exploring Faculty-First AI Assistants
Lauren Kelley (University of Delaware) & Jason Matthew (Toronto Metropolitan University)
- Beyond the Syllabus: Exploring Faculty-First AI Assistants
- 3:50–4:00 p.m. Announcements and networking
Day 2 – Wednesday, April 1
- 12:30–1:00 p.m. Welcome, housekeeping, and networking
- 1:00–1:50 p.m.
- Future of Instructional Design panel, Kevin Corcoran (moderator), panelists Page Jerzak, Whitney Kilgore, Tina Pascal, Maikel Right
- 1:50–2:00 p.m. Break
- 2:00-2:30 p.m. | Concurrent Sessions
- Clear Benchmarks That Support Student Success in Online Courses
Elizabeth Primiano Evans and Michelle Moreno, Full Sail University - Designing with Insight: Balancing AI and Human Intuition in Course Development
Bailey Cleaveland and Laura Aguado, University of South Florida - The Power of Pause: Designing Chunked Video Experiences
Todd Mendenhall and Evan Peck, University of South Florida - Empowering Student Engagement and Agency with Yellowdig in Online Courses
Joseph Lloyd and Martha Hubertz, University of Central Florida - Faculty Voices on Accessibility: A Multi-Institutional Study of STEM Teaching Practices
Baiyun Chen and Katherine Springer, University of Central Florida
- Clear Benchmarks That Support Student Success in Online Courses
- 2:30–2:40 Break and transition
- 2:40-3:10 p.m. | Concurrent Sessions
- Transforming Course Development Through Intentional e-Design
Aubry Jacques and Willie Freeman, Florida Atlantic University - The Grading Blueprint: Intentional Planning for Feedback and Learning
Angelika Fairweather and Laura Aguado, University of South Florida - Bring Book Club Vibes to Course Design: Social Annotation
Laura Aguado and Bailey Cleveland, University of South Florida - Pathways to ID Data Literacy: At What Cost, and to Whose Benefit
James Paradiso, University of Central Florida
- Transforming Course Development Through Intentional e-Design
- 3:10–3:20 p.m. Break and TOPkit’s Big Top Talent
- 3:20–3:50 p.m. Best in Track
- From Challenges to Insights: Leveraging Faculty Feedback Data
Desiree Henderson, University of South Florida
- From Challenges to Insights: Leveraging Faculty Feedback Data
- 3:50–4:00 p.m. Announcements and networking
Day 3 – Thursday, April 2
- 12:30–1:00 p.m. Welcome, housekeeping, and networking
- 1:00–1:50 p.m. Student panel
- 1:50–2:00 p.m. Break
- 2:00-2:30 p.m. | Concurrent Sessions
- Six Years of On-Demand Faculty Support and Its Impact
Victor Ventor, University of South Florida - Using a Course Strategic Plan
Chris Sax, Notre Dame of Maryland University - Student Artists, Smart Widgets, and SDGs
Devon Cadwell Bazata and Martha Hubertz, University of Central Florida - Course Enhancement with Generative AI
Lindsey Mercer, University of South Florida
- Six Years of On-Demand Faculty Support and Its Impact
- 2:30–2:40 p.m. Break and transition
- 2:40-3:10 p.m. | Concurrent Sessions
- The Greatest Show in the LMS: Centralizing Faculty Professional Development
Jenae Burkart and Andi Nelson, University of West Florida - Step Right Up to Open Pedagogy: Using GenAI to Reveal Opportunities
Rebecca McNulty and Lily Dubach, University of Central Florida - Ethical Use of Graphics in the Age of AI
Joe Lloyd, Martha Hubertz, and Joe Fauvel, University of Central Florida - Teaching the Hidden Curriculum: Executive Function Coaching
Melissa Packwood, Beacon College
- The Greatest Show in the LMS: Centralizing Faculty Professional Development
- 3:10–3:20 p.m. Break and TOPkit’s Big Top Talent
- 3:20-3:50 p.m. Best in Track
- Under the Big Top: Creating a GenAI Faculty Learning Community
Ashley Reese, University of South Florida
- Under the Big Top: Creating a GenAI Faculty Learning Community
- 3:50–4:00 p.m. Announcements and networking
Keynote Speaker
David Wiley, Ph.D.
Dr. David Wiley is an Associate Professor and Academic Affairs Fellow for AI in Education at Marshall University, where he teaches courses in entrepreneurship and management information systems. His work—spanning teaching, research, and consulting—sits at the intersection of generative AI, open education, entrepreneurship, instructional design, and student success.
A recognized leader in innovation and education, Dr. Wiley also serves as Dean of the West Virginia Governor’s School for Entrepreneurship and Director of The Brad D. Smith Student Incubator. He is widely known as one of the founding figures of the open educational resources (OER) movement, helping to shape the future of accessible, high-impact learning.
Learn more on David’s LinkedIn page and on Dr. Wiley’s webpage.
Opening Panel – Day 2
Led by Kevin Corcoran (University of Central Florida), this session returns for Part Three of the ongoing TOPkit conversation on the evolving world of instructional design and faculty development in higher education. Reuniting under the big tent are panelists Page Jerzak (Santa Fe College), Whitney Kilgore (iDesign), Tina Parscal (Colorado Community Colleges Online), and Maikel Right (Florida International University), picking up a conversation that has been drawing a crowd since its debut in 2024.
This engaging panel invites attendees to take a front-row seat as panelists explore the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping instructional design work today. From adapting faculty development programs to balancing emerging technologies with sound pedagogy, the discussion promises no smoke and mirrors, just thoughtful insights and practical approaches to supporting teaching and learning in a rapidly changing environment.
Attendees will walk away with can’t-miss takeaways, fresh perspectives, and future-ready ideas to help instructional designers and institutions keep their footing as the landscape continues to change.
Kevin Corcoran – Panel Moderator
Kevin Corcoran is the Assistant Vice Provost of the Center for Distributed Learning at UCF. Kevin has over 25 years of experience in developing and supporting strategies for the effective use of digital learning tools and content, with a focus on quality standards and practices, student engagement, accessibility, and affordability. Kevin has supported open education efforts at the system, state, and national levels over the past decade, including chairing the statewide Connecticut OER Coordinating Council and the DOERS3 collaborative.
Panelists
Santa Fe College
iDesign
Colorado Community College System
Florida International University
Opening Panel – Day 3
Emilie Cook – Every Learner Everywhere
Emilie Cook joined Every Learner Everywhere in April 2021. In her role, Emilie manages content, internal and external communications, marketing, and network partner engagement and collaboration. With 15 years of marketing and communications experience, she brings extensive expertise and a steadfast commitment to equitable digital learning in higher education. In addition to her Every Learner role, Emilie served as an adjunct instructor for the Salisbury University Perdue School of Business, where she taught marketing and implemented adaptive courseware. Emilie is the lead of the Every Learner student internship program, partnering with students across the nation to share their thoughts, insights, and lived experiences through student panels, webinars, and publications.
Student Panel
Brayden Hamilton – Student Moderator
Fisk University, Political Science and Music
Brayden Hamilton is currently pursuing dual Bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Music at Fisk University, with an anticipated graduation in 2027. She actively engages in campus life as a Student Government Association Senator and contributes her musical talents as a clarinetist in the Music City Sound Marching Band.
Brayden’s commitment to advocacy is complemented by her internship experience in online educational initiatives. She is dedicated to making a positive impact, fostering her passion for social justice, and empowering youth through arts and education.
Brayden Hamilton is enthusiastic about joining Every Learner because of her deep-seated passion for equitable education and digital learning solutions. Having witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education through her community involvement and academic journey, Brayden is eager to contribute to Every Learner’s mission to enhance educational accessibility and effectiveness through innovative online platforms. She is particularly motivated by the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse team committed to leveraging technology to create inclusive learning experiences, aligning with her goal of driving positive change in education for underserved communities.
Student Panelists
Maria Jose Igarta
Mount Holyoke College, B.A. Computer Science and French with a Nexus in Data Analytics and Society
Maria is a junior at Mount Holyoke College, majoring in Computer Science and French with a Nexus in Data Analytics and Society. As an international student from Chiapas, Mexico, she’s passionate about technology’s transformative power to drive meaningful change to communities and individuals.
Her leadership is grounded in both user experiences and inclusive innovation. From collaborating with Kode with Klossy in addressing the gender gap in STEAM, researching and developing VR tools for studying bias and racial interaction at The B.E.A.R.S Lab, being a summer intern at PIT-UN, and a digital accessibility intern at The American Foundation for the Blind, she’s committed to social justice and learning how to create digital experiences that benefit everyone.
Her diverse, interdisciplinary background combines technical expertise, accessibility advocacy, and public interest technology. As an aspiring digital accessibility technologist, she’s excited to contribute to Every Learner Everywhere’s efforts to improve students’ experiences through digital learning.
Meghan Lanzi
UNC-Chapel Hill, Psychology and Data Science Double Major
Meghan is a psychology and data science double major and honors student at UNC-Chapel Hill. She is passionate about the intersections of artificial intelligence/machine learning, accessibility, and learning outcomes! She says, “My experiences teaching visually impaired students to program and my own academic journey as a student researcher have empowered me to utilize artificial intelligence in unique and diverse ways to support my and others’ learning!”
Chair
Rhiannon Pollard, Ph.D.
Dr. Rhiannon Pollard leads the central team of Instructional Designers supporting faculty development, pedagogical consultation, and course quality for online teaching and learning at the University of Central Florida. She holds a Ph.D. in educational technology as well as multiple coaching certificates. Her primary research focus centers on instructional designers in higher education—their professional identities, roles, challenges, supports, and professional development, and she has authored and co-authored peer-reviewed articles and presentations on topics such as instructional design, online learning, faculty development, and student mentoring in online environments.
Learn more on Rhiannon’s LinkedIn page.
Virtual Event Platform
TOPkit Workshop 2026 will be presented using Sched. Optional training for presenters and attendees TBD.
Event Themed Background and Slide Deck
We’ve prepared an optional virtual background and presenter slide deck to complement the event experience. These downloadable resources are available for participants who’d like to be visually aligned with the workshop theme.
- TOPkit Workshop 2026 Background 1
- TOPkit Workshop 2026 Background 2
- TOPkit Workshop 2026 Presenter Slide Deck
Revisit Past Workshops
Visit past TOPkit Workshops using the link below.
TOPkit Workshop past events
Contact Us for Information
Email: topkit@ucf.edu
Enjoy the TOPkit Workshop? Attend the Innovation Summit?
The TOPkit Workshop and Innovation Summit focus on digital learning and occur around the same time every year so participants can benefit from attending both events. Innovation Summit offers a more general, broad focus. The Workshop offers a variety of interactive sessions that empowering faculty development professionals with innovations and best practices.
Get Updates for Upcoming Workshops and Other TOPkit Communications
Stay ahead of the game with exclusive resources, upcoming workshops, and expert insights. Don’t miss out on this transformative opportunity. Sign up today!