Summer Institute for Distance Learning and Instructional Technology (SIDLIT)
Save the Date
Friday, July 30-31, 2026
Calling all Designers + Faculty + Ed Technologists + L & D Trainers:
Plan now to attend our half-day Face 2 Face workshop and one-day Face 2 Face and Hybrid online event.
We will have one and a half days of online presentations, workshops and many topic-oriented special interest discussion groups, speakers, and demonstrations.
We are very excited to invite you to the Summer Institute for Distance Learning and Instructional Technology (SIDLIT “Side Light”) 2026 Annual Conference, which will be held on July 30-31, 2026. Our physical location this year is: Emporia State University โ or join us virtually!
The theme of SIDLIT 2026 is Tech in Education: Transforming Learning for All. In an era where budgets are tight and technology is ubiquitous; how do we ensure that our digital strategies actually improve learning outcomes? Come explore solutions to problems such as implementing large language models (LLMs) into the curriculum while maintaining academic integrity, how to implement open-source tools and affordable materials to maximize impact, how to adapt to learner shifts, and more. Through hands-on workshops and sessions, attendees will gain strategies needed to navigate the complexities of modern education and truly transform learning for all.
SIDLIT 2026 will feature:
- Keynote speaker
- A variety of concurrent sessions and hands-on-workshops, covering topics such as accessibility, assessment, AI, collaboration, engagement, gamification, multimedia, pedagogy, quality, and more.
- Lots of networking opportunities where you can connect with other SIDLIT attendees, speakers, sponsors, and organizers, and enjoy some refreshments and get to know our passions for learning.
- A virtual option, where you can access the conference sessions and materials online and interact with the speakers and attendees via chat and video conferencing.
- Plus, our Awards Ceremony where you have nominated and recognized your peers for their outstanding Technical Support, Instructional Designer, Innovative Teaching and Outstanding Leadership contributions.
SIDLIT 2026 is a great opportunity for you to learn from and network with other professionals in online learning and pedagogies, educational technology, training & development, and instructional design. Whether you are new to SIDLIT or a veteran attendee, you will find something valuable and relevant for your personal and professional growth.
Registration
Register now to attend face-to-face at Emporia State University orย virtually online.
Conference Costs:
Early Bird Pricing!ย Register by June 30th for a discount. The conference is $40 for in-person participation and includes lunch on Friday, July 30th. Virtual registration is $20. Some events may be subject to limited seating.
Registration after July 1 will be $50 for in-person attendees $30 for virtual. Register by July 16th.
Questions? Please contact Colleague 2 Colleague, Committee Chairperson Jiayi Wang
Looking for professional development throughout the year? Check out the C2C Professional Development Series page for details.