Marni Baker Stein is keynote speaker for UT System online learning conference

Marni Baker Stein

By Sandy Gulledge
Senior Communications Specialist, Office of Information Technology

(March 28, 2014) -- Marni Baker Stein, chief innovation officer in the University of Texas System Institute for Transformational Learning, will be the keynote speaker at this year's Innovations in Online Learning (IOL) Conference May 21-23 in San Antonio,. The theme of the event is "Sparking Innovation for Education."

With 20 years of experience in developing innovative higher education programs, Baker Stein helps promote a culture of educational innovation across Texas and expanding access to educational programs that improve learning and reduce costs.

A catalyst for innovation, the Institute for Transformational Learning works to establish the nine universities and six health institutions of the University of Texas System as world leaders in developing and implementing best-in-class resources for online learning.

With a $50 million fund, the institute works to improve learning outcomes, develop blended and online degree and certificate programs and courses, and discover innovative teaching tools that promote interactivity.

Co-hosted by UTSA and the University of Texas at El Paso, the conference will highlight innovations at UT System and other schools. Educators from throughout the state and leaders from across the UT System will meet at the Hyatt Regency hotel on the San Antonio River Walk to explore innovative ways in which educational visionaries such as Stein are transforming the field.

"Conference organizers are offering interactive and engaging presentations related to changes and innovations in online education," said Mayra Collins, co-chair for this year's event. "Presenters will address the unique challenges and opportunities that come with the delivery, support, evaluation and management of online teaching and learning."

Seminar sessions will focus on best practices, innovative research and trends in technology.

IOL is designed for higher-education faculty, staff and students engaged at any level of online learning. Early bird registration ends April 4. For more information, visit the IOL Conference website.

Events

Friday, May 3, 11:30 a.m.

McNair Scholars' Spring Celebration

This event will acknowledge graduating seniors from the McNair Scholars program at UTSA before inducting the new cohort of scholars into the program.

North Paseo Building (NPB 5.140), Main Campus

Wednesday, May 15, 6:00 p.m.

Doctoral Conferral Ceremony

At this memorable celebration, UTSA graduates will be introduced one-by-one to cross the stage and accept their doctoral degrees.

Arts Building Recital Hall, Main Campus

Thursday, May 16, 3:00 p.m.

Roadrunner Walk

Roadrunner Walk is an event for graduating students to have a memorable walk on campus to celebrate an important milestone and their achievements. Graduates will walk along the Paseo while being celebrated by the UTSA community, friends, and family members.

Student Union Paseo, Main Campus

Friday, May 17, 10:00 a.m.

Commencement: Ceremony One

Celebrate the accomplishments of College of Education and Human Development, College for Health, Community and Policy, College of Sciences and University College.

Alamodome, 100 Montana St.

Friday, May 17, 4:30 p.m.

Commencement: Ceremony Two

Celebrate the accomplishments of Alvarez College of Business, College of Liberal and Fine Arts and Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design.

Alamodome, 100 Montana St.

Submit an Event

Spotlight

UTSA’s Mission

The University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.

UTSA’s Vision

To be a premier public research university, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.

UTSA’s Core Values

We encourage an environment of dialogue and discovery, where integrity, excellence, inclusiveness, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.

UTSA’S Destinations

UTSA is a proud Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) as designated by the U.S. Department of Education .

Our Commitment to Inclusivity

The University of Texas at San Antonio, a Hispanic Serving Institution situated in a global city that has been a crossroads of peoples and cultures for centuries, values diversity and inclusion in all aspects of university life. As an institution expressly founded to advance the education of Mexican Americans and other underserved communities, our university is committed to promoting access for all. UTSA, a premier public research university, fosters academic excellence through a community of dialogue, discovery and innovation that embraces the uniqueness of each voice.