Abstract: In this interactive workshop, two presenters will discuss how they created, developed, and launched a virtual education support center due to the rising demand for online teaching and learning. Presenters will showcase the Virtual Education Support Center (VESC) in its current state. Following the showcase, presenters will facilitate a question-and-answer session about the center’s creation and development. For the working session, participants will then be taken through a process of online center development and ideas for outreach. Participants will also explore how to engage stakeholders, leverage resources, and create an online center that fits their institutions' needs and culture. Upon completion of the workshop, participants will have a template for building a virtual center.

Objectives

Upon completion of the workshop, participants will: Understand a process for developing a virtual center. Explore the usefulness of a virtual center. Engage in discussion and collaboration around the creation of a virtual center. Create a working template for building a virtual center.

Topical Outline

PPT presentation of the process (15 minutes to lay the foundation of content): Presenters will discuss how they created and implemented the Virtual Education Support Center (VESC). Showcase (15 minutes): Presenters will take participants on a virtual guided tour of VESC. Q&A (20 minutes): Participants can ask questions and get further details about the VESC project. Workshop portion (40 minutes): Participants will be given a template to help generate and organize ideas for creating their own virtual center within their organizations. This portion of the section will feature a holistic discussion and guided idea creation. Participants will be able to share their ideas and get feedback.

Prerequisites

None besides an interest in developing a virtual center for an organization.

Experience Level

Beginner

Qualifications

Ashley Babcock, EdD: Associate Dean of the School of Education at Northcentral University. Dr. Babcock helped develop the idea of VESC and leveraged resources to create the VESC Director position. She also worked with colleagues to create VESC. In a previous role at Northcentral University, Dr. Babcock helped create the new and rebranded virtual space for the Academic Success Center, an academic coaching center focused on statistics and scholarly writing support. Dr. Lyn collaborated with colleagues to facilitate the launch of VESC and continues to advance its development as an outward-facing resource with a mission to support virtual teaching and learning in K-12 and higher education. Before working at NCU, Dr. Lyn served as a Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Development in K-12.