EUGENE, Ore. — Lane Community College recently hosted the Northwest eLearn Conference, welcoming more than 100 educators, instructional designers, and campus leaders from across the country. Attendees representing California, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Colorado, Idaho, Nebraska, Illinois, and Washington gathered to explore the future of online and technology-enhanced learning.
The two-day conference featured sessions on artificial intelligence, accessibility, extended reality (XR), and student success—topics that are shaping the next generation of education. Presentations included "A Study of AI and Ethics, Spirituality, and Humanity," which examined the human dimensions of artificial intelligence in teaching; "Teaching XR Through Real-World Projects," a hands-on exploration of immersive technologies in learning environments; and "Collaborate to Innovate," which focused on strategies for building stronger cross-departmental partnerships to support online learners.
One session highlighted Lane’s Fusion Lab, a versatile space where faculty and staff collaborate to test new technologies, including AI and XR tools, that enhance both instruction and campus operations. During the conference, attendees explored demonstrations and exchanged ideas about how these innovations can expand accessibility and engagement across disciplines. The Fusion Lab served as a living example of the spirit of experimentation and collaboration that defines both the conference and Lane’s approach to education.
The conference conversations demonstrated the power of collaboration in shaping the future of education. By bringing together educators from across the region, Lane advanced the shared goal of creating more inclusive, technology-driven learning experiences.
"The Northwest eLearn Conference embodies the spirit of collaboration and innovation that drives us forward as educators," said Mel Stark, Lane faculty member and next year’s conference chair-elect. "Each year, I’m inspired by how openly participants share their successes, challenges, and creative approaches to teaching and learning. By hosting this event, Lane Community College continues to affirm its commitment to exploring emerging technologies and shaping the future of accessible, student-centered education."
Lane Community College educates over 15,000 students annually at six locations across Lane County and online. Students and alumni from all 50 states and 79 countries create more than an $675 million dollar impact on the local economy, helping to support more than 8,900 local jobs. Lane provides affordable, quality, professional technical and college transfer programs; business development and employee training; academic, language and life skills development; and lifelong personal development and enrichment courses.