About the DEC

Established in 2012, the Digital Education Collaborative (DEC) was created to provide support and structure to the University's commitment to academic success and pedagogical excellence through the effective use and administration of applications for instructional technology. In 2021, the DEC is still committed to this task, alongside serving as an agent for personal, professional and academic growth in a technologically mediated environment. The DEC bridges the gap between technology and instruction.

In 2013, the DEC spearheaded the massive undertaking of converting the University's learning management system from Blackboard to Canvas. Over the years, the DEC has piloted, purchased and adopted many instructional technology tools. From Echo 360 to Panopto and WebEx to Zoom, the DEC is devoted to constant growth. The administration of the Longwood Online Technology Institute, the Course Enhancement program and Quality Matters Course reviews also are key responsibilities of the DEC.

The DEC currently has 2 full-time staff members under the direction of Ashley Leslie and is housed under The College of Graduate and Professional Studies. Want to know more about us? "Meet" the DEC below!


Ashley Leslie - Director and Instructional Designer

Ashley Leslie is Director and Instructional Designer in the DEC. Ashley received her M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction focusing on Instructional Technology from Virginia Tech and her B.S. in Education from Longwood University. Ashley also holds a Virginia Teaching License, is a Quality Matters Certified Online Facilitator, is a Quality Matters Peer Reviewer, holds several Quality Matters certifications, and is the Quality Matters Coordinator for Longwood University. As a member of the DEC, Ashley enjoys working with faculty to design courses and integrate technology into all learning modalities. Ashley enjoys teaching LOTI sessions, leading faculty professional development sessions, and supporting faculty and students with their Canvas courses. Her professional areas of interest are Quality Matters, course design, Panopto, Poll Everywhere and Turn It In.

Samantha Ellington - Assistant Director and eLearning Specialist

Samantha, most often called Sam, is the Assistant Director and eLearning Specialist within the DEC, as well as a 2012 graduate of Longwood University. Sam is the lead Canvas Administrator and co-administrates Respondus Lock Down Browser and Zoom, to name a few, among others that are housed in the DEC. Like her peers, Sam is Quality Matters Certified. She particularly enjoys being presented with an "odd" or challenging problem and researching and testing to provide resolution. 

D. Connor Thompson - Solutions Engineer

Connor Thompson is a Solutions Engineer for the DEC. Connor received his AAS in Visual Design from Virginia Western Community College and his B.A. in Fine Art focusing on Photographic Art from Longwood University. Connor has a background in technology and enjoys trying new tools and learning as much as he can. Connor loves working with others to learn a tool together. Connors main goal is to create an active conversation where clear communication is exalted, root problems are understood and patience is an expectation from all parties. In his spare time Connor likes to tinker, learn and fix.

Visit the
Digital Education Collaborative (DEC)
on www.longwood.edu

Office Hours

Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday: Support via Email

Contact

Digital Education Collaborative (DEC)

(434) 395-4332

dec@longwood.edu