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. The administration of the Longwood Online Technology Institute and Course Reviews also are key responsibilities of the DEC.

The DEC currently has two full-time staff members and is now housed under CAFE: Center for Faculty Enrichment. Want to know more about us? "Meet" the DEC below!

 

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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, Poll Everywhere and Turn It In.

D. Connor Thompson - Solutions Engineer

 

Person wearing glasses and a black-and-olive checkered button-down shirt stands outside a brick building. They are centered in the frame, looking at the camera with a neutral expression. Green foliage and blurred brick architecture create a soft background. Natural lighting highlights the subject’s face and the texture of their shirt.

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