Last updated: August 5, 2026 | Sessions added as details are confirmed
This summer, TxDLA is hosting a weekly series of professional learning conversations every Wednesday at noon CDT — and we’re bringing in some of the partners who work alongside digital learning professionals every day.
Summer Bytes runs July 1 through August 26, 2026. Each session is structured as a hosted conversation, rather than a traditional webinar presentation. You’ll get a brief introduction, a focused discussion with our guest about their work and connection to the topic, a practical professional development segment, and time for your questions and reflection.
The goal: practical ideas you can actually use, with room for real conversation. Every session is designed with practitioners in mind — partners share real expertise and examples, and the conversation stays focused on what’s useful in your day-to-day work.
Sessions are free and open to all. Each session earns 1 CPE credit through TEA or for general professional development hours. A K12 attendance log is available to track your hours under TxDLA’s TEA provider number. TxDLA members have access to recordings in the Knowledge Center after each session.
2026 Summer Bytes Schedule
Wednesdays | 12:00–1:00 PM CDT | Via Zoom Registration links added as sessions open.
August 19 | Detecting AI Use During Proctored Exams
Presented with Smarter Services
Topic area: Academic Integrity / AI
Presenter: Dr. Mac Adkins
Dr. Mac Adkins walks through practical strategies for detecting and deterring AI use during proctored exams, with a focus on second-camera configurations that widen visibility without adding friction for students. He’ll also cover browser monitoring, assessment design, and post-exam review.
August 26 | From Compliance to Impact: What Texas Workforce Policy Means for Your Digital Learning Programs
Presented with Instructure
Topic area: Workforce Development
Presenter: Benjie Messinger-Barnes, SE Specialist, Instructure
Enrollment and completion used to be enough to justify a program. Under House Bill 8, Building a Talent Strong Texas, and the Texas Jobs Council, Texas now wants proof your programs produce real skills, employment, and wage gains. Benjie Messinger-Barnes of Instructure, a former math teacher and EdTech Director, walks through what that means for your online learning strategy: mobile-first working adults, skills-based pathways, and outcomes that hold up to state review.
About Summer Bytes
Summer Bytes is a TxDLA summer series offering weekly professional learning conversations for digital learning professionals across Texas and beyond. Sessions are hosted by TxDLA in collaboration with our partners and are designed to deliver practical takeaways in a collegial, conversation-based format.
Free and open to all. Each session earns 1 CPE credit (TEA). Use our attendance log to track your hours under TxDLA’s provider number. TxDLA members receive access to session recordings through the Knowledge Center.
Not a member yet? Join TxDLA for $50/year — and get access to 150+ recorded sessions, our professional community, mentorship program, and more.
Questions? Contact us at lisa@txdla.org.
