Summer Bytes 2026: Weekly Conversations on Teaching, Technology, and Student Success

Professional Development

Last updated: June 15, 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.

July 1 | Rethinking Assignments for the AI Era

Presented with Harmonize
Topic area: AI / Assessment Design
Presenter: Alex Penn, Instructional Designer

How can faculty design assignments that still feel meaningful when students have access to generative AI? In this session, we’ll focus on practical strategies for creating more authentic, process-based assignments that make learning more visible through reflection, multimedia, peer interaction, revision, annotation, and feedback.

Rather than focusing on AI detection or policing, we’ll explore ways to design assignments where students show their thinking and engage more deeply with the work. The session will include examples from Harmonize, but the ideas can be applied across a variety of teaching contexts and platforms.

July 8 | Innovative Ways to Use Online Proctoring Tools

Presented with Respondus
Presenter: Rebecca Schkade, Customer Success & Training Specialist

Join us as we explore innovative ways institutions are using online proctoring tools — LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor — to support online assessments beyond traditional exams. Respondus will share practical examples of assessments delivered in classrooms, labs, testing centers, and remote environments, while instructors maintain control of the assessment environment.

Designed for instructors, instructional designers, testing coordinators, and academic leaders, this session offers real-world use cases from higher education institutions, followed by an open discussion on effective online assessment strategies and the evolving role of proctoring tools.

July 15 | A Practical Approach to Reviewing and Approving Syllabi

Presented with Simple Higher Ed
Presenter: Gina McArthur, Executive Vice President

With increased attention on syllabus quality and compliance, institutions are looking for more effective ways to review and approve syllabi at scale. Simple Higher Ed will share practical strategies and lessons learned from supporting nearly 600 colleges and universities nationwide — including more than 40 institutions in Texas — through its Simple Syllabus platform.

Attendees will learn approaches for streamlining syllabus review workflows, implementing an automated approval process, ensuring required content is included, and improving consistency across courses while reducing administrative effort.

July 22 | Building Trust and Integrity Through Online Proctoring

Presented with Honorlock
Presenter: Andy Wisner, Regional Sales Director – TX

How can we protect academic integrity without compromising student success? This session explores the intersection of accessibility, rigor, and integrity in online assessment — moving beyond basic restrictions to discuss a comprehensive proctoring strategy that prioritizes an always-on assessment experience and flexibility over simple surveillance.

Key takeaways:

Best practices for streamlining reviews while maintaining exam honesty
Using proctored assessments to strengthen student success and learning
How a robust solution fosters student agency and accountability