Bringing us Humans Back to EdTech: Highlights from WCET’s 2025 Virtual Summit

If you joined us at this year’s WCET virtual summit, The Elements of Humanizing EdTech in Higher Education – thank you. We appreciate the chance to learn and discuss the essential elements of digital education today with you all. It wasn’t just another Zoom marathon; dynamic panelists shared their thoughts about the critical components of humanizing teaching and learning with technology. The sessions provided a whole lot of inspiration about how technology can truly support learning and learners, not just deliver it.  

Each year, WCET hosts a member-only virtual summit designed to bring together educational leaders and practitioners from forward-thinking institutions and organizations actively pursuing answers to the big questions in higher education. In the past, we’ve discussed AI Policy, higher education business models, quality digital learning, and more. This year’s topic focused on keeping the human connection in digital learning and educational technologies.

We dove deep into what it means to bring the human element back into digital learning. We discussed AI’s role in education, fostering inclusivity in online spaces, and ensuring student success in our increasingly tech-driven world. And the best part? The people leading these discussions weren’t just experts in their fields; they were passionate, thoughtful changemakers shaping the future of higher education. Even better, these individuals are part of the WCET community, so now, we can continue learning and working together.

An Inspiring Opening Session

Our opening session this year featured the inspirational Eric Rodriguez, a speaker and strategist passionate about the power of education to transform lives. Eric began by sharing a heartfelt story about his grandmother’s love for learning—not just for the sake of earning a degree or credential, but for the joy of lifelong curiosity. Her example instilled in him a deep appreciation for continuous learning.

One of my favorite stories from Eric’s presentation was about a student determined to solve a problem in her community—pests invading a local community garden. She developed a humane pest control system by learning how to code and exploring AI. This story perfectly illustrates how we can create opportunities for students to gain new knowledge and practical skills while tackling real-world challenges that matter to them.

Eric also highlighted how today’s technology is increasingly personalized to individual needs. He made a great point—my iPhone is set up exactly the way I like it, but it would probably drive someone else crazy! Our students interact with highly customizable tech tools every day, and they will expect similarly tailored experiences in their college classrooms.

A big thank you to Eric for his engaging and thought-provoking presentation—it was the perfect way to kick off our day!

A Celebration of Women Leading the Way  

How fitting that this year’s Summit took place so close to International Women’s Day, as many of our sessions were presented or facilitated by incredible women doing groundbreaking work in digital learning. We heard from leaders pushing the boundaries of AI and virtual reality and from those championing the call for equitable student experiences. Everyone who spoke reminded us that innovation isn’t just about technology. It’s about the people behind it.  

Their insights left me energized and also left me feeling challenged – how exactly can we try to ensure that technology enhances—not replaces—the human connections that make learning meaningful? How do we design learning environments that serve all students? 

Key Takeaways from the Summit  

While we could (and probably should) write an entire book about the wisdom shared at the Summit, here are just a few of my key takeaways:  

• AI should be another tool in the toolbox instructors can use for learner support, not a replacement for any of your current tools. The conversation around AI in higher ed continues to evolve, and speakers emphasized that AI should be used to support educators, not sideline them.
• Student Success must be at the center of digital learning. Access to technology is not enough—we need intentional, inclusive design to ensure all students thrive.  
• Authentic connections matter. Human interaction remains critical in online learning through well-designed online discussions, thoughtful instructor presence, or community-building initiatives.  

Let’s Continue this Conversation 

Of course, one event can’t solve every challenge in digital learning, but wow, what a starting point! If you attended, we’d love to hear your reflections—what inspired you? What new ideas will you bring back to your work?  

And if you missed it, don’t worry! You can still engage in these conversations through WCET’s ongoing work, blog posts (like this one!), and community discussions in MIX, or join us on LinkedIn! Also – I just heard that a certain WCET Annual Meeting Call for Proposals is open – continue our discussions and share your expertise by submitting a session proposal!

Let me reiterate: thank you to those of you who were able to join us. The WCET community thrives because of your active engagement in meetings, webcasts, volunteering, and project collaboration with us and our other members.

Let’s keep the momentum going to ensure that the future of digital learning and educational technologies remains in human hands.

This post was written by Lindsey Downs, from WCET, with some brainstorming and editing help from Megan Raymond, ChatGPT, and Grammarly.

---