About Dr. David Guralnick

David Guralnick envisions a new approach to education and workplace learning. His vision integrates progressive learning theory, advanced technology, and creative, entertaining storytelling to create learning experiences that help people learn to think critically, reflect, and make thoughtful decisions. David holds a Ph.D. from Northwestern University, where his work synthesized concepts from the fields of computer science and artificial intelligence, instructional design, and cognitive psychology. Over the past 30 years, he has designed and evaluated a variety of simulation-based training applications, performance support systems, online courses, mobile applications, and authoring tools for corporate, non-profit, and university audiences.

David holds a Ph.D. in computer science from Northwestern University, where his work synthesized concepts from the fields of computer science/artificial intelligence, instructional design, and cognitive psychology. Over the course of his thirty years in online learning, he has designed and developed simulation-based training applications, electronic performance-support systems, and specialized authoring tools which allow non-technical people, such as writers and trainers, to build e-learning sites.

Among David’s most notable achievements are the creation of the first learn-by-doing simulation for corporate training purposes and the first authoring tool for a non-technical audience that was specific to e-learning. He has been the recipient of over 200 e-learning design awards, and his work has been featured in Wired magazine, the Wall Street Journal, and Training magazine (as an Editor's Choice). He has been a regular speaker at both industry and academic events since 1991. He is also the author of the recent book How Organizations Can Make the Most of Online Learning.

David is the current President and CEO of Kaleidoscope Learning. He is also the current president of the International E-Learning Association; founder and chair of The Learning Ideas Conference; Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal on Advanced Corporate Learning; Chair of the International E-Learning Awards; and an Adjunct Professor at Columbia University.

About Jeremy Boles

Jeremy Boles has dedicated nearly 30 years to empowering adult learners across diverse industries and organizational settings. His career spans corporate training, nonprofit initiatives, and educational institutions, where he has developed and facilitated learning programs tailored to the unique needs of adult audiences. Jeremy's expertise lies in designing interactive, learner-centered experiences that not only transfer knowledge but also foster skill development and personal growth. He is passionate about making learning engaging, impactful, and memorable, often integrating innovative strategies and tools to ensure participants remain actively involved in the process. His commitment to excellence in adult education has made him a sought-after professional in the field.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Jeremy is an accomplished woodworker. His craftsmanship reflects his creativity and precision, and he takes great pride in showcasing his creations at various competitions. Whether in the classroom or the workshop, Jeremy brings innovation and enthusiasm to everything he does.

About Stella Porto

Stella Porto is currently a Senior Learning Specialist at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in Washington, DC. She has been with IDB since September 2014. The IDB, through its Knowledge and Learning division, offers a variety of e-learning products to the Latin American and Caribbean regions. Stella manages the design, development, and delivery of several of these. She is also the head of CredencialesBID, IDB’s open badge initiative

Prior to the IDB, Stella was the director of the Masters of Distance Education and E-learning (MDE) at the University of Maryland Global Campus, where she also held other positions since 2001. Prior to that, she was a Professor of Computer Science for around 9 years in her native country, Brazil. Stella holds a BS in Electrical Engineering, a Masters, and Doctoral degrees in Computer Science, and much later, she added a master's in Distance Education.

Outside her full-time job duties, Stella collaborates with Quality Matters as a facilitator and also works on various consulting projects related to online learning through her own business, StellerJ Consulting.

Bridging the Gap: Faculty Hesitancy and the Workforce Imperative of Online Learning

Ariel Fleurimond

An abstract will be posted soon!

About Ariel Fleurimond

Ariel Fleurimond is a dedicated practitioner and researcher in online learning and higher education. With nearly two decades of experience in education, Ariel has dedicated her career to reimagining how we design, deliver, and experience learning in a rapidly changing world.

As the Senior Director of Instructional Design and Curriculum Support at Columbia University, Ariel leads multidisciplinary teams that transform traditional education into immersive, engaging online and hybrid experiences. She has worked with faculty to develop courses that span diverse fields—from Social Work to Strategic Communication, Technology Management to Human Capital Management—empowering learners to thrive in both academic and professional landscapes. Ariel also serves as adjunct faculty at Columbia University’s Teachers College and SUNY Brockport, where she shares her expertise with the next generation of educators and instructional designers.

Ariel’s journey began in 2005 as a student observer in a 2nd-grade classroom in New York City, a role that ignited her passion for education and innovation. Over the years, she has become a trusted partner to faculty and institutions, navigating the complexities of digital transformation with a focus on change management, support strategies, and the future of work. Her research interests reflect her commitment to tackling the big questions facing education today: How can we create sustainable, accessible, impactful online learning? And how can we meet the needs of various university stakeholders in these endeavors?

Ariel’s work extends beyond higher education to include community impact. She has served on the Board of Directors for B~STEM, a non-profit dedicated to increasing access to STEM opportunities for underrepresented groups, and as an advisory board member for We Connect the Dots, an organization inspiring students to explore careers in STEAM and higher education.

Outside of her professional work, Ariel is a passionate creator, hobby voice actor, artist, musician, and gamer—bringing her love for creativity and technology into every aspect of her work. Whether she’s crafting engaging learning experiences, mentoring early career instructional designers, or exploring the intersection of education and technology, Ariel is on a mission to inspire a future where learning is limitless, inclusive, and transformative.