Global Reach, Local Impact: DES26 Retrospective

Global Reach, Local Impact: DES26 Retrospective 

The 15th Annual Digital Education Summit (DES26), hosted by SHSU Online on June 25-26, brought together educators, instructional designers, administrators, and technology professionals from SHSU and around the world for two days of learning, collaboration, and innovation. What began 15 years ago as a regional professional development event has evolved into an international gathering focused on the future of teaching and learning. 

This year's Summit demonstrated both the growing reach of DES and the continued demand for conversations surrounding online learning, instructional design, accessibility, and artificial intelligence. According to event data, DES26 welcomed  

1,005 registrations, representing 267 institutions, 37 states, and 26 countries, with 712 attendees participating throughout the event.

A Broad Cross-Section of the Digital Learning Community 

While Sam Houston State University led registration numbers with 269 participants, DES26 attracted strong participation from institutions across Texas and beyond, including Houston Community College, Collin College, Sul Ross State University, Lamar University, and the University of Phoenix. The event's reach extended far beyond state lines, drawing attendees from across the United States as well as Canada, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Turkey, and other countries.  

The diversity of organizations represented created a rich environment for sharing perspectives and best practices. Participants came from universities, community colleges, K-12 school districts, corporations, and government agencies, reinforcing the Summit's reputation as a space where educational innovation crosses traditional boundaries. 

Conversations That Matter 

Session attendance data revealed significant interest in topics that are shaping the future of education. The two keynote presentations drew the largest audiences, with 270 live viewers on Day 1 and 188 live viewers on Day 2. Among breakout sessions, high-interest topics included: 

• Designing Engaging & Interactive Online & Hybrid Courses (133 live viewers) 

• Prompting the Student, Not the Machine (102 live viewers) 

• Building Confidence, Not Just Competence: An AI Community of Practice for Faculty Development (98 live viewers) 

• Digital and AI Tools for Teaching Literature (71 live viewers) 

• Agentic AI: Redesign is Not Enough (71 live viewers)  

The strong attendance for AI-focused presentations highlighted educators' continued interest in understanding how emerging technologies can support teaching, learning, and student success while maintaining academic integrity. 

A Community of Educators and Innovators 

DES26 attracted a balanced mix of educational professionals. Approximately 40% of attendees identified as faculty, while 23% served in administrative roles and 37% represented support or technical positions. This blend of perspectives encouraged meaningful conversations about the practical challenges and opportunities facing modern education.  

Measuring Impact 

Perhaps the most encouraging results came from participant feedback. Both keynote sessions received exceptional evaluations, with attendees reporting 100% relevance and 100% improvement in understanding. Across the Summit's 50 breakout sessions, participants consistently rated presentations highly, with 90-95% reporting session relevance and 85-90% indicating improved understanding of the topics presented.  

These outcomes reflect the dedication of DES26 presenters, moderators, organizers, and attendees who contributed their expertise and engaged in thoughtful discussions throughout the event. 

Looking Ahead 

The success of DES26 demonstrates the continuing importance of creating spaces where educators can explore emerging trends, share effective practices, and build professional connections. As online, hybrid, and technology-enhanced learning continue to evolve, the Digital Education Summit remains committed to supporting the educators and institutions leading that transformation. 

SHSU Online extends its gratitude to every presenter, attendee, moderator, and sponsor who helped make DES26 a success. Together, you created an engaging and inspiring learning community that continues to advance digital education across Texas and around the world.