Meaningful Living and Learning in a Digital World 2026 Conference
Welcome
You are invited to our tenth annual meeting which explores one of the most important issues of our era - how to live and learn with technology in ways that add authentic value to our lives and to the world. As we embrace the conveniences of emerging technologies in the classroom and beyond, we will explore ways to employ them with a people-centered approach that includes balance, compassion, healthy living, mindfulness and relationships.
Date
Sunday, February 8 - Wednesday, February 11, 2026. Please join us for a Welcome Reception and early conference check-in on Sunday at 5:00 PM.
Topics
- Student Engagement
- Reconciling Humanity and Technology in the Classroom
- Humanistic Instructional Design
- Work-Life-Learning Balance
- Health & Wellness on Campus
- Mindfulness and Health
- Learning Science
- Coaching and Mentoring Distance Learners
- Sustainable Technology Solutions
- Social Equity and Educational Access
- Experiential Learning
Intended Audience
- Distance Education instructors
- Instructional designers
- Librarians and media specialists
- Psychologists, counselors and social scientists
- Education administrators
- Nurses, speech language pathologists and wellness providers
- Adult learning leaders
- Distance Learning administrators
Types of Presentations
- 45-minute Interactive Presentation: Presenter will provide 25-30 minute presentation followed by discussion or interactive component.
- 7-minute Simple Talk: Presenter will deliver automatically timed slide-presentation of 21 slides (visual based not bullets), each lasting twenty seconds.
Savannah, Georgia, is a picturesque city known for its well-preserved historic architecture, charming cobblestone streets, and expansive, moss-draped oak trees. Founded in 1733, it is the oldest city in Georgia and boasts a rich history evident in its beautiful squares and historic homes. The city's vibrant cultural scene includes art galleries, museums, and a renowned culinary landscape. Savannah's waterfront along the Savannah River offers scenic views, bustling markets, and a lively atmosphere.
The Brice Kimpton in Savannah, Georgia, is a boutique hotel that seamlessly blends contemporary style with historic charm. Located in the heart of Savannah's Historic Disctrict, the hotel offers a unique and vibrant atmosphere with elegant accommodations, modern amenities, and a pet-friendly policy.
Guests can enjoy the outdoor pool, lush courtyard, and on-site dining at the popular restaurant, Pacci Italian Kitchen & Bar. The Brice Kimpton is known for its exceptional service, making it a favorite choice for travelers seeking both comfort and a touch of Southern hospitality.
Select your room using our discount link!
We invite you to submit your proposals for engaging presentations that delve into the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital world in fostering meaningful living and effective learning experiences. You can opt for either:
45-Minute Presentations: Deep-dive into your research, case studies, and innovative ideas. Share your expertise with a captive audience eager to learn and engage.
7-Minute Simple Talks: Concisely communicate a unique perspective in, a powerful idea, or an inspiring story in 21 slides. Leave a lasting impact with a succinct yet compelling presentation.
Join us in shaping the discourse on how we can navigate the digital landscape while fostering purposeful living and transformative learning. Submit your proposals by October 15, 2025, to ensure priority consideration for this conference.
General Conference Topics (for 45-minute presentations or 7-minute simple talks):
- Reconciling Humanity and Technology in the Classroom
- Humanistic Instructional Design
- Work-Life-Learning Balance
- Health & Wellness in the High-Tech Workplace
- Minimalism and Simplicity
- Coaching and Mentoring Distance Learners
- Sustainable Technology Solutions
- Social Equity and Educational Access
- Learning Science
The conference holds special significance for a diverse range of professionals including online educators and leaders, instructional designers, psychologists, sociologists, trainers, social scientists, communication researchers, healthcare practitioners and researchers, librarians, media specialists, and education administrators.
Submit a Proposal for the Meaningful 2026 Conference WAITLIST
Registration includes Sunday Reception, Monday Box Lunch, Tuesday Reception, Wednesday Lunch, and breaks.
Early Bird: $400
Regular: $485
Be mindful that attendance capacity is limited.
Richard La Fleur, PhD
"The Soul of Scholarship: Cultivating Environments for Meaningful Learning and Human Flourishing"
Monday, 9:00 AM
Griffon Room AB
As artificial intelligence and digital technologies reshape the educational landscape, educators face a profound challenge: how to preserve the depth, dignity, and humanity of learning. How do we become architects of meaningful living and reduce burnout and disconnection, while rediscovering the soul of our scholarship? Together we will explore designing spaces (physical, digital, relational, pedagogical), where transformative encounters can occur and how we position ourselves to cultivate environments that welcome change.
Dr. Richard E. La Fleur earned his Bachelors of Science, Masters of Psychology and Ph.D in Psychology, (Consciousness and Society) at the University of West Georgia. His research interests include the concept of mattering as it relates to veterans post- deployment during the reintegration process, using phenomenology (qualitative methods - namely Narrative Inquiry) to frame his research.
Central to Dr. La Fleur's research is the concept of Moral Injury and the lived experiences of cultural dissonance that perpetuates populous fragmentation and creates deep wounds within the soul. Dr. La Fleur seeks to initiate spaces for communal dialogues to foster physical, mental and spiritual healing and growth both through individuals and community. As a liaison and advocate for veterans and other military personnel, Dr. La Fleur is instrumental in navigating the challenges of transitioning from military life to civilian life, (including veterans seeking higher education). As a certified facilitator of Therapeutic Enactment - a group-based therapy that engages clients in a dynamic interpersonal and action-based process, Dr. La Fleur helps clients physically, emotionally, cognitively and spiritually address trauma on multiple levels.
Just as important, Dr. La Fleur's work on mattering is central to human existence and creates a framework to better understand roles and relationships, as well as social discourse. One of the courses taught by Dr. La Fleur is "Phenomenology of Social Existence", taking a closer look at the seven pillars of society and the individual and collective ways we 'make meaning' in life. In addition to this and other courses in Psychology, Dr. La Fleur lectures on a holistic approach to health and mental well-being, promoting a healthier lifestyle.
Concurrent Sessions - 2026 Conference
Monday, 10:00 AM – Concurrent - Session I
Monday, 11:00 AM – Concurrent Session II
Melissa K. Jones
Dartmouth
Griffon Room A
Leading the Way: Coaching and Mentoring in a Remote World
Patrick Yuran
Oak Mountain Academy
Griffon Room B
Beyond Burnout: Mindful Pathways to Sustainable Work-Life-Learning Balance
Bernadette Beavers Forrest and Hope Whiteside
University of Alabama
Slate Room
Monday, 1:00 PM – Concurrent Session III
7-MINUTE SIMPLE TALKS
Monday, 2:00 PM
Griffon AB Room
__________
Tuesday, 9:00 AM – Concurrent Session IV
Tuesday, 10:00 AM – Concurrent Session V
Tuesday, 11:00 AM – Concurrent Session VI
Tuesday, 1:00 PM – Concurrent Session VII
7-MINUTE SIMPLE TALKS
Tuesday, 2:00 PM
Griffon AB Room
Inspiring Leaders through Humanistic Instructional Design
__________
Wednesday, 8:00 AM – Concurrent Session VIII
Wednesday, 9:00 AM – Concurrent Session IX
Wednesday, 10:00 AM – Concurrent Session X
Digital Detox Yoga - Monday at 3:00 PM - Pool Lawn
Take Advantage of the opportunity for deep de-stressing. Bring your mat provided in each Brice hotel room (extra ones available if you forget) to the Pool Lawn.
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Activity TBA - Tuesday at 3:00 PM - Pool Lawn
We extend our thanks and ask you to support our Sponsor who helps to make this experience more meaningful.
Advantage Office Solutions offers life-friendly products and design services for business and work-environments. usaadvantage.net
For information or clarification regarding the Call for Proposals, please contact Marty Davis at gdavis@westga.edu or 678.839.6614.
For assistance with registration, billing, or to pay by phone, please contact Erika McClain at emcclain@westga.edu or 678.839.6611.