From the First 90 Days and Into the First Year: Strategizing as a New COLO

Concurrent Session 5
Leadership

Brief Abstract

Have you contemplated taking on the role of chief online learning officer (COLO)? Get a real time, “from the trenches” report in this highly interactive session with a colleague new to the role but determined to move forward strategically with momentum. Practical examples and concrete takeaway resources will abound.

Presenters

Extended Abstract

What is it like to take on the chief online learning officer (COLO) role at a new institution? How does one balance personal strengths, nascent institutional contextual knowledge, and a commitment to strategic digital teaching and learning? While drawing upon digital learning leadership literature and offering generalizable principles, this session will put forward the presenter as a case study in progress. At the time of OLC Accelerate, the presenter will be more than halfway through the first year as a new COLO after a decades-long career as a higher ed online education professional. This reflective leadership case study will focus on enacting strategy from Day 01 on the job through the first year with the Accelerate conference as a mid-year reality check.

 

Those in various online education positions who aspire to a COLO role will have the rare opportunity to get a real time, “from the trenches” report as to the challenges and successes of this transition. Key phases in the first year will be identified with concrete examples and practical resources in each section and regular opportunities for participant engagement throughout. (See draft outline below.) A unique fast-paced approach (i.e., each of the nine sections as a five-minute lightning round!) will keep the session moving and engaging.

 

Outline

  1. Lessons from the Literature and Other Leaders

    • Insights

    • Resource List

  2. Know Yourself: A Strengths-Based Approach to Team-Building

    • Examples

    • Engagement Opportunity

    • Resources

  3. Frame the Challenge: “Good to Great”

    • Examples

    • Engagement Opportunity

    • Resources

  4. The Importance of Institutional Context: “90 Conversations in 90 Days”

    • Examples

    • Resources

  5. Building Trust: Early Wins

    • Examples

    • Resources

  6. A Strategic Foundation: Identifying Big Rocks

    • Examples

    • Resources

  7. The Power of “We:” Pointing in the Same Direction

    • Examples

    • Engagement Opportunity

    • Resources

  8. “You Are Here:” Status Update on Moving Forward Strategically in the First Year

    • Examples

    • Resources

  9. Q&A/Discussion