AECT D&D Newsletter
February 11, 2026
D&D Board Meeting on February 9, 2026
The D&D Board had our second 2026 monthly meeting on February 9, 2026. The meeting centered on routines of board business, the AECT 2026 conference preparation, the new Nominations and Elections Policy, and the D&D Awards management.
2026 AECT Division Election Ballot
Our 2026 AECT Division Election is officially underway, and the ballot is now open for your participation (sign-in required). The leaders we elect today will help navigate the path for our division in the coming year. We value your perspective and hope you will take a moment to read about each candidate's background and goals. By casting your vote, you ensure that our organization continues to reflect the diverse voices and expertise of our members. The ballot will end on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
Renew Your AECT Membership
As you plan for another year of professional growth and scholarly contribution, we cordially invite you to renew your AECT membership for 2026. While completing your renewal, please remember to select the Design and Development (D&D) Division to stay connected with us (alternatively, you may click "Request to Join" the D&D Division on this page). Your continued membership ensures you remain at the forefront of the field while supporting the vital initiatives and leadership that drive our division forward.
D&D Board Meetings Dates and Link
Our monthly D&D board meetings in the first half of 2026 will be at:
- March 9, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. EST
- April 13, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. EST
- May 11, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. EST
D&D members are welcome to join during open sessions using Zoom with the following information:
2026 AECT International Convention: Call for Proposals
The call for proposals of the 2026 AECT International Convention (in-person) will end on February 16, 2026. No extensions will be given. All submissions must align with the conference theme "Building Bridges", and the number of proposals a division receives will directly determine its allocated presentation slots for the event. Interested members are encouraged to submit early to ensure their work is considered for this premier gathering of instructional design and technology professionals.
2026 D&D Awards: Call for Nominations
We want to remind members that the D&D Awards Committee is still accepting the D&D Awards nominations. The five types of awards range from outstanding journal articles, books, instructional practices, and student work. Award winners will be honored at the D&D Membership Meeting and invited to present their work during the AECT International Convention in Chicago, scheduled for November 3-7, 2026. The nomination deadline for the awards is March 30, 2026, except for the Nova Southeastern Award for Outstanding Practice by a Graduate Student in Instructional Design award, which is June 1, 2026.
D&D Webinar: AI & Scholarly Publishing
The D&D Board invites all D&D members to attend our latest webinar on February 27, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. CST. We have invited Dr. Lucas Vasconcelos, Dr. Albert D. Ritzhaupt, and Dr. Richard West to talk about their perceptions and experiences of how AI is reshaping scholarly publishing. More details can be found in the attached flyer.
D&D Writing Blocks
Dear D&D Division Members,
We're excited to invite you to an upcoming Writing Block Series designed to give you dedicated, uninterrupted time to make progress on your writing--whether that's a manuscript, proposal, or other scholarly or professional work.
What is a Writing Block?
This is a focused, supportive space where we write together (quietly!) for a set period of time. You bring your writing goal, and we provide the structure and accountability.
Why join?
- Protect time for writing amid busy schedules.
- Build momentum on works-in-progress.
- Write alongside colleagues in a low-pressure and collegial environment.
When and where?
5 p.m. to 7 p.m. EST on the following Tuesdays:
- February 10 & 24, 2026
- March 10 & 31, 2026
- April 14 & 28, 2026
- May 12, 2026
You can join anytime via the Zoom link: https://odu.zoom.us/j/6513108684
If you have any questions, please reach out to xren@odu.edu We look forward to writing with you!
We will see you in our next newsletter!