Issue No. 28
April 2026
A Message from President Amy Cicchino
Dear GSOLE Members,
As we celebrate 10 years of GSOLE, this year’s annual meeting gave us a chance to reflect on what we’ve built together and where we are headed next. I am truly grateful for the care and commitment our members bring to this organization. The work happening across GSOLE continues to move our field forward in exciting ways.
We heard updates from our committees that show real momentum. While you can access our full annual report here, I want to briefly share some highlights. Our Treasurer, Elle Tyson, led the transition to a new online banking system, strengthening how we manage our resources and support the organization’s future. We also added an Assistant Treasurer role, which should streamline the financial stability of GSOLE during treasurer transitions.
Our Research and Awards Committee is also extending GSOLE’s reach. This spring, they introduced the Beth Hewett Dissertation Award and the Scott Warnock Practitioner Award, alongside their ongoing support through annual research grants. We encourage you to explore the current research grant call for submissions below.
GSOLE’s digital presence continues to grow as well. The Digital GSOLE Committee is making steady progress in improving access to our materials and helping members find what they need more easily through website redesigns.
The Conference Committee introduced changes to GSOLECon that support a wider range of participants, including a three-day format and a schedule designed to reduce overlap. Conference materials remain available for those who want to engage on their own time.
Our publications remain an important part of this work. OLOR Effective Practices, OLOR Reviews, and Research in Online Literacy Education (ROLE) continue to support scholarship in online literacy instruction. You can find the current call for papers for ROLE below.
If you would like a fuller picture of this year’s work, I invite you to read the annual report and consider getting involved by serving on a committee or running for a leadership role in the upcoming elections.
Best,
Amy Cicchino
President, GSOLE
In accordance with GSOLE bylaws, this year’s elections will be led by the Elections Committee, co-chaired by a member of the Steering Committee, typically the Secretary, and a member of the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Committee. A call for nominations will be released no later than May 1, and ballots will be prepared and distributed no later than June 1.
This year we are holding elections for Vice President, Secretary, and three (3) At-Large Board Members. This year nomination materials are due to kdepew@odu.edu on April 20.
Learn more about each position here →Fresh Insights
Scott Ortolano | Effective Practices
Cat S. Williams-Monardes | Book Review
Read Review →Brian Harrell | Book Review
Read Review →Research in Online Literacy Education (ROLE) is currently accepting proposals, due November 1, 2026. This issue engages with the now seemingly ever-expanding conversation surrounding Artificial Intelligence (AI) and online writing instruction (OWI) and research.
See the full call for proposals →GSOLE is proud to support research and excellence in online literacy education through our annual grants and awards programs.
Recognizing outstanding dissertation research that contributes to the field of online literacy education, particularly studies focusing on pedagogy and inclusive practice.
Celebrating excellence in the daily practice of OLI, awarded to those whose instructional materials and course design demonstrate exceptional commitment to student success.
Interested in applying for a grant or nominating a colleague?
View All Awards & CriteriaFunding Opportunity
The Research Committee invites two-page proposals for research grants ranging from $500 to $2,000* to either an individual researcher or a group of researchers on projects related to online literacy education. We welcome proposals and research that address GSOLE’s mission in general and that focuses on equity and inclusion in online teaching and learning, including work from writing centers and studios. We are particularly inviting emerging scholars (e.g. graduate students) and scholars from underrepresented groups and institutions to apply.
Review the full call for proposals →Join us for regular Salon events, spaces where you can informally gather to talk about timely topics with other GSOLE members and online literacy educators. These events take place on the first Tuesday of every month and are open to anyone, regardless of GSOLE membership status.
Visit the Cybersalon Hub →The Basic OLI Certification program offers eight month-long courses facilitated by experts. Register for a single module ($25) or enroll in the full certification for a 3-year window.
Enrollment Details →Beyond our formal events, GSOLE thrives on the daily interactions between members in our forums and working groups. Get involved today!
Ways to Get Involved →Scholarship Spotlight
ROLE Issue 4.2 (2025)
The latest issue of Research in Online Literacy Educators (ROLE) is now available! Issue 4.2 (2025) is a tribute to ROLE’s founding editor, Michael Greer, and the values he held dear: access, student agency, and the ability of online educators to respond to emerging writing technologies. Please check out this issue and celebrate our contributing authors: Jessie Borgman, Casey McArdle, Ann Marie Francis, Heidi McCauley, Cat Mahaffey, Justin Cary, and Jason Snart.
Read ROLE 4.2OLOR Reviews Piece (2026)
Harrell, B. (2026). Reframing Online Writing Pedagogy: Review of Better Practices: Exploring the Teaching of Writing in Online and Hybrid Spaces. OLOR Reviews.
Read the ReviewOLI Publications
If you are looking for some OLI reading over the break, check out this new publication from WAC Clearinghouse by GSOLE members Jennifer Cunningham, Mary K. Stewart, Natalie Stillman-Webb, and Lyra Hilliard. This book represents the culmination of years of research on applying the Community of Inquiry framework to online writing courses and is a valuable contribution to OLI scholarship and research.
Cunningham, Jennifer M., Mary K. Stewart, Natalie Stillman-Webb, & Lyra Hilliard. (2025). The Community of Inquiry Framework in Writing Studies: Designing for Learning with Peer Review. The WAC Clearinghouse; University Press of Colorado.
Conference Opportunities
From June 4-7, Computers & Writing will host their 2026 conference, “Writing the Anthropocene: Digital Rhetorics and Sustainable Change.” With options for virtual or in-person attendance, presenters will share their work that engages with sustainability not only in environmental terms, but also in relation to labor, pedagogy, technology, and community, including online literacy instruction.
Learn more here →Are you a graduate student interested in online literacy education? Join our Graduate Organization (GSOLE-GO) to connect with peers, find mentorship, and build your professional network.
Learn More About GSOLE-GO