DirectCourse Learning Administrator Conference

DHS, in partnership with Elsevier/DirectCourse, will host a virtual, one-day DirectCourse Learning Administrator Conference on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026.

Conference details

Use the following information to attend the conference:

• Date: Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026

• Time: Sessions occur from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  Note: Session times are listed in Central Standard Time (CST) below.

• Registration: Registration is required for each individual session. To register, refer to the schedule and registration instructions below.

• Cost: Free

• Platform: Virtual via Microsoft Teams

This event will offer valuable insights into using the DirectCourse learning system and content to strengthen training efforts across Minnesota. Participants will:

• Explore practical strategies.

• Connect with peers.

• Discover new ways to support the people and communities we serve.

Hosts and presenters

The event will feature presentations from the following people:

• DirectCourse/Elsevier: Leigh Evans, senior account manager; Brandon Bray, implementation analyst

• DHS Licensing Division: Desiree Tiller, Diana Arnzen

• University of Minnesota Institute on Community Integration (ICI): Claire Benway, national training consultant; Mark Olson, project coordinator; Megan Sanders, national workforce consultant

• DHS Disability Services Division: Bailey Anderson, DirectCourse state learning administrator

Schedule and registration information

Registration is required for each individual session, so participants can choose to register for the sessions that interest them based on their learning goals and preferences.

Use the information below to register for individual sessions.

Welcome and introductions

• Time: 8 to 8:20 a.m.

• Registration: To register, refer to Microsoft Teams registration – Welcome and introductions.

• Topics: Overview of the sessions and presenter introductions.

Speak with a Minnesota licensing specialist about training documentation

• Time: 8:30 to 9:20 a.m.

• Registration: To register, refer to Microsoft Teams registration – Speak with a Minnesota licensing specialist about training documentation.

• Topics: What license holders should expect during a licensing review, key focus areas for licensors (especially training documentation) and what to prepare to share or demonstrate during a licensing visit.

Custom modules, OnTrack and more: A practical learning management system workshop

• Time: 9:30 to 10:20 a.m.

• Registration: To register, refer to Microsoft Teams registration – Custom modules, OnTrack and more.

• Topics: Creating custom modules and linked content, how to use OnTrack and classroom and event for in-person training, announcements and acknowledgements and sample training plans.

Using MN Crosswalks for 245D, positive supports and employment services training

• Time: 10:30 to 11:20 a.m.

• Registration: To register, refer to Microsoft Teams registration – Using MN Crosswalks for 245D, positive supports and employment services training.

• Topics: Overview of Crosswalk areas, connection to learning management system content and annual training plans.

Administrator changes: Strategies for a smooth handoff from one administrator to another

• Time: 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

• Registration: To register, refer to Microsoft Teams registration – Administrator changes.

• Topics: Ideal transition period, how to deactivate previous administrators, permissions and the new administrator training process.

Administrator system refresher and onboarding

• Time: 1 to 1:50 p.m.

• Registration: To register, refer to Microsoft Teams registration – Administrator system refresher and onboarding.

• Topics: Introduction to the DirectCourse learning management system, adding new learners to your department, assigning training, using linked content and creating custom modules.

Advanced administrator features: Preparation for audits/licensing review with learning management system reporting

• Time: 2 to 2:50 p.m.

• Registration: To register, refer to Microsoft Teams registration – Advanced administrator features.

• Topics: Running reports, how to clean up reports before a licensing visit and transcripts.

Closing session

• Time: 3 to 3:30 p.m.

• Registration: To register, refer to Microsoft Teams registration – Closing session.

• Topics: Overview of available content and how to access further support.

Presenters 

The event will feature speakers from Elsevier and guest presenters from the University of Minnesota’s  Institute on Community Integration (ICI), including: 

• Leigh Evans, Elsevier DirectCourse senior account manager 

• DirectCourse Minnesota team from the University of Minnesota 

o Claire Benway, DirectCourse national training consultant 

o Mark Olson, DirectCourse project coordinator 

o Megan Sanders, DirectCourse national workforce consultant 

• Bailey Anderson, DHS DirectCourse state learning administrator 

Accommodations 

All sessions will have American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and communication access real time translation (CART). To request accommodations, email dhs.dsd_cds@state.mn.us at least one week before the conference. 

More information 

For more information, refer to DHS – DirectCourse online classes.

To sign up for DirectCourse, please fill out a request for a learner account or e-mail dhs.dsd_cds@state.mn.us