Wilfrid Laurier University COED 2009 Update

From OUCEL Wiki

Wilfrid Laurier University | Educational Development (ED), Teaching Support Services (TSS)

Sandy Hughes, Director: TSS | Jeanette McDonald, Manager: Educational Development Developments in 2009-2010

• In fall 2009 we initiated our first learning community on student writing; this follows our 2008 conference at which John Bean presented and gave a workshop; the theme of the conference was “writing within and across the disciplines”; the response has been overwhelmingly positive

• We are currently undergoing a major LMS review; this began with a call for proposal process which eventually saw two systems under consideration – Desire2Learn and Blackboard; shortly a decision will be made as to which system will be adopted; currently we use WebCT/Blackboard

• ED is playing an active role in advancing and supporting the integration of the OCAV undergraduate degree level expectations; currently we are working at the program level as each area comes up for review; we are also working with various programs (who approach us) who are reworking their curriculum and are making strides to integrate program level learning objectives

• We are undergoing an educational policy review process to assess what policies are currently in place (if any) and what kinds of educational policies are needed (a gap analysis of sorts); for example: defining how a course is defined under a blended model – currently most undergraduate courses are defined by 36 contact hours; a policy requiring our best and most experienced professors to teach first year courses (engagement); information communication technology – e.g., faculty who embrace cloud computing and implications such as privacy

• Syllabus Research Project – moving to phase II – for more information see www.nutshell.wikispaces.com

• Budget cut implications – charging for programs/events; loss of faculty associate position; cut backs to grant program, etc.

• Blended/Integrated/Intensive teaching – there is considerable interest from our graduate professional programs (MBA, seminary, social work) to offer programs and courses in alternate formats; in response we are doing intensive, customized programming for programs and departments (all invited)

• Laurier is undergoing an information and communications technology review , see: http://www.wlu.ca/page.php?grp_id=317&p=15010

• TSS has a new reporting structure; formerly we reported to the Vice President Academic and Provost; we now report to the Associate VP: Academic Services

• TSS is investigating a streaming server for delivery of online learning mediated materials (e.g., films, audio) to replace DVD, CD, and yes, VHS; not all distributors seem to be up-to-speed on this though it is generating discussion for them

• Laurier’s president has set up an innovation fund to provide seed money to explore initiatives that either (1) result in cost savings to the university or (2) make money for the university; in either case the idea is that the department (for example) to propose and carry out a project would also benefit financially from their efforts; this fund has potential implications for continuing education, online learning, and educational development)

• We are experimenting with offering webinar workshops followed by a discussion forum with moderate success