When the pandemic’s onset in March 2020 forced all classes online, students and instructors in the Faculty of Arts & Science were swiftly introduced to the world of learning in a purely digital environment.
Yet even well before that time, digital learning had begun to provide the A&S community with vast new possibilities for a flexible, inclusive, modern pedagogy designed to complement traditional methods of instruction.
Digital learning comprises much more than online classes. Optimally, it will allow those who engage with it more access to learning materials, innovative tools, and the ability to learn, experiment and be tested when and where they so choose.
A few months before the pandemic, the Faculty issued an academic plan outlining its commitment to supporting instructor innovation and experimentation with digital pedagogy — all with the aim of enriching the delivery of existing courses. While there were already plans to invest more heavily in digital learning, the pandemic proved a catalyst to accelerate this process.
Soon after, the A&S Online Learning Academy was launched to build a longer-term strategy around digital learning within the Faculty. The virtual academy brings together faculty members with demonstrated excellence in online teaching, to help instructors create the best possible online and dual delivery learning experiences.
It’s important that we take a look at what we have been learning, and how we have adapted along the way. It’s also important that we look forward to how we can provide our community access to the best digital methods, tools and resources available in the years ahead.
Now, it’s the community’s turn to have their say.
On March 7, the first Digital Hive was held. The next Digital Hive will be held on March 23, followed by a concluding event on April 4. The purpose of the hives is to seek feedback about digital learning from instructors, students and staff. In addition to sharing their own experiences, the hives allow community members to let A&S know how they can be best supported, and to articulate what tools and resources will help them as they continue to avail themselves of digital opportunities in a post-pandemic setting.
In welcoming participants to the first session, Dean Melanie Woodin affirmed the faculty’s commitment to hearing from all those directly engaged with these new, sometimes untested learning modalities.
“It’s important that we take a look at what we have been learning, and how we have adapted along the way,” she said. “It’s also important that we look forward to how we can provide our community access to the best digital methods, tools and resources available in the years ahead.”
During the session participants were directed to a series of breakout rooms designed to encourage small-group discussion about online learning. The groups shared their own experiences with online instruction delivery from a variety of perspectives. They also made valuable suggestions as to what the Faculty needs to do to provide access to the best resources available. When the whole group reunited, everyone exchanged ideas and observations.
For Professor Don Boyes, the hives are essential to his own understanding of community needs. Boyes is Academic Director of the Online Learning Academy, and a longtime expert in digital learning. The hives will provide him with valuable information to be used in the crafting of a digital learning strategy that will ultimately benefit members of the Faculty at every level.
“I want to give you my heartfelt thanks for coming today and sharing your ideas,” he told the assembled group. “I’ve been taking copious notes, and I so much appreciate all of the energy and enthusiasm that you’re taking in talking about this.” Boyes also invited participants to contact him via email with any ideas that arise pursuant to the discussion.
The next Digital Hive will be held on March 23, followed by a concluding event on April 4. All students, staff and faculty in the Faculty of Arts & Science are invited to participate — the better to have their voices heard, and to design an ongoing series of supports for digital learners as they navigate the new, exciting and challenging world of online education.
Join the Conversation: A&S Digital Learning Strategy Hives
Join us at an upcoming consultation hive and share your insights and ideas for what we should prioritize in our digital learning now and for the long-term. Register for the date that works best for you.