Schedule

  • 8:30-9:30 a.m.
    Breakfast

    Breakfast will be available on the concourse.

    Granola bars – GF V DF

    Fruit skewers – GF VG BF DF

    Greek yogurt – V

    Hard boiled eggs – GF V

    Juice and San Pellegrino

    Fair Trade organic coffee and tea

    Decaf coffee

    *Dietary options will be provided.

  • 9:30-10:00 a.m.
    Welcome and Opening Remarks

    Location: Fletcher Theatre

    Opening remarks by Afsaneh Sharif, UBC and chair of the Digital Learning Advisory Committee and Ben Ferrel, executive director, Digital Policy and Business Transformation Branch, Ministry of Post Secondary Education and Future Skills.

  • 10:00-10:45 a.m.
    Keynote: Maha Bali (Live stream available)

    Location: Fletcher Theatre

  • 10:45-11:05 a.m.
    Break

    Coffee, tea, and snacks will be available on the concourse

    Carrot power protein balls – V DF

    Fair Trade organic coffee and tea

    Decaf coffee

    *Dietary options will be provided.

  • 11:05 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
    Digital Learning Strategy in Action Series

    Location: Fletcher Theatre

  • 11:05 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
    Supporting Digital Literacy Development with Open Educational Resources (Recorded video for online attendees)

    Recorded video for online attendees

    Presenter: Britt Dzioba, BCcampus

    The BC Digital Literacy Hub is a public, online collection of Open Educational Resources designed for instructors in post-secondary institutions in British Columbia. The goal is to help educators, including learning and teaching staff, integrate digital literacy materials easily into existing courses and improve their own digital literacy skills. In collaboration with the Ministry of Post-secondary Education and Future Skills, BCcampus developed this collection to support the implementation of the B.C. Post-Secondary Digital Literacy Framework. The collection was created for educators with the support and guidance from educational professionals across the province.

  • 12:30-1:15 p.m.
    Lunch

    Lunch will be available on the concourse

    Wraps:

    Ham and Swiss – NF

    Smoked turkey – NF DF

    Roast beef mediterranean chickpea – NF DF VG

    Free range egg salad – NF V

    Tuna dill cucumber salad – NF DF

    Canadian Italian – NF

    Roasted eggplant – NF DF VG

    Mixed greens with apples, pumpkin seeds, cranberries with fig dressing – V, GF, NF, DF

    Assorted cold beverages

    Fair Trade organic coffee and tea

    Decaf coffee

    *Dietary options will be provided.

  • 1:15-2:15 p.m.
    The Landscape of Merging Modalities and Planning for Multi-Access Learning Pathways

    Location: Room 1420-1430

    Presented by Valerie Irvine, University of Victoria

    This is a concurrent session. 

    This session will not be live streamed.

    In this session, you will learn about the landscape of merging modalities, ranging from its evolution, terminology, to planning for set-up, finances, and pedagogy. Dr. Valerie Irvine coined the term, multi-access learning, almost 20 years ago with support from the Canada Foundation for Innovation and the B.C. Knowledge Development Fund. She has been teaching multi-access for two decades with teaching evaluation scores as high as 5.0/5.0. This session will be infused with findings from a recent learning modality preferences survey and she will highlight its connection to social justice and accessibility. Participants are encouraged to read a background article in the Educause Review

  • 1:15-2:15 p.m.
    The B.C. Digital Literacy Hub: Supporting Faculty and Student Success Through Open Educational Resources

    Location: Fletcher Theatre

    Presented by Britt Dzioba, BCcampus

    This is a concurrent session.

    This session will not be live streamed.

    The B.C. Digital Literacy Hub is a public, online collection of open educational resources (OER) designed for instructors in post-secondary institutions in British Columbia. The goal is to help educators, including learning and teaching staff, integrate digital literacy materials easily into existing courses and improve their own digital literacy skills. The collection was created for educators with the support and guidance of educational professionals across the province. This interactive presentation will showcase the hub and provide a chance to explore its resources through a small group activity.

  • 1:15-2:15 p.m.
    Weaving Indigenous Ways of Knowing into Digital Literacy (Recorded video for online attendees)

    Presenters: Connie Strayer and Robyn Grebliunas
    Host: Tracy Roberts

    This one-hour webinar will introduce participants to some newly released, openly licensed materials in the Digital Literacy collection that focus on weaving Indigenous ways of knowing into technology-supported teaching and learning practices.

    In conversation with the authors, participants will get a brief overview of what is available, plus specific ideas for how to apply these ideas and tools to bring reconciliation into teaching and learning practices. These materials were created to support learning about Indigenous-specific considerations associated with each of the eight digital literacy competencies in the B.C. Post-Secondary Digital Literacy Framework.

  • 2:25-2:50 p.m.
    Student Consultation and Engagement

    Location: 1410

    Presented by AC Deger, Xiaoying Zhang, and Afsaneh Sherif

    This is a concurrent session.

    This session will not be live streamed.

    In this brief presentation, we will demonstrate how a collaborative cohort program centered on UDL and accessibility is making a significant impact on our institution and enhancing the student experience. We’ll provide an overview of the UDL Fellows program at UBC and highlight how students, in collaboration with staff and faculty, have contributed to advancing inclusion and accessibility at UBC.

  • 2:25-2:50 p.m.
    Is the Tech Tail Wagging the Dog? Lessons on Policy Change and Building Institutional Digital Literacy (Live stream available)

    Location: Room 1420-1430

    Presented by Danna Buick and Adam Nash, Coast Mountain College

    This is a concurrent session.

    Coast Mountain College has a unique context as a small north coast college with remote satellite campuses and a goal to become the college of choice for quality experiential place-based learning. This presentation highlights lessons learned through enhancing digital literacy and adaptability with active experimentation to help achieve that goal. Post COVID-19 virtualization, many of us are integrating new tech practices while holding challenges like Zoom fatigue and novelty overload. With this reality, we endeavored to use a new tech tool to develop a field-based learning policy, process, and procedure supporting high-quality experiential learning while integrating diverse perspectives.

    Learn how we balanced inherent challenges to foster an environment open to iterative learning while enabling robust contributions across the college ecosystem. Special focus on the Bates’ SECTIONS model will help you choose and integrate new tech tools in your practice.

  • 2:25-2:50 p.m.
    Open Education as a Catalyst: Bridging the Digital Literacy Gap in Higher Education (Live stream available)

    Location: Fletcher Theatre

    Presented by Clint Lalonde, BCcampus

    This is a concurrent session. 

    This presentation explores the pivotal role of open education in enhancing digital literacy among educators and students in higher education. By examining the intersection of open educational practices and digital skills development, it highlights effective strategies and initiatives that empower educators and students to navigate the complexities of the digital age. Emphasizing practical approaches and case studies that connect open education to the B.C. Digital Literacy Framework, this session aims to inspire educators to integrate open educational practices that not only foster digital literacy but also promote equitable access to quality education.

  • 2:50-3:10
    Break

    Snacks available on the concourse

    Seasonal mini cupcakes – V

    *Dietary options will be provided.

  • 3:10-3:35 p.m.
    Witness, Reflect, and Heal: Immersive Technology for Social Justice (Live stream available)

    Location: Room 1420-1430

    Presented by Helen Lee and Junsong Zhang, Justice Institute of B.C.

    This is a concurrent session.

    Addressing social justice issues can be a daunting idea for many. In the past two years, the Centre for Teaching, Learning & Innovation (CTLI) identified and implemented an affordable, accessible, and immersive approach to support social justice issues and sparked meaningful conversations on gender bias and Indigenous people’s experiences in Canada.

    In 2023 and 2024, to mark International Women’s Day, CTLI collaborated with students, faculty, and staff to engage in virtual reality (VR) experiences that highlighted conscious and unconscious gender bias. These sessions were followed by reflective exercises, allowing participants to safely debrief and share their thoughts anonymously. This initiative aimed to raise awareness and promote gender equality within the community.

    In June 2024, as part of the Indigenous History Month event series, CTLI partnered with the Office of Indigenization to offer a cinematic VR experience that confronted participants with the realities faced by Indigenous people in Canada. Safe and inclusive spaces were provided, followed by optional debriefs with Indigenous Resident Elders. This approach ensured participants could process their strong emotions with care and support, fostering a deeper understanding and commitment to truth and reconciliation.

    These VR experiences have created a significant positive impact within the JIBC community. They have not only engaged participants in critical social justice issues but have also garnered attention from senior leadership, emphasizing the institution’s dedication to women’s equality and rights, and promoting meaningful dialogues around truth and reconciliation.

  • 3:10-3:35 p.m.
    The Sector Advisory Committee: The Landscape of Professional Development and Digital Learning in B.C. (Live stream available)

    Location: Fletcher Theatre

    Presented by Helena Prins, BCcampus and Arielle Andrews, Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills

    This is a concurrent session.

    The Sector Advisory Committee is a diverse group of experts in educator professional development from across B.C. They have collaborated with BCcampus to conduct an environmental scan and gap analysis of professional development offerings relevant to the Digital Learning Strategy. The SAC also reviewed new components of the Professional Instructor Diploma Program and provided recommendations to inform the development of a digital learning microcredential.

  • 8:30-9:30 a.m.
    Breakfast

    Breakfast will be available on the concourse

    House-baked muffins, scones and croissants. Fruit preserves, marmalade and whipped butter – V

    Fresh fruit platter – GF VG NF DF

    Apple and orange juice

    Fair Trade organic coffee and tea

    Decaf coffee

    *Dietary options will be provided.

  • 9:30-9:45 a.m.
    Opening Remarks

    Location: Fletcher Theatre

    Opening remarks by Afsaneh Sharif, UBC and chair of the Digital Learning Advisory Committe

  • 9:45-10:30 a.m.
    Keynote: Lucas Wright (Live stream available)

    Location: Fletcher Theatre

  • 10:30-10:40 a.m.
    Transition Time

  • 10:40-11:20 a.m.
    Ministry Updates - Lightning Rounds (Live stream available)

    Location: Fletcher Theatre

    Presenter: Ben Ferrel, Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills

    1. Introduction
    2. Communication and dissemination: Introduce communication tools/drafts developed by the graphic design team
    3. Update on initiatives: DLS Chatbot project, BCNET initiatives (discount program, software repository, etc.)
    4. EETWG update
    5. Where are we going? Highlights for the year ahead.

  • 11:20-11:30 a.m.
    Digital Equity Checklist: Ensuring Fair Access to Technology-Enhanced Learning (Live stream available)

    Location: Fletcher Theatre

    Presented by Taheri Nahid, College of New Caledonia

    In the quest to integrate technology into education, digital equity has emerged as a crucial consideration. Ensuring all students have fair access to digital tools and resources is paramount for fostering an inclusive and effective learning environment. This talk will introduce a comprehensive digital equity checklist designed to help educators, administrators, and policymakers create equitable digital learning experiences.

  • 11:30-11:50 a.m.
    Break

    Coffee, tea, and snacks will be available on the concourse

    Mini Westcoast parfait – V

    Fair Trade organic coffee and tea

    Decaf coffee

    *Dietary options will be provided.

  • 11:50 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
    Shared Educational Resources and Technology - SERT (Live stream available)

    Location: Fletcher Theatre

    Presented by Josie Gray, BCcampus and Anne Marie Scott, SERT Advisory Committee

    This is a concurrent session.

    The Shared Educational Resources and Technology (SERT) initiative aims to identify models to develop, deliver, and sustain shared and open educational technologies and curriculum in the B.C. post-secondary system, where collaborative shared projects have often failed to turn into ongoing services. For phase one, we are working with three established projects that need support in taking the next step toward widespread sustainable use. In analyzing each of these projects, we have been able to identify some common barriers to creating sustainable shared services, including privacy, accessibility, intellectual property and licensing, governance, and non-profit business models. This has given us important insight into existing sector level capacity and capabilities.

    In this session, we will discuss the work and learning that has happened through the SERT Initiative so far and what we hope to accomplish over the next two years.

  • 11:50 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
    Providing Opportunities for Creative Expression through Langara's Digital Media Creator Workshops (Live stream available)

    Location: Room 1420-1430

    Presented by Julian Prior and Diane Thompson, Langara College

    This is a concurrent session.

    Langara’s Digital Media Creator (DMC) series of workshops is designed to help faculty and staff experiment with different ways of curating, creating and sharing teaching and learning content using digital media. We will outline the development of the DMC, demonstrate how it strives to achieve a balance between “pedagogy and play,” showcase some of the modules offered, and identify some current challenges and opportunities offered by the intersection of AI and digital media creation. Finally, we will discuss how in its most recent incarnation we piloted a digital badging platform alongside the DMC as a way for participants to showcase their achievements.

  • 11:50 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
    Langara’s Asynchronous Approach

    Location: Room 1410

    Presented by Briana Fraser and Katherine Cheung, Langara College

    This is a concurrent session.

    This session will not be live streamed.

    Is a hot dog a sandwich? Which kind of bear is best? Do you prefer live or asynchronous?

    These are questions that have weighed heavily on Langara’s EdTech department since the advent of remote work and learning.

    To ensure they reach as wide an audience as possible, members of Langara’s EdTech team spent the summer developing new asynchronous resources for Brightspace and digital accessibility to complement live workshop offerings. These resources are intended to provide instructors and staff with the tools and information they need, when they need it.

    In this session, EdTech staff will provide an overview of:

    • Brightspace Foundations: a comprehensive, self-paced course designed to empower instructors with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively use Brightspace, increase their digital literacy, and enhance student satisfaction.
    • Digital Accessibility On-demand: an open license collection of need-to-know digital accessibility resources built to guide creators to the specific instructions they need to create inclusive and accessible digital material.

    Join Briana Fraser and Katherine Cheung to learn about giving people what they want, meeting people where they are at, and raising digital literacy at the learner’s pace.

  • 12:15-1:00 p.m.
    Lunch

    Lunch is available on the concourse

    Assorted Sandwiches:

    Grandfather ham and Swiss – NF

    Smoked turkey – NF DF

    Classic roast beef – NF

    Mediterranean chickpea – NF DF VG

    Free range egg salad – NF V

    Tuna dill cucumber salad – NF DF

    Canadian Italian – NF

    Mixed greens salad – GF, VG, NF, DF

    Coconut bliss balls – GF, VG, DF

    Assorted beverages

    Fair Trade organic coffee and tea

    Decaf coffee

    *Dietary options will be provided.

  • 1:00-1:55 p.m.
    Integrity in Practice: Fostering Digital Literacy through an Online Tutorial

    Location: Room 1410

    Presented by Shailoo Bedi and Rebecca Edwards, University of Victoria

    This is a concurrent session.

    This session will not be live streamed.

    According to the Digital Learning Advisory Committee, digitally literate incoming post-secondary learners will “understand and follow academic integrity guidelines” (BC Digital Learning Strategy – Appendix 2, p. 6). However, many incoming students do not have a clear understanding of academic integrity. In response, the University of Victoria developed “Integrity in Practice” an interactive, self-paced online tutorial that will be required for all incoming students. This course is a component of UVic’s Academic Integrity Framework and contributes to the first priority (Policies and Processes) of the B.C. Digital Learning Strategy. In this session, facilitators will outline the institutional context, design approach, learning activities employed, and student feedback. Attendees will leave with strategies to support digital literacy related to academic integrity. This session contributes to the digital information literacy of attendees and is ideal for educators, educational developers, and institutional leadership.

  • 1:00-1:55 p.m.
    Enhancing the Human Aspects in Designing Learning with GenAI

    Location: Fletcher Theatre

    Presented by Gwen Nguyen, BCcampus

    This is a concurrent session.

    This session will not be live streamed.

    This workshop aims to empower educators to weave generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) into their pedagogical practices, with a strong emphasis on amplifying human qualities like creativity, empathy, collaboration, and personalization in learning environments. Through interactive discussions, participants will delve into the ethical and mindful application of GenAI in education. This session also sets the stage for educators to co-develop a practical framework to maximize the human element when designing meaningful learning experiences with GenAI.

    By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

    • Identify principles of human-centred design in the context of GenAI-enhanced learning environments.
    • Design a concept for a learning activity showcasing the integration of GenAI to enrich the human aspect in learning.
    • Collaborate on developing a framework emphasizing human qualities in designing learning experiences with GenAI.

  • 1:00-1:55 p.m.
    Expanding Horizons: Using Digital Tools to Enhance Experiential Learning and Contextual Understanding

    Location: Room 1420-1430

    Presented by Siobhán Wittig McPhee and Nina Hewitt, University of British Columbia

    This is a concurrent session.

    This session will not be live streamed.

    This interactive session will explore the transformative power of digital tools in creating rich, experiential learning environments. Participants will explore how to integrate digital tools into their courses to expose students to a wide range of experiences and contexts, broadening their understanding and engagement. The session will focus on developing new teaching strategies that leverage digital technologies to make abstract concepts tangible and relatable. Through hands-on activities and case studies, participants will see practical applications of digital tools in various educational scenarios, from virtual field trips to simulations and interactive multimedia projects. Additionally, the session will share best practices for using digital tools to create immersive and diverse learning experiences that prepare students for real-world challenges. Educators will leave equipped with the knowledge and skills to use digital tools effectively, fostering an enriched learning environment that connects students with different experiences and contexts.

  • 1:00-1:55 p.m.
    A DIY Toolkit for Digital Literacy (Recorded video for online attendees)

    Recorded video for online attendees

    Facilitators: Jessica Gemella and Anwen Burk
    Host: Helena Prins

    Jessica Gemella and Anwen Burk are curriculum, teaching, and learning specialists with the Centre for Innovation in Education and Learning (CIEL) at Vancouver Island University (VIU). Responding to faculty requests on how best to use emerging technologies in their classroom, Jessica built a digital literacy toolkit. Anwen was subsequently invited to collaborate on expanding it.

    The result? A toolkit designed to support higher education professionals to facilitate conversations on the ethical use of digital technologies for meaningful collaborations within digital communities. Specifically, this toolkit aims to support faculty in collaboratively creating class agreements addressing issues such as ethical digital technology use, netiquette, and digital citizenship, all in service of maintaining overall well-being.

  • 2:00-2:25 p.m.
    Technology-Enhanced Learning with the Flipped Classroom Including Thoughts on AI (Live stream available)

    Location: Room 1420-1430

    Presented by Lynda Robbins, Camosun College

    This is a concurrent session.

    Implementing a flipped classroom reshaped the learning dynamics in my introductory coding courses. Learners engaged with pre-class materials—videos and an online textbook —freeing class time for coding, problem-solving, collaboration and, perhaps most importantly, instructor contact. Assessment focused on comprehension and practical applications. Feedback highlighted increased student ownership and critical thinking. Challenges like varying student preparedness were managed through targeted support. This presentation shares insights, outcomes, and practical tips for educators considering this approach in their classrooms. Additionally, we’ll discuss observed learner interactions with AI in the classroom.

  • 2:00-2:25 p.m.
    Student Experiences in Hyflex Learning Environments (Live stream available)

    Location: Fletcher Theatre

    Presented by Derek Murray, Camosun College

    This is a concurrent session.

    This session will share research on student experiences in hyflex learning environments at Camosun College. Using a broad definition of hyflex learning as an environment in which students have the option to engage with the course online (synchronous and/or asynchronous) and/or in-person and in which students may change their mode of engagement at any point during the course, this research seeks to identify the benefits and challenges experienced by enrolled students. The authors believe this modality will play an important role in the future and are thus looking to understand how to sustain momentum toward a more equitable model of higher education. Survey results indicated most students (92%, n=91) felt the hyflex delivery helped them to participate in the course. Longform responses to the survey suggest a variety of perceived benefits to students ranging from appreciating an online option in case of personal challenges or circumstances to having the ability to review recordings after attending an in-person class. Students pointed to challenges such as issues with online platforms and a lack of social interaction with their peers.

  • 2:25-2:40 p.m.
    Break

    Snacks will be available on the concourse

    Assorted house-made truffles – GF V

    *Dietary options will be provided.

  • 2:40-3:35 p.m.
    A Meta-Learning Exploration of Screen-Based Virtual Simulation in Education through Simulation

    Location: Room 1410

    Presented by Theresa Southam and Chris Hilary, Selkirk College

    This is a concurrent session.

    This session will not be live streamed.

    This session transcends conventional presentations by offering a unique meta-learning experience of planning a simulation by participating in a simulation!

    You will assume the role of a post-secondary educator who has been tasked with delivering a virtual simulation, making integral decisions integrate pedagogical strategies for technology-enhanced learning, such as virtual simulation, into course delivery. Working in small groups, you will navigate through a virtual simulation to acquire practical knowledge on the history and philosophy behind virtual simulation, and explore best practices for targeting learning outcomes, support learner safety, and following best practices for simulation facilitation.

    You’ll be challenged to consider the value of repetitive play, failure, self-efficacy and direction, critical reflection, and safety with the transformative potential of simulation for enhancing learning across diverse disciplines beyond the traditionally simulation-driven fields like healthcare and aviation.

  • 2:40-3:35 p.m.
    Digital Assessment Practices and Accessibility: A Facilitated Discussion

    Location: Fletcher Theatre

    Presented by Lesley Ellis and Rebecca Edwards, University of Victoria

    This is a concurrent session.

    This session will not be live streamed.

    Post-secondary institutions across British Columbia have been tasked with expanding both digital literacy and accessibility in teaching and learning. Implementing accessible digitally based assessments reflect this changing educational landscape. Incorporating Universal Design for Learning strategies in digitally based assessments offers increased accessibility. However, implementing these strategies present challenges, including barriers presented by institutional structures, knowledge gaps around accessibility, and digital inequities. This discussion-based session will explore the ways digitally based assessments can expand accessibility for diverse learners while also considering the implementation challenges and opportunities. Facilitators will invite attendees to join a conversation in which they share their experiences, perspectives, knowledge and strategies in a solution focused environment. This session will contribute to ongoing conversations surrounding inclusion in digital learning and accessible assessment practices. Attendees will leave the session with new insights and connections with colleagues.

  • 2:40-3:35 p.m.
    Technology-Facilitated Sexualized Violence Training for Safer Digital Spaces

    Room: 1420-1430

    Presented by Robynne Devine, BCcampus and Megan Hagerty, Kamloops Sexual Assault Counselling Centre

    This is a concurrent session.

    This session will not be live streamed.

    Join us for an engaging session about the recently released Technology-Facilitated Sexualized Violence (TFSV) training developed the B.C. post-secondary sector. Developed with trauma-informed, intersectional, and gender-based analysis plus lenses, this training takes the form of a 60–90-minute asynchronous set of modules.

    We will give an overview of the training and share how to access it. You will learn foundational information about how to identify, prevent, and respond to TFSV. Through interactive games (Kahoot!), and scenario-based small group discussions, you will build your knowledge on different types of TFSV, myths, and ways you can respond and support survivors of TFSV.  We hope you walk away with a better understanding of how you can play a role in making digital spaces safer by sharing your learnings and offering the training to others in your post-secondary networks.

  • 3:35-3:45 p.m.
    Transition Time

  • 3:45-4:00 p.m.
    Closing Remarks

    Location: Fletcher Theatre

    Closing remarks by Afsaneh Sharif, UBC and chair of the Digital Learning Advisory Committee and Ben Ferrel, executive director, Digital Policy and Business Transformation Branch, Ministry of Post Secondary Education and Future Skills.