“Ed tech is a multi-billion- dollar industry, and the role of companies and technology will have an influence on how education is realized in the coming years” (Weller, Metaphors of Ed Tech).
Given the exponential proliferation and evolution of educational technologies, and knowing that educational technologies are not inherently equitable, there is an imperative for educational institutions to be critical in the adoption of technologies for teaching and learning.
In this session, panelists will reflect on how we, as educators, respond and embed equity-centred educational technology into our pedagogies, our services and our systems.
We will focus on work underway in B.C., including the Digital Literacy Framework, and reflect on further questions we should be considering as we evolve and expand the inclusion and implementation of educational technologies across our institutions.
Speakers
Dr. Christina Hendricks, Ph.D.
Academic Director | The University of British Columbia
Christina Hendricks is a Professor of Teaching in Philosophy and the Academic Director of the Centre for Teaching, Learning, and Technology (CTLT) at UBC Vancouver. In the CTLT she oversees multiple functional areas of support for teaching and learning, including learning technology, professional development workshops and resources, curriculum development and renewal, course design support, the scholarship of teaching and learning, and much more. She is a researcher and advocate for open educational resources and practices, and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Legal Information Institute. Christina is also working to learn, support, and implement decolonizing, equitable, and inclusive practices in teaching and learning, including an interest in ethical approaches to learning technology.
Dr. Dan Ryan, B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D., ICD.D
Associate Professor, Mathematics and Statistics | University of Northern British Columbia
Dan Ryan is an accomplished academic leader and statistician, with an impressive track record of over 25 years of experience working in five prestigious Canadian universities and two renowned research institutions. Throughout his career, Dan has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to education and firmly believes in creating accessible, inclusive, and diverse learning environments. Dan's notable achievements include the successful establishment of several crucial academic programs that have catered to the needs of the community. His passion for education and discovery started at a young age while growing up in Northern Ontario, and he went on to earn a PhD in Applied Statistics from the University of Guelph in 1996. Over the years, Dan has tirelessly supported learning and research in universities and research institutions in Ontario, Nova Scotia, Australia, Prince Edward Island, and British Columbia. He has served on numerous boards and committees, showcasing his exceptional leadership skills and deep commitment to open and transparent governance, with a particular focus on environmental and social issues. Dan's profound love for statistics and statistical education has been instrumental in shaping his work on developing educational strategies for promoting statistical literacy among learners at all levels. His exceptional leadership, dedication, and passion for education have inspired many, and he continues to work tirelessly to support statistical education and open, transparence governance.
Dr. Paula Hayden
Director of Learning Management System | College of New Caledonia
Paula Hayden is the Dean, Teaching & Learning with oversight of the Centre for Teaching & Learning, Work Integrated Learning, Academic Quality Assurance, and Applied Research & Innovation. A career educator and educational leader, Paula works with her team to support academic growth and excellence in service to students. A strong believer in the need for continual learning, adaptability, and flexibility in the teaching and learning environment, Paula leads change initiatives that both anticipate and respond to changing learner needs. Since returning to Canada from years of working in education in New Zealand and the Middle East, Paula has also focused on learning more about Indigenous peoples and how she can advance Truth and Reconciliation in education.
Veronica Thompson
Vice President Academic and Provost | Royal Roads University
Dr. Veronica Thompson is the vice-president Academic and Provost at Royal Roads University, where she has recently led the creation and development of Royal Roads’ new 2022-25 Academic Strategic Plan. Prior to joining Royal Roads in 2021, she was dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (FHSS) at Athabasca University. In that role she was responsible for renewal of FHSS curriculum and led the faculty’s digital and online course design and production team. She also contributed to strategic institutional initiatives including MSCHE accreditation and Strategic Enrolment Management. Veronica has extensive experience and leadership in distance education and technology enabled teaching and learning programming, and she is deeply committed to open, online, and digital learning.