Skip to main content

Instructional Support Workshops

Instructional Support Workshops are supported by the Teaching and Learning Centre's Educational Developers and offer participants a variety of programs based on their teaching and learning interests and needs.

While these workshops are designed primarily for members of the University community engaged in teaching-related practices, other members of Ontario Tech may enroll in our workshops as part of their professional development.

Registration for Spring/Summer workshops is open! If you have any workshop-related questions, contact the TLC at teachingandlearning@ontariotechu.ca.

Register for TLC Workshops

July

  • Designing and Facilitating Engaging Asynchronous Learning Experiences - Wednesday July 9, 1 pm - 2 pm

    Date: Wednesday July 9, 1 pm - 2 pm
    Facilitators: Kevin Johnson, Miranda Varricchio, and Dr. Kaitlyn Watson

    Making asynchronous learning truly engaging and effective takes purposeful design and active facilitation. In this session, we will discuss the fundamental differences between synchronous and asynchronous modalities. Guided by these differences, we will explore the specific strategies to maximize learner engagement, support community building, and deliver meaningful learning experiences. Tech tools and tool-based strategies will also be discussed.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Apply best practices in the design of engaging asynchronous learning experiences.
    • Identify key considerations and common challenges in asynchronous course design and facilitation.
    • Integrate suitable technological tools and tool-based strategies to enhance learner engagement in an asynchronous environment.
  • The Sound of Learning - Thursday July 17, 10 am - 11:30 am

    Date: Thursday July 17, 10 am - 11:30 am
    Facilitators: Miranda Varricchio and Kevin Johnson

    The halls are alive… with the sound of learning!

    These are a few of our favourite things: podcasts, audio lectures, and sound-based assignments that bring learning to life. In this interactive workshop, you’ll explore how audio can serve as an inclusive, accessible, and engaging alternative to traditional content delivery. Learn to design assessments that sing, using pedagogical best practices, and discover open tools and resources that can help you confidently bring the sound of learning into your course design.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Evaluate effective strategies for using audio content, including podcasts and audio lectures, as accessible, inclusive, and engaging alternatives to traditional text-based or visual course delivery methods.
    • Apply pedagogical best practices when incorporating sound-based assignments, such as audio recordings, podcasts, or soundscapes, into course assessments.
    • Identify open tools and resources that can be utilized in the design and delivery of sound-based content.
  • Alternative and Authentic Assessments: A Mini-Series - July 21, 23, & 25, 10 am - 12 pm

    Dates: Monday July 21, Wednesday July 23, & Friday July 25, 10 am - 12 pm
    Facilitators: Dr. Kaitlyn Watson, Dr. Lidya Salim, Hannah Atkinson, Lasandra Conliffe, and Miranda Varricchio

    Join us for a three-part workshop series on alternative/authentic assessments, designed to help educators rethink traditional assessments and evaluation.

    • July 21: Part 1 - What Are Authentic Assessments and How Can I Use Them?
    • July 23: Part 2 - Developing Authentic Assessments
    • July 25: Part 3 - Alternatives for Alternative Assessments

    In this series, we’ll explore what authentic assessments are and how they provide meaningful, real-world learning opportunities. We’ll discuss how to align assessments with learning outcomes, effectively support students, and implement alternative grading strategies that promote deeper engagement.

    Whether you're new to authentic assessments or looking to refine your approach, this series will offer practical tools, strategies, and insights to enhance your teaching and empower your students. It is recommended that you attend all three sessions.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Identify relevant alternative/authentic assessments for specific teaching contexts.
    • Design alternative/authentic assessments using the transparent design framework.
    • Consider alternative grading strategies and implementation considerations.
  • Re-imagining Inclusive Educational Practices - Wednesday July 30, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm

    Date: Wednesday July 30, 10:30 am - 12 pm
    Facilitator: Lasandra Conliffe

    This workshop explores how educators can reimagine their teaching through inclusive, equitable and learner-centred approaches. Rooted in principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) 3.0 and framed by intersectionality, participants will engage in critical reflection, discussion, and activities that challenge traditional pedagogies and prioritize belonging, accessibility and diversity.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Examine how intersectionality and identity shape inclusive educational practices.
    • Apply UDL 3.0 principles to design and facilitate equitable and accessible learning experiences.
    • Implement inclusive feedback strategies to foster learner growth and agency.

How to Access Workshops: 

You will receive calendar invitations with links to your chosen workshops after completing the registration form.

Unless otherwise indicated, workshops are 60 minutes in length and are delivered online via Google Meet at the listed dates and times. Any changes to the workshop schedule or delivery format will be communicated to you in advance.