Date: Thursday May 8, 2 pm - 3 pm
Facilitators: Drs. Kaitlyn Watson and Lidya Salim

Backward design is a learner-centred design model that starts with the end in mind. In this session, we will discuss the importance of and means to ensure alignment of learning outcomes, assessment, and instruction.

Learning Outcomes

• Identify the four elements of a learning outcome to use in course and lesson development.
• Describe the role of diagnostic, formative, and summative assessment in course design.
• Construct a course map that aligns learning outcomes, assessment, and instructional plans.

Date: Thursday May 22, 1 pm - 2 pm
Facilitators: Lasandra Conliffe and Pranjal Saloni

This workshop explores how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can ethically enhance Open Educational Resources (OER), emphasizing transparency, fairness, and inclusivity. It demonstrates AI's ability to improve content creation, accessibility, and personalization while addressing challenges like algorithmic bias and promoting equity in education.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate the enhancement of AI tools and their support in OER development.
• Create OERs using ethical, inclusive, and accessible AI tools.
• Apply and assess ethical AI practices in educational contexts.

Date: Friday June 13, 10:30 am - 12 pm
Facilitator: Lasandra Conliffe, Hannah Atkinson

This workshop will explore how technology can drive inclusivity in education through the integration of intersectional approaches and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles. Participants will explore tools and resources that can be applied in their instructional practices.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply intersectionality and UDL principles to create inclusive learning environments.
• Employ technology for inclusivity and accessibility in practice.
• Identify actionable strategies to address inclusive instructional challenges in your practice.

Date: Thursday June 19, 10 am - 11:30 am
Facilitator: Kevin Johnson

In this hands-on workshop, you will create a reusable PowerPoint template that is visually appealing, adaptable, and accessible. Learn how to customize Slide Masters to create a consistent theme, integrate media easily and effectively, and use built-in tools to ensure your content is inclusive and polished.

Learning Outcomes

• Customize the Slide Master to create a consistent reusable template.
• Incorporate multimedia content to enhance visual engagement while ensuring clarity.
• Evaluate the accessibility of presentations using PowerPoint’s built-in tools to identify and correct issues.

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.

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.

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.

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.