05-23, 14:20–14:40 (Europe/Paris), Salle G
In this session I would like to share the evolution of Open Education at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). As a polytechnic post-secondary institution, BCIT started to embrace open education practices and the development of pen educational resources (OER) seven years ago. A strong grant program has been in place ever since, resulting in the creation of many OER and the enhancement of student learning experiences that comes with switching traditional education practices to the Open arena. However, as an institution, BCIT is struggling to transition to a higher level of performance when it comes to integrate Open Education in our teaching and learning practices. Grant programs, as valuable and effective as they can be, are not sustainable in the end. The dependence on funding availability on a year to year basis in itself is a threat to sustaining a strategic direction with a focus on open.
In this session I would like to share some examples of what BCIT's faculty has done in the realm of open with the support of a steady grant program, from innovative OER creation to pushing the limits of co-creation and student engagement. I would also like to share some of the impacts the grant program has had in teaching practice at BCIT and explore possibilities for a more sustainable approach to funding.
As funding sources diminish in a post-pandemic word, what strategies and actions can be implemented to continue to sustain open practices, and how can polytechnic institutions collaborate more effectively to mitigate lack of funding and maximize collaboration. Are grant programs the best way to open up education?
Instructional Designer with over 20 years of experience, for the past 12 years Rosario has been serving as Instructional Development Consultant at the Learning and Teaching Centre (LTC) at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), a post-secondary polytechnic institute in Vancouver. In this capacity, Rosario designs interactive content for online courses including the conceptualization of 3D objects and virtual and augmented reality interactions aimed at enhancing students' learning experiences.
In addition, Rosario guides faculty though the development of new educational programming and the cyclical review of existing programs, from diplomas to master's degrees. Rosario is passionate about quality in teaching and learning, and works closely with faculty to develop capacity and explore innovative approaches to instruction.
Through her own consulting company, Rosario has worked with The Commonwealth of Learning, the World Bank, The Commonwealth Secretariat and the Justice Institute of BC to support post-secondary institutions and Ministries of Education in Africa, the Caribbean and South America to develop quality flexible learning solutions.
Rosario is an unconditional advocate of Open Education and promotes open pedagogy practices at BCIT, where she co-chairs the Open Education working group. She is committed to working with organisations such as The Commonwealth of Learning, to contribute to the attainment of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and foster education for development.