Before moving full speed into 2021 I wanted to reflect a moment on the past year. In looking at the photos on my phone, I was reminded of all kinds of small events that completely slipped my mind. For example, seeing the picture of when I got my new car, reminded me of the last time I welcomed ‘in person’ a group of International Students – the brakes almost failed on my old car while I was driving to the Campbell River campus for International Student Orientation. At this time last year:

  • I’d never used BlueJeans or Zoom
  • I’d studied online but not taught online
  • My knowledge of Program Review was minimal

The learning journey continues and it’s inspiring knowing I’ve moved forward.

As always the first week of term has been a whirlwind. It’s been energizing facilitating the learning sessions and I’ve much appreciated the small groups. Historically the turn out for “Welcome Back” faculty sessions has been mixed. This week we had a solid group of committed individuals, including some new sessional instructors. The smaller groups have enabled deeper discussion and I’ve been able to both introduce and apply some of the new learning / ideas I got from attending POD and the LILLY conference. I’m glad to be repeating the sessions next week; even if the material is the same the discussions are rarely are.

I’ve much appreciated this week the opportunity to ‘shadow’ some activities (e.g., a one-to-one faculty consultation) and to take on some other tasks (monitoring the CTLI email account, registering session participants and sending reminders). I learn by watching then doing and it’s great to be part of a community of practice.

It was useful to attend a department meeting this morning, to get a sense of the current ‘vibe.’ While some instructors are holding on to certain ways of teaching and assessing, some are and have taken the plunge in trying something new (e.g., alternative assessments to exams). Such discussions are invaluable. Hearing new ideas and approaches from colleagues within the same area can help instructors see what might be possible and be encouraged to try something new. Sometimes the messenger is equally as important as the message.