91±¬ÁÏ

An EduCA advisory term is for one year, beginning in May and ending in February of the following year. 

Chair

• Education Commons Director
• Introduces the topic for the EduCA year
• Leads the four quarterly meetings

Committee Members

• Provide advice based on evidence and facts

There are four EduCA meetings held each year. Sessions will be held in May, August, November and February. 

Topic

Education Commons engagement opportunities with students – offerings, services, events.

Committee Recommendations

• Recommendation #1
  • Education Commons to continue to explore opportunities to provide 91±¬ÁÏ students with in-person and online services

Committee Members

• Osholene Upiomoh - Social Justice Education
• Susan He - Leadership, Higher & Adult Education 
• Samantha Burns - Applied Psychology & Human Development
• Sonya Madan - Curriculum, Teaching & Learning 
• Alexis Daybutch - Indigenous Education Network 
• Josie Lalonde - Registrar's Office & Student Experience 
• Mindy Harris - Dean’s Office

Topic

Digital toolkit for faculty: Technology in the life of 91±¬ÁÏ faculty.

Committee Recommendations

Instructor Academic Toolbox

Designed specifically for 91±¬ÁÏ faculty members and sessional instructors. This toolbox provides a comprehensive list of teaching resources and tools tailored to support your instructional needs. From video tutorials to practical guides, instructors will have access to everything they need to enhance their teaching practices and better engage with students. The resources available are geared toward facilitating the use of 91±¬ÁÏ-specific tools and technologies to foster dynamic learning environments.

New Instructor Hire Guide

Streamline the onboarding process for new faculty and sessional instructors. This web-based checklist ensures that new hires are fully informed about the tools and resources available, such as online teaching platforms, classroom technology, and how to access these tools. The guide will also serve as a valuable reference for the 91±¬ÁÏ community, including staff, librarians, and administration, helping to create a more cohesive and supportive teaching community.

Technology Request Program

Web-based platform that allows 91±¬ÁÏ faculty members and sessional instructors to submit requests for new technology to enhance their teaching environments. The form is designed to streamline the process of evaluating and acquiring innovative tools by gathering key details such as the type of technology, its intended use case, estimated cost, and expected longevity. This initiative will empower instructors to contribute to the evolution of teaching technology at 91±¬ÁÏ, ensuring that our classrooms and online learning spaces remain at the forefront of educational innovation. 

Committee Members

• Andrew Campbell - Curriculum, Teaching & Learning 
• Yiola Cleovoulou - Applied Psychology & Human Development
• Carly Manion - Leadership, Higher & Adult Education 
• Elisabeth Rees-Johnstone - Continuing & Professional Learning 
• Ryan Lahti - Education Commons 

Topic

Celebrate research to action through knowledge mobilization in digital ways – Education Commons role, balance of standardization and personalization of digital services.

Committee Recommendations

Personal, CV, or portfolio-based websites

At the University of Toronto, DiscoverResearch is the primary platform for enhancing faculty research projects, communication, grants, and publications. DiscoverResearch also promotes ongoing academic engagement among faculty members and the broader educational community.

In this context, 91±¬ÁÏ Education Commons emphasizes the importance of adopting best practices established by the University of Toronto. This includes integrating existing personal, CV and portfolio-based websites into DiscoverResearch or the appropriate Drupal-based departmental profile template.

A departmental profile page is available for those who may not qualify for DiscoverResearch. Please contact your departmental communications representative for more information.

Project websites that have not been updated for 24 months and/or do not have active grant requirements or funding.

• Updates include security updates and migration to Drupal.
• Websites also require an active team to update content (not Education Commons)

Committee Members

• Eunice Jang - Applied Psychology & Human Development 
• Elizabeth Buckner - Leadership, Higher & Adult Education 
• Jim Hewitt - Curriculum, Teaching & Learning 
• Amal Madibbo - Social Justice Education
• Lara Cartmale - Office of Associate Dean Research, International & Innovation 
• Michele Peterson-Badali - Associate Dean Research, International & Innovation
• Andrea Zdzylowski - Education Commons

Topic

Principles for 91±¬ÁÏ IT project intake and prioritization.

Committee Recommendations

Project Lifecycle: From Submission to Implementation

Implement a structured project intake process requiring a submission form for all projects that involve Education Commons, with monthly reviews for alignment with institutional goals.

Evaluation Criteria

Ensure all projects are evaluated based on strategic alignment, risk mitigation, and mandatory requirements to optimize resource allocation and institutional effectiveness.

Prioritization of Projects

Prioritize projects using an impact vs. effort model, focusing on "Quick Wins" (high-impact, low-effort) while ensuring major projects receive necessary resources and governance through a steering committee. 

Committee Members

• Creso Sa - Leadership, Higher & Adult Education 
• Sheldon Grabke - Registrar's Office & Student Experience 
• Bessie Giannikos - Curriculum, Teaching & Learning
• Sugi Ganeswararajan - Applied Psychology & Human Development 
• Ai-Ri Brown - CAO Office
• Iman Fouad - Social Justice Education 
• Laize Bacay - Education Commons