Introduction to Teaching at Algonquin College (ITAC) Program

New faculty members at Algonquin College must adapt quickly to thrive in their new role and support adult learners. This workshop helps participants to reflect on how their prior experiences have shaped them to be educators. It provides them with the guiding policies, frameworks, and resources required to undertake this exciting challenge. By participating in discussions, activities, and case studies, faculty gain confidence as they interact in their new role.

Algonquin College uses Brightspace, a Learning Management System (LMS), to provide a digital learning experience for all learners. In this workshop, faculty discuss the College’s expectations for using the LMS, recognize common features and navigational elements, practice creating content and communicating with students in Brightspace, and identify further training. Through demonstrations and self-paced exercises, faculty prepare to support learners in the LMS environment, effectively providing communication, engagement, and content.

When engaged in the learning process, learners demonstrate increased levels of attention and show motivation to practice higher-level critical thinking skills. During this workshop, participants will be introduced to the framework and principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), as well as the connections between UDL and learner engagement. This workshop also explores teaching strategies, as well as the use and integration of educational technology to increase engagement for diverse learners and support desired learning outcomes.

Effective assessment practices and meaningful evaluation processes are a fundamental part of a successful post-secondary learning experience. During this workshop, participants examine opportunities to support learners using a variety of assessments while ensuring that the evaluation of learners’ progress remains manageable and sustainable. While information about assessment and evaluation might initially look like an identical pile of nuts and bolts, workshop activities and discussions focus on the ways in which these pieces can be combined together to form strong and enduring authentic learning experiences for learners and instructors alike.

Even though faculty may be teaching different courses in different programs, no one should feel alone in the world of teaching and learning. Creating a peer-to-peer community of teaching can foster a virtuous cycle for continuous improvement of professional practice, especially for new faculty members. During this workshop, participants will exchange ideas and strategies that have been effective in class, and share success stories and challenges encountered to spark discussions on best practices for teaching and learning.

Newly hired other-than-full-time faculty who have never taught at AC, and returning other-than-full-time faculty who have not taught at AC within the last two years.

Participants must complete all 6 workshops.

This program is designed for individuals who are brand new to the College. Established other-than-full-time faculty are welcome to attend as a refresher, but they will not be remunerated for their participation.

You can register for workshops within 30 days of the start of your Algonquin College contract, once Onboarding access is provided via Workday. Please visit the Employee Learning Catalogue to view the schedule of workshops and register.

Learning and Teaching Services (LTS) will directly compensate eligible ITAC participants (see Who should participate FAQ) at the hourly meeting rate of $25/hr. Participants should not enter ITAC hours in Workday. The compensation will appear on their payslip as “LTS PD Programs”.

Pre-Employees who complete ITAC workshops before their contract start date will be paid upon contract activation, following the College’s pay cycle.

Should faculty have any questions or concerns about this pay, please contact LTS@algonquincollege.com.