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With presentations, workshops and networking, D2L Connection: Alberta is perfect for your learning and professional development. You’ll discover tips and tricks and have the chance to connect with peers in education, business and associations to share insights and best practices. Learn and collaborate on topics such as:

  • D2L Brightspace Tips and How-Tos
  • Accessibility and Inclusive Learning
  • Learner Engagement and Retention
  • Micro-credentials and Skills Development

Interested in presenting at Connection: Alberta?

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D2L Connection: Alberta

  • Date

    Nov 30, 2023

    8:30 am–2:20 pm MDT
  • Duration

    5 Hours 50 Minutes

  • Location
    Southern Alberta Institute of Technology- SAIT (1301 16 Ave NW, Calgary, AB T2M 0L4)
    Get Directions

Meet. Share. Learn.

  • D2L Connection events are all about collaboration
  • Build lasting connections and partnerships
  • Attain professional development hours / CAE credit hours

Why Attend?

  • Gain practical experience with in-depth sessions on D2L Brightspace
  • Ask questions and give feedback directly to D2L team members
  • Share insights with your peers during dedicated networking sessions

D2L is a CAE Approved Provider. Every program that we offer which qualifies for CAE credit will clearly identify the number of CAE credits granted for full participation, and we will maintain records of your participation in accord with CAE policies.
For D2L Connection Alberta: CAE credit hours = 3

Thank You to Our Sponsors

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Schedule

8:30 am - 9:00 am

Registration and Light Refreshments

9:00 am - 9:25 am

Macdonald Hall

Opening Welcome and Community Spotlight

Hosts:
Barry Dahl, Teaching & Learning Advocate, D2L
Coco Wang, Customer Advocacy Manager, D2L

Join Coco and Barry for a welcome session to start the day. We’ll shine the spotlight on a few of our D2L Champions and share some stories about some of the Albertans who use Brightspace.

Breakout Sessions
9:35 am - 10:20 am


  • We took an innovative approach to develop a virtual pre-orientation course that encourages students to pursue badges through self-directed learning. The intention is to help bridge the gap as students transition into post-secondary, enabling them to learn the functionality of D2L’s Brightspace, and become familiar with the array of institutional resources and supports, all while fostering engagement and inclusion into the SAIT community. Through the use of badges, discussions, quizzes, and checklists students work through content to ensure they are arriving on their first day of classes confident and prepared to start their program.

    In this session, we will discuss initial findings from multiple student intakes, specifically diving into the use of badging as the underlying approach to self-directed learning, along with its impact on student preparedness and confidence. Further, we will discuss the benefits of using digital badging in post-secondary as a method to promote exploration, as well as celebrate student success and inspire continued motivation and engagement.


Speakers: Courtney Johnson and Charissa Lee, SAIT


117


  • This session delves into the profound transformation brought about by cutting-edge technological advancements, with a specific focus on the influence of Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPT) on the field of online learning and assessment. As we witness the rapid evolution of GPT technologies, it becomes imperative to evaluate their impact on the integrity of existing educational paradigms.

    We will explore the pressing question of what transpires when the foundations of our current online learning and assessment methods face unprecedented challenges and vulnerabilities. This critical examination will provide insights into the potential risks and consequences associated with the deployment of GPT technologies in the educational landscape.

    Moreover, the session will survey the available options for mitigating these challenges and adapting to the changing educational environment. Attendees will gain an understanding of the forward-looking strategies and innovations that are on the horizon, shaping the future of online learning and assessment in the wake of GPT’s influence. Join us to engage in this thought-provoking discussion on the implications, solutions, and prospects in the era of GPT-driven educational technology.


Speakers: Robert Day, Integrity Advocate


118


  • Organizations are finding delivering high quality learning at the pace required for today’s modern learners increasingly challenging as skills evolve more rapidly and technology forces fast change. This presentation will explore ways we can meet learner expectations by changing the way we design our learning through shorter, bite-sized course design, and automation. We will also explore a case study using AI and Creator+ to cut design and development costs in half in order to stay ahead of our learner’s needs.


Speaker: Jeff Salin, Manager, Learning Experience Consulting, D2L


119


  • In this segment Randolph will explore the power of the Brightspace Announcements widget. What steps can you take to draw the user to the important announcement? How can you make the announcement more personalized? How do you conditionally release and set timing on the announcement?


Speaker: Randolph Streich, Sr. Solutions Engineer, D2L


122

Breakout Sessions
10:30 am - 11:15 am


  • In this presentation, our team will explore the how-to of creating rubrics on D2L. For students to have equal opportunities to obtain success in their academic careers, it is important for instructors and faculty members to understand how to create equitable rubrics. Rubrics need to be designed in a manner where fairness, transparency and inclusivity are the inherent underlying characteristics. Those individuals who attend this session will be informed of best practices and strategies to use D2L to create rubrics and provide meaningful feedback. This way, we will be able to promote support and equity for multi-faceted learners in the classroom and within virtual spaces.


Speakers: Deb Simoes, Mike Jones, and Lauren Sele, SAIT


117


  • This session begins with discussing the benefits of using peer evaluation as a type of assessment for students and the faculty. Then, leveraging learning technology to create and manage assignments that allow students to read, review, and evaluate one or many papers submitted by their classmates.


Speaker: Matt Karns, SAIT


119


  • Learning is hard when you are not engaged with the subject material. Join Randolph In this session as he looks at how to increase engagement by bringing in elements of game theory. What makes the learning compelling? How can game theory be applied to Brightspace learning? How do we define success?


Speaker: Randolph Streich, Sr. Solutions Engineer, D2L


122

Group Networking Activity
11:25 am - 12:15 pm

Macdonald Hall

Sailboat to Success!

Join us for an interactive working session where we will collaborate on how your organization can identify your learning vision, determine what supports you have in place, assess what is slowing you down, and how you can achieve your goals.

Facilitator: Jeff Salin, Manager, Learning Experience Consulting, D2L

12:15 am - 1:00 pm

Lunch

Breakout Sessions
1:10 pm - 1:55 pm


  • Bow Valley College recognized the importance of equipping individuals with in demand competencies that align with industry needs. To achieve this, we collaborate closely with employers to create competency-based reskilling and upskilling micro-credentials that incorporate authentic assessments and engaging activities. As the job market is constantly evolving, it is essential post-secondary institutions provide individuals with the competencies that are in demand by employers. In this session, we will share how we’ve been able to partner with D2L, Brightspace, and Course Merchant to execute on our vision to “shape the future of college education” through our unique approach to competency-based development and design that involves deep collaboration with employers, authentic assessment methods, and rich learning experiences.

    In this session we will focus on:

    • Connecting Competencies that are in demand by industries
    • Connecting Employers to fully understand the requirements for competence
    • Connecting Assessments to ensure learners are demonstrating the competencies in manner relevant to the world of work
    • Connecting Experiences by providing rich and rigorous opportunities for learners


Speakers: Mike Crowe and Cheryl Kinzel, Bow Valley College


117


  • With the advancement of natural language processing technology, ChatGPT has emerged as a promising tool for online education. However, as with any technology, there are potential benefits and risks associated with its use. We will explore the various applications of ChatGPT in online courses, and also examine the potential misuses of AI tools and discuss strategies for mitigating these risks. Through a combination of presentation, group discussion, and live demos, participants will gain a better understanding of the benefits and challenges of incorporating ChatGPT into online courses and how to navigate the ethical considerations involved. (NOTE: this description was written by ChatGPT and may or may not match the actual presentation content.)


Speaker: Barry Dahl, Teaching & Learning Advocate, D2L


119


  • Review of the stuff you Desire2Know with Senior Solutions Engineer Randolph Streich. Randolph will take us through some key areas of Brightspace including: Communication, measurements and metrics, lesser known tools and hidden gems. This will be an open presentation so be ready to bring your questions.


Speaker: Randolph Streich, Sr. Solutions Engineer, D2L


122

Closing Session
2:00 pm - 2:20 pm

Macdonald

Wrap-up and Prize Drawings

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