The party people at BCcampus have been super busy preparing everything for the upcoming Festival of Learning 2020. Our goal is to build on the success of the 2018 Festival, and we have some great things lined up for the post-secondary community of B.C. Here’s a quick look at what you can expect at #FoL2020.
Post by BCcampus’ editorial team
Registration for Festival of Learning 2020 is now open, and while the event is scheduled for May 11–13, 2020, we’re already busy behind the scenes getting everything ready for another phenomenal event. We proudly hosted the first Festival of Learning in 2016, and then again in 2018, and we’re eager to connect with friends and colleagues at #FoL2020 in May. Festival of Learning is B.C.’s largest conference about learning and teaching in higher education.
Disruption and transformation
This year’s theme is Disruption and Transformation: how are we intentionally disrupting our work at an individual, institutional, or societal level, and what prompts us to transform practices, policies, or processes?
“We’re exploring inclusive approaches to change the way people see and access post-secondary education,” shared Tracy Roberts, senior manager, Learning + Teaching at BCcampus. “By inviting everyone—faculty, students, leaders, librarians, learning designers, educational technologists, and accessibility specialists—to events like this to network and learn, we can build positive change together in service of all students and their learning.”
Universal access
No conversation would be complete without representation from everyone involved, so we’ve worked hard to ensure that everyone interested can attend #FoL2020. We’ve partnered with Disability Resource Network of B.C. for Post-Secondary Education to deliver a space that welcomes presenters and participants from all backgrounds, races, ethnicities, abilities, cultures, sexual orientations, genders, languages, ages, and religions, as well as those identifying as neurodivergent. However you self-identify, we’re looking forward to including your voice in the experience.
What can you expect at #FoL2020?
- 500 attendees – learners, educators, supporters, and everyone interested in learning in B.C.
- Gender inclusivity – you be you
- Free childcare – Nannies on Call is again providing their professional services (pre-registration required)
- Brilliant keynote speakers
- Self-care stations to let you stop and process what you’re learning
- Universal accessibility through a partnership with Disability Resource Network of B.C. for Post-Secondary Education
- Festival Arrival party – sip on something tasty while connecting with attendees at this pre-festival event
The #FoL2020 program committee is currently working on the schedule of events. The call for submissions has just ended, so now they’re working on the hard part of trying to include all of the brilliant submissions into the agenda.
Keynote speakers
We are excited to hear from our two keynote speakers at #FoL2020: Kevin Lamoureux and Jess Mitchell.
Kevin Lamoureux is a faculty member at the University of Winnipeg and a well-known public speaker. He has served as associate vice president for the University of Winnipeg, education lead for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, and as scholar-in-residence for several school divisions. Lamoureux is an award-winning scholar with an impressive publication and research grant record and has consulted for governments, organizations, and institutions across Canada. His most recent book contribution, for Ensouling Our Schools with Dr. Jennifer Katz, is being used by educators across Canada working to create inclusive spaces for all students. He has been seen on TV, in documentaries, in print, and in the media. More than anything, Lamoureux is committed to reconciliation and contributing to an even better Canada for all children to grow up in.
Jess Mitchell is senior manager, Research + Design at the Inclusive Design Research Centre at OCAD University in Toronto—which is a meaningless title that tells you virtually nothing about her. Here’s what you need to know: Jess is often a misfit, values a critical perspective, and appreciates the messy parts of human interaction. Additionally, she has a fondness for things in threes and a background in ethics.
We’re hammering out the details on a third keynote and hope to have something to share with you very soon.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hang out with people who understand what you do and why you do it. Register now and take advantage of the early bird pricing.
Learning Access Program for Educators (LAP-E)
Recognizing that budget limitations are a reality for some institutions, and it’s not possible to take advantage of every professional development opportunity, BCcampus has included #FoL2020 in our LAP-E program. The program provides financial assistance with registration fees, as well as travel, per diem, and accommodation costs. Only one person per institution per event, so register today to benefit from this program.