Meet the FLO Facilitator: Taruna Goel

Over the years individuals from institutions and organizations across B.C. have taken Facilitating Learning Online (FLO) to the next level by participating in the Facilitator Development/Mentorship program and co-facilitating one or more FLO courses. If you are thinking about adopting FLO courses at your institution, these are the people who can help!

What got you started on this path to becoming a FLO facilitator and mentor?

As an instructor with the University of Victoria, I often participated in FLO courses as a way to learn and connect with a dynamic community of practice. In 2021 I was invited by Helena Prins, advisor for Learning and Teaching at BCcampus, to co-facilitate a course on Universal Design for Learning (UDL). I enjoyed how the BCcampus team created an inclusive environment both for me as a facilitator and for the participants within the FLO online space. So I decided to stick around!

As a FLO facilitator, I like to explore new technology and diverse learning platforms and create engaging and reflective learning experiences that align with specific needs and impact real-life performance. With BCcampus, I have found my community, a group of lifelong learners who are passionate about online learning and teaching. I appreciate the platform we have to exchange ideas and practices and learn and grow together.

What experience and expertise do you bring to this new support role of helping others to adopt and/or facilitate FLO courses?

I hold a Bachelor of Science degree specializing in community resource management and education, an MBA specializing in marketing and human resources, and a certificate in adult and continuing education. This interdisciplinary combination of science, business, and adult education has enabled me to provide innovative solutions for some of the most challenging problems and to be a trusted partner to my clients. I bring over two decades of learning and performance consultation and facilitation experience in Canada and abroad and have led the design and development of over 300 courses, including online and blended learning programs. In the courses I design and facilitate, I like to combine my knowledge of adult learning principles and my industry experience to build bridges between theory and application.

As a facilitator I constantly draw from my lived experiences. Being an immigrant has sensitized me to the prejudices and biases that exist in the spaces we learn and work in. But more importantly, it has empowered me to explore the principles of UDL and work toward meeting the goals of designing for diversity, equity, and inclusion. I like mentoring and supporting other online facilitators who are looking to reduce barriers and maximize learning opportunities for diverse learner populations.