*Note: This session has passed. Please view the resources and recordings below.

As a digitally competent educator, you are expected to teach learners how to work with each other in digital spaces and contribute to safe, positive learning networks. Liberating Structures are tools for engaging and including groups working and learning together. The 33-plus powerful Liberating Structure activities could help you increase engagement and inclusiveness while building course community. They can be used face-to-face, synchronously, or asynchronously online. During this fun-filled hour, you will have the opportunity to experience at least two Liberating Structures synchronously while also considering the importance of course communication and collaboration.

Facilitators:

Dr. Gwen Nguyen (she/her) is a learning and teaching advisor at BCcampus. Prior to BCcampus Gwen worked as a learning experience designer at the University of Victoria, supporting educators with developing and delivering courses in all the modes — face-to-face, hybrid, online, etc. She has also worked as a university lecturer and researcher at the University of Victoria and the Kanazawa Institute of Technology in Japan. Gwen holds a PhD in education studies and an MA in applied linguistics. Her recent research interests include poetry inquiry as a reflection practice in education, digital literacy and digital pedagogies, and participatory action research.

Helena Prins (she/her) is an advisor of learning and teaching at BCcampus and coordinates the Facilitating Learning Online (FLO) portfolio. She began her career as a high-school teacher in South Africa. Over the past 20 years, Helena has taught students of all ages and stages on four continents. A golden thread throughout her teaching experiences is breaking down barriers to learning. Prior to joining BCcampus in 2020, Helena worked as a career learning and development advisor at Royal Roads University. As an immigrant she values the opportunity to support all students, especially international students, in finding and building their career path in Canada. She is a certified career strategist with Career Professionals Canada and associate faculty at Royal Roads University.

Resources and Recordings:

• (FUN) FLO FRIDAY: Enhance Course Communication and Collaboration with Liberating Structures – Transcript (Word)
• (FUN) FLO FRIDAY: Enhance Course Communication and Collaboration with Liberating Structures – Transcript (PDF)
• (FUN) FLO FRIDAY: Enhance Course Communication and Collaboration with Liberating Structures – Slides (PDF)