ACIFA Conference Update 2018
The ACIFA (Alberta Colleges Instructional Faculty Association) held its annual Conference, May 13-16, 2108 in the pristine Jasper Park Lodge in Jasper Park Alberta. The scenery around Jasper Park is breath taking, and well worth the long drive.
The year’s Conference was hosted by Northern Lakes Faculty Association; and the theme for this year was “Find Your North Star”. Sustainability –Technology –Accessibility- Resiliency. In keeping with the theme of the Conference, the Keynote Speaker was renowned Champion of Literacy and acclaimed author of more than 50 books in English and French, David Bouchard. Bouchard has received the 2008 Moonbeam Award for his book ‘I am a Raven”, the 2004 Governor Generals Award for his song “Within my Heart” He is a former school teacher and high school principle. A graduate from Queens University, a renowned story teller and flutist, and is most proud of his Metis heritage. Bouchard was named to the Order of Canada, for his contribution as an author of children’s books, and an advocate who has championed the cause of reading and writing”. Bouchard’s presentation was energetic and humorous, accompanied by some very explicit flute playing, and an impressive overview of Alberta’s historical roots.
The Conference was opened by the Honorable Marlin Schmidt, Minister of Advanced Education. He acknowledged and praised the commitment that Faculty provide in Post-Secondary education. The Conference also offered a melee of educational sessions, facilitated by faculty members from various colleges in Alberta. Most importantly there were a number of SAIT Faculty members that presented some very enlightening sessions.
Our thanks and congratulations to:-
Steve Janz, Instructor in the School of Business, and winner of the ACIFA Innovation Award for his outstanding work on Light Board Technology. His session was also very enlightening…no pun intended.
Stuart Wong, Instructor in the School of Energy, an interesting overview on “ A 100% Paperless Classroom”, embracing and integrating computer technology in the classroom, while student use their own devices to learn (BYOD).
Michael Sherrard, Communications Instructor, conducted a session on “Story Telling as a Teaching Technique”. As Michael stated, storytelling can make a difficult and convoluted subject more attractive and easier to connect with.
Amir Fard, Instructor in the School of Energy, provide an overview on a sensitive subject for many Faculty members, evaluation through the student evaluation tool, the SIR II Report. Many comments on the challenges and integrity for instructors’, and the anonymous nature of these reports.
Imre Z. Balint, Instructor for Computers courses and Business Math, gave us a glimpse of the intricate world of Raspberry Pi and 3D Printing. The session appealed to anyone involved in the world of industrial Internet, electronic integration and Python programming. Also incorporating 3D printing into courses and utilizing the MakerBot Replicator+.
Yoni Porat, Instructor for philosophy, math and statistics. Yoni has provided sessions at past Conferences, so was quite comfortable in providing an overview of “The Relationship between Authenticity and Resilience”; good interaction within the group with the activity to share ideas on best practices for authentic assessment.
Teresa Hoffert, Instructor in the Accounting Program, provided a guide through an engaging classroom experience that uses technology to build resiliency in students. Great tips on how to use videos in the classroom to build confidence, optimism in your students.
The Jasper Park Lodge staff were responsive to the needs of the Conference participants, Monday evening we enjoyed a well prepared buffet and some lively entertainment. Tuesday evening we experienced the beauty of Lake Trefoil and an outdoor Bar-B-Q. The evenings gave all in attendance an opportunity to mingle, converse and catch up with old friends. Northern Lakes College were attentive hosts and made everyone feel welcome.
The highlights of these Conferences for me are: having the pleasure of meeting SAIT Faculty that I do not always have the chance to dialogue with through the year. Most importantly though, it is having the opportunity and the privilege to showcase SAIT’s faculty presenters.
The 2019 Conference will be held in Lake Louise, the host will be Red Deer College and their theme will be “Creativity is Contagious…Pass it On”.
James McWilliams,
President, SAFA Academic Faculty Association.