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EduCa: Education Commons Advisory

Advisory Overview

One of the priorities for the Education Commons 2020-2023 Strategic Plan was to design an OISE community advisory structure for a renewed and reimagined Education Commons. 

EduCA (Education Commons Advisory) is the advisory framework established to create and maintain a collaborative, open, and transparent OISE community engagement and advice to Education Commons as a community partner in four areas: Student, Program/Teaching, Research, and Administration.

Principles

All advisory committees will operate based on the following principles:​

Play advisory function to the Education Commons​

Recommendations and advice are inclusive of all OISE interests​

Grounded in best practice and strategic alignment

Advice based on evidence and facts

Membership & Roles

The Education Common Director will Chair, and up to seven community representatives from various OISE constituents will participate each term (May - February). For the inaugural year (May 2023 - February 2024), membership to EduCA is by invitation only. 

Call for expression of interest to participate on any of the four advisory committees will open each March. 


Additional Membership Details

An EduCA advisory term is for one year, beginning in May and ending in February of the following year. 

Chair
  • Education Commons Director
  • Introduces the topic for the EduCA year
  • Leads the four quarterly meetings
 
Committee Members
  • Provide advice based on evidence and facts

There are four EduCA meetings held each year. Sessions will be held in May, August, November and February. 

Framework: Five-Step Advisory

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Content

Define the problem/opportunity

An icon depicting a path taken to a finishing line.

Method

Path to get to the outcome.

Icon depicting a magnifying glass.

Review

Peruse collected data and review facts.

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Advise

Discuss findings and formulate advise.

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Implement

Communicate plan for implementation.

2023/2024 Advisory Committees & Topics

Topic

Education Commons engagement opportunities with students – offerings, services, events.

Committee Recommendations

  • Recommendation #1
  • Recommendation #2

Committee Members
  • Osholene Upiomoh - Social Justice Education
  • Susan He - Leadership, Higher & Adult Education 
  • Samantha Burns - Applied Psychology & Human Development
  • Sonya Madan - Curriculum, Teaching & Learning 
  • Alexis Daybutch - Indigenous Education Network 
  • Josie Lalonde - Registrar's Office & Student Experience 
  • Mindy Harris - Dean’s Office

Topic

Digital toolkit for faculty: Technology in the life of OISE faculty.

Committee Recommendations

Instructor Academic Toolbox

Designed specifically for OISE faculty members and sessional instructors. This toolbox provides a comprehensive list of teaching resources and tools tailored to support your instructional needs. From video tutorials to practical guides, instructors will have access to everything they need to enhance their teaching practices and better engage with students. The resources available are geared toward facilitating the use of OISE-specific tools and technologies to foster dynamic learning environments.

New Instructor Hire Guide

Streamline the onboarding process for new faculty and sessional instructors. This web-based checklist ensures that new hires are fully informed about the tools and resources available, such as online teaching platforms, classroom technology, and how to access these tools. The guide will also serve as a valuable reference for the OISE community, including staff, librarians, and administration, helping to create a more cohesive and supportive teaching community.

Technology Request Program

Web-based platform that allows OISE faculty members and sessional instructors to submit requests for new technology to enhance their teaching environments. The form is designed to streamline the process of evaluating and acquiring innovative tools by gathering key details such as the type of technology, its intended use case, estimated cost, and expected longevity. This initiative will empower instructors to contribute to the evolution of teaching technology at OISE, ensuring that our classrooms and online learning spaces remain at the forefront of educational innovation. 


Committee Members

  • Andrew Campbell - Curriculum, Teaching & Learning 
  • Yiola Cleovoulou - Applied Psychology & Human Development
  • Carly Manion - Leadership, Higher & Adult Education 
  • Elisabeth Rees-Johnstone - Continuing & Professional Learning 
  • Ryan Lahti - Education Commons 

Topic

Celebrate research to action through knowledge mobilization in digital ways – Education Commons role, balance of standardization and personalization of digital services.

Committee Recommendations

Going forward, Education Commons will no longer be supporting the following two types of websites:

Personal, CV, or portfolio-based websites

  • Relevant information should be transferred to the .
  • Adjunct or sessional faculty who do not qualify for a Discover Research profile will use the departmental template, subject to departmental discretion.

Project websites that have not been updated for 24 months and/or do not have active grant requirements or funding.

  • Updates include security updates and migration to Drupal.
  • Websites also require an active team to update content (not Education Commons)

Committee Members
  • Eunice Jang - Applied Psychology & Human Development 
  • Elizabeth Buckner - Leadership, Higher & Adult Education 
  • Jim Hewitt - Curriculum, Teaching & Learning 
  • Amal Madibbo - Social Justice Education
  • Lara Cartmale - Office of Associate Dean Research, International & Innovation 
  • Michele Peterson-Badali - Associate Dean Research, International & Innovation
  • Andrea Zdzylowski - Education Commons

Topic

Principles for OISE IT project intake and prioritization.

Committee Recommendations

Project Lifecycle: From Submission to Implementation

Implement a structured project intake process requiring a submission form for all projects that involve Education Commons, with monthly reviews for alignment with institutional goals.

Evaluation Criteria

Ensure all projects are evaluated based on strategic alignment, risk mitigation, and mandatory requirements to optimize resource allocation and institutional effectiveness.

Prioritization of Projects

Prioritize projects using an impact vs. effort model, focusing on "Quick Wins" (high-impact, low-effort) while ensuring major projects receive necessary resources and governance through a steering committee. 


Committee Members
  • Creso Sa - Leadership, Higher & Adult Education 
  • Sheldon Grabke - Registrar's Office & Student Experience 
  • Bessie Giannikos - Curriculum, Teaching & Learning
  • Sugi Ganeswararajan - Applied Psychology & Human Development 
  • Ai-Ri Brown - CAO Office
  • Iman Fouad - Social Justice Education 
  • Laize Bacay - Education Commons