Are Canadian Academic Institutions Ready for the Coming Digital Revolution?

Ryerson University's inaugural ChangSchoolTalks
aims to "reimagine" digital learning.

TORONTO, Feb. 12, 2015  /CNW/ - Today, Ryerson University's G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education announces the speaker lineup for the first-ever ChangSchoolTalks speaker series on February 19, 2015. With the theme of "digital learning reimagined," the event will provide a forum for insightful discussion about the latest advances in educational technology, including augmented learning experience, networked and game-based learning, and digital citizenship.

"How people learn and obtain new skills is changing. We have to acknowledge that the ground is shifting beneath our feet and be ready to make online education as interactive and effective as possible," says Dr. Marie Bountrogianni, Dean, The Chang School. "At The Chang School, we're ready, engaged, and excited about the digital revolution and the ways it can open up new opportunities for our learners."

Speakers for the inaugural event include:

• Audrey Watters, Journalist specializing in education technology: Ms. Waters will discuss the future of education and examine the drive to automate education aka "Teaching Machines", not simply as a technological, scientific, or pedagogical development, but as a profoundly cultural one.
• Stephen Downes, Senior Researcher at the National Research Council of Canada: Mr. Downes will discuss opportunities to deploy the next generation of learning technologies that will further the idea of personalized learning, enabling each learner to develop their own custom educational program from the ground up.
• George Veletsianos, Canada Research Chair in Innovative Learning and Technology, Royal Roads University: Mr. Veletsianos will discuss emerging academic practices in online learning environments.
• Jeremy Friedberg, Scientist and game-maker, Founder of Spongelab: Mr. Friedberg will talk about the role of game-based learning in promoting critical thinking and creativity in education.
• Philipp Schmidt, Fellow at MIT Media Lab and co-founder of P2P University: Currently involved in a new initiative titled "Making / Learning / Work" (an MIT and Joyce Foundation collaboration), Mr. Schmidt will discuss new solutions for adult learners who have had unsuccessful experiences with the education system.
• Dr. Marie Bountrogianni, Dean, The Chang School, Ryerson University: Dr. Bountrogianni will discuss The Chang School's continuing and online education, which is designed to address skills gaps in the Canadian labour market.

Media are welcome to attend, but are asked to RSVP. For more information visit www.changschooltalks.ryerson.ca/2015/, or follow @changschooltalks on Twitter.

Proceeds from the event will go to Ryerson University's Spanning the Gaps Bursary Fund, which increases post-secondary participation by young people and adults who might not otherwise interact with or experience post-secondary education. For more information, visit www.ryerson.ca/ce/access.

About The Chang School
Ryerson University's G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education (ryerson.ca/ce) is Canada's foremost provider of university-based adult education, facilitating access to the University's renowned, professionally relevant courses and programs. Since 1975, we have been delivering leading-edge workplace knowledge that empowers learners to reach their personal and professional goals. We have approximately 70,000 annual enrollments (in 1,500 courses, seminars, and workshops) in Arts; Business; Communication and Design; Community Services; Engineering, Architecture, and Science; Gateway for International Professionals; Programs for 50+; and Spanning the Gaps – Access to Post-Secondary Education. We also offer 88 career-related certificate programs and numerous course series, with 23 certificate programs that can be completed entirely at a distance. Our flexible, accessible programming is available on campus, via distance education, and off-site for employee groups at leading organizations.

SOURCE Ryerson University

Media Contact: Tara Bolger, [email protected], 416.929.2052, or Julie McCarthy, [email protected], 416.929.8253