Historical retrospective features audio lectures by renowned university professors
TORONTO, June 20, 2017 /CNW/ - Ryerson University's G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education is proud to offer a free series of recordings on the themes of migration and multiculturalism as a historical retrospective to mark Canada's 150th anniversary. The recordings, entitled Migration and Multiculturalism: Global Challenge, Canadian Experience, consist of excerpts from audio lectures by renowned university professors from across the country exploring some of the identity-defining migrations that have become a central feature of Canadian history.
"The Chang School is thrilled to offer these recordings to commemorate Canada 150," said Dr. Marie Bountrogianni, Dean, The Chang School. "Societies benefit when they consult their history to help inform their future. As Canadians, we should be proud of the diversity of our nation, but it is also critically important that we learn from our history. Providing open access to these recordings to our learners and the larger community allows Canadians the opportunity to enjoy the artifacts that helped shape our nation's heritage."
The course materials are available as an open educational resource (OER) through Ryerson University Library's Archives and Special Collections. The lectures were originally recorded as part of print/audio courses offered through the now-defunct CJRT-FM and Open College. The station began at the university in 1948 as a training facility for students in its journalism program. As part of its mandate, the CJRT undertook the production and broadcast of academic programming—named Open College—for distance education learners. Through Open College, thousands of students were able to take degree credit-level courses to further their education.
These courses were mostly prepared by university-affiliated professors, some of whom were outstanding scholars in their respective fields. In the late 1990s, Open College was transferred to The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education. In time, much of the academic programming was transferred online in the Ryerson Archive for use by new distance learners and academic researchers. The Chang School plans to release further OERs to ensure greater access to education for a wide range of learners.
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 our 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 are also affiliated with DiverseCity onBoard, an internationally-recognized program of governance training and board-matching to strengthen diversity on the boards of Canadian not-for-profit and public sector organizations. The Chang School offers 78 career-related certificate programs and numerous course series, with 26 certificate programs that can be completed entirely at a distance. The expertise of our Digital Education Strategies unit – an innovative leader in online learning – has been recognized by the National University Telecommunications Network, the Canadian Association of University Continuing Education, and the Canadian Network for Innovation in Education, Pearson Canada, and the Online Learning Consortium. Our flexible, accessible programming is available on campus, via distance education, and off-site for employee groups at leading organizations.
Ryerson University is Canada's leader in innovative, career-oriented education and a university clearly on the move. With a mission to serve societal need, and a long-standing commitment to engaging its community, Ryerson offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs. Distinctly urban, culturally diverse and inclusive, the university is home to more than 44,500 students, including 2,400 master's and PhD students, 3,200 faculty and staff, and nearly 170,000 alumni worldwide. Research at Ryerson is on a trajectory of success and growth: externally funded research has doubled in the past five years. The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education is Canada's leading provider of university-based adult education. For more information, visit www.ryerson.ca.
SOURCE Ryerson University
MEDIA CONTACT: Lauren Clegg, Media Relations, Ryerson University, [email protected], 416-979-5000 x7161
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