Growing Open Educational Resources Across Institutions: A Collaborative Cycle (1-2 pm PT)

Join BCIT instructor Julia Alards-Tomalin and University of Alberta’s Valerie Miller to explore the exciting evolution of a cross-institutional OER project. Learn how Valerie’s educational game, “Become an Earth Doctor,” sparked a collaboration that led to BCIT students creating expansion decks focused on local BC ecosystems. Learn how this collaborative approach fosters a “growing” OER that benefits both institutions and beyond. This inspiring story highlights the power of OERs to bridge distances and create collaborative learning opportunities.

Organizer: British Columbia Institute of Technology

Register: https://bcit.libcal.com/event/3883294

Julia Alards-Tomalin is an instructor in the Renewable Resources department at BCIT. She teaches into the Forest and Natural Areas Management diploma, the Fish, Wildlife and Recreation diploma, and the Ecological Restoration programs. Julia began creating and use Open Educational Resources (OER) in 2019 and has led and contributed to several projects. She has participated in delivering PD sessions on open education, has encouraged her BCIT colleagues to engage in open education, and works with colleagues beyond BCIT to share her expertise.

Valerie Miller (she/her) holds a PhD in land reclamation from the University of Alberta, which focused on building soils using mine waste at a diamond mine in northern Canada. As Outreach and Engagement Lead for Future Energy Systems, a research program at the University of Alberta, Valerie manages the Energy Explorers training program, coordinates the extensive outreach and engagement program, and works with numerous external partners to provide public access to research and researchers. She is the author of The Energy Adventures of Tommy and Remi series.