2009 Retreat Session Descriptions

Costs, Quality, and Differentiation: Management Issues in Online Higher Education

Keith Hampson, Director of Distance Education, Ryerson University

This discussion will examine the different ways in which online learning divisions within traditional and non-traditional universities have sought to strike the ideal mix of costs, quality, and differentiation (uniqueness). A number of different factors will be addressed including faculty responsibilities, content development strategies, centralization of services, and partnerships.

AODA Information & Communications Standard

Jeanette Parsons, Accessibility Coordinator, Queen's University

This session will be an overview of the proposed Information & Communications Standard, highlighting the major elements while focusing on implications the Standard will have for Ontario universities.

Jeanette will also explain some of the objectives the committee tried to achieve in the proposed Standard, as well as some of the biggest challenges the committee faced.  An update on the status of enactment of the Standard will also be provided.

Leveraging Social Media for Marketing and Program Development

Phil Bliss, Chief Innovation Officer and Alyson Young, Social Media Consultant, Academica Group

It is a very exciting time for both communication and learning technologies. Just as continuing education offers adult learners lifelong opportunities for transformation and growth, the technologies we use to promote and teach programs are also in a continuous state of change. In this session, two social media consultants will offer an overview of emerging technologies they feel should be of interest to program marketers and developers. They will provide “catch up” information on the latest developments, and share their views on which technologies are worth watching and which ones can be left to slide by.

Cracker Barrel session

A Cracker Barrel is an innovative method that will allow you to connect with a variety of people interested in the same issues and topics that affect your work. During the Cracker Barrel, you will have the opportunity to join various conversational areas that have been assigned specific discussion topics. Discussion topics will be sent to you prior to the event, and all topics will be indicated by appropriate signage.