C3

Live Actor Simulation: Low-Tech Solutions for a High-Tech World

"I didn't know what my students didn't know until I did a simulation." - TMU instructor

In a post-pandemic, hybrid learning context, students have-and are accustomed to-more ways of accessing information and receiving instruction than ever before. As we adjust to new ways of connecting and interacting, the learning, development and practical application of key interpersonal skills related to a field of study can often present challenges for students. Live Actor Simulation (LAS) is a powerful pedagogical tool that supports professional development through building competencies and behaviours that will shape students' futures as leaders and practitioners in any field or industry by bringing classroom theory to practice. The delivery model of LAS fits well into David Kolb's model of the experiential learning cycle by providing students with the concrete experience of participating in a simulated experience, the opportunity to reflect on the experience and feedback provided by the skilled actors, known as simulators. Furthermore, facilitated discussion conceptualizes the praxis where learners begin to develop solutions to the challenge presented through the simulation, and finally, have the opportunity to test their ideas or solutions, receive additional feedback to refine approaches and strategies to improve their future practice. Live Actor Simulation directly empowers student voice and agency to navigate the ever-changing worlds of school, work and community, to communicate across difference, and develop a professional identity grounded in human interaction, where students learn, develop and practice person-to-person communication skills in a safe, supportive, engaging environment (in-person or virtually). This session will demonstrate how live simulation can be utilized effectively in diverse and varying learning contexts.

Presenters

Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL)

In the arena of higher education, fostering global competence among students is an imperative mission. This presentation will share the practice and outcomes of implementing Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), an educational methodology that transcends geographical boundaries. Building upon the educational theories of constructivism and intercultural communication, COIL has been designed to enhance cultural exchange and global understanding through collaborative tasks with international peers. COIL, endorsed by UNESCO for promoting intercultural dialogue, pivots on the use of online communication tools to connect students across different countries, enabling them to engage in shared projects. Reflecting on the experiential learning theory, COIL integrates practical tasks to solidify theoretical concepts, providing a hands-on approach to international business and economic education. The presentation will elucidate how COIL has been operationalized within courses at the Ted Rogers School of Management, Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada, in collaboration with partner institutions around the globe. This teaching innovation has significantly impacted the student experience by promoting inclusivity, enhancing cultural competence, and preparing students for the global job market. Students have reported profound appreciation for the unique insights gained from interacting with international counterparts, leading to a richer understanding of varied cultural perspectives and business practices. Moreover, COIL has played an essential role in supporting underrepresented groups, offering a more accessible alternative to traditional study-abroad programs. The pedagogical strategy’s effectiveness will be demonstrated through qualitative reflections of students who have engaged in COIL. These reflections reveal an increase in students' ability to navigate diverse team dynamics, an improved global perspective, and heightened career readiness. By sharing this strategy, the session aims to inspire educators to adopt COIL and similar practices to enrich their teaching repertoire and, more importantly, to empower students with the skills necessary to thrive in a globalized economy. The presentation will also touch upon the challenges and successes of implementing COIL, with a view to promoting its adoption and continuous improvement within the academic community.

Presenters

Omni, the future is collaborative: an introduction to TMU Libraries new Academic Search Tool

On June 12, 2024 TMU Libraries will launch its new integrated library system, Omni. A project of the Ontario Council of University Libraries’ Collaborative Futures initiative, Omni is powered by a partnership of team members and resources from 19 of Ontario’s university libraries. Omni users experience fast and easy access to a vast collection of diverse, high-quality, academic material, empowering them to confidently develop new insights in their areas of study, and succeed in their research goals.

Presenters