Keynote panel discussion
Join a diverse group of representatives with unique teaching and learning backgrounds to learn about the past, present and future of teaching and learning. This lively and thought-provoking discussion is sure to inspire attendees for the rest of the day!
The discussion will be held on the main campus at McMaster University in the L.R. Wilson Theatre.
Session Title: Experiences of Change in Teaching and Learning
Our experiences of change can differ dramatically depending on our own backgrounds, perspectives and understandings. During this panel discussion, three experienced members of the teaching and learning community will share their unique perspectives on “change” as it relates to technology, social and cultural movements, and student expectations. The panel will be moderated by Erin Aspenlieder, PhD – Associate Director, Central Programming at the MacPherson Institute.
Event Date: Friday, December 9 (in-person)
Location: L.R. Wilson Hall at McMaster University
Time: 9:00am – 10:30am
PANELISTS
Information Box Group
Christina Alcena, BA Hons, MEd (she/her) - Director, Division of Students at Sheridan College
Christina Alcena (she/her/hers) is an innovative and strategic higher education leader with extensive experience working and learning within Canadian post-secondary institutions. She is an avid champion of student and employee recruitment, retention, and success, with a strong commitment to decolonization, equity, diversity, and
inclusion. Christina has over a decade of experience in the field, where she has worked in progressively senior roles within student affairs and enrolment management. Christina joins us from the Sheridan College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning located in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, where she holds the position of Director, Division of Students where she directs divisional leadership capacity for talent development, assessment and evaluation, integrated planning and resource management, special projects, channeling student voice into decision-making, and supporting leadership communications.
As a Black, Chinese-Bahamian first-generation Canadian settler, Christina is passionate about representing and giving back to her diverse communities. Outside of work, she strives to live a healthy lifestyle through therapy, fitness, and nutrition, and enjoys spending time with her partner and connecting with her family and friends.
Jess Mitchell - Senior Manager, Research + Design at the Inclusive Design Research Centre at OCAD University
Jess Mitchell is Senior Manager, Research + Design at the Inclusive Design Research Centre at OCAD University in Toronto. Her work focuses on fostering innovation and inclusion within diverse communities while achieving outcomes that benefit everyone.
With a background in Ethics, Jess delivers a unique perspective on messy and complex contexts that helps organizations and individuals navigate a productive way forward.
Those details offer a limited glimpse into who Jess is. Here’s what else you need to know: Jess is often a misfit, values a critical perspective, appreciates the messy parts of human interactions and has a fondness for things in 3s. She lives in Hamilton, Ontario with her wife, son, and 3 naughty dogs.
Bonnie Stewart - Associate Professor of Online Pedagogy and Workplace Learning at the University of Windsor
Dr. Bonnie Stewart is an educator and social media researcher interested in the implications of digital networks for institutions and society. Associate Professor of Online Pedagogy and Workplace Learning in the University of Windsor’s Faculty of Education, Bonnie has an extensive background in digital and experiential education, and in participatory and adult learning approaches. A career educator with extensive facilitation experience in higher ed and in professional contexts, Bonnie has taught on all three coasts of Canada, and facilitated and keynoted around the world. What it means to know, to learn, and to be a citizen in our current information ecosystem are the questions at the core of Bonnie’s career. These questions have manifested over time in early MOOC research, in ethnographic investigation of Twitter as an academic environment, and in explorations of educators’ data literacies and the ethics of datafied infrastructures. Bonnie is committed to the principles and possibilities of public education.
Getting to McMaster University
Strike Update
As of Monday, November 21 at 7am, CUPE 3906 Unit 1 began strike action. The university remains open during the strike, including all events, library access and food services. During the strike, access to campus has been delayed by picket lines at some entry points.
Please take this into consideration when planning your schedule and leave enough time to arrive at the start of the conference. More information about accessing campus during the strike can be found on McMaster’s Labour Updates page.
Arriving at McMaster
Address: 1280 Main Street West Hamilton, Ontario L8S 3L8 905-525-9140
For our in-person sessions the events will be at L.R. Wilson Hall and the Michael DeGroote Centre for Learning. Both buildings are accessible via Sterling St. entrance.
Once you arrive on campus please proceed to L.R. Wilson Hall. As you enter follow signage for the “Innovations in Education Conference” and navigate to the registration desk. An event support staff member will guide you to the appropriate area to get settled and prepare to participate.
For the most part, your participation will be focused in L.R. Wilson Hall classrooms and active learning spaces.
Before you begin your day, we will ensure you have necessary information including:
- Location of the washrooms
- Accommodation requirements
- WiFi access
- Dietary requirements
Expandable List
There are many ways of getting to McMaster. If you would prefer public transit, the HSR (local bus service) has service that will bring you close to both buildings. If you are coming from outside of Hamilton, you may wish to consider GO transit, Greyhound, Coach Canada or other methods of your choice.
From Toronto, Oakville, Burlington (Central Campus)
- Travel westbound on the QEW or Highway 407
- In Burlington, take Highway 403 to downtown Hamilton
- Exit Highway 403 at the Main Street West/HWY 8 off ramp – Exit 69A
- At the traffic signal turn left on to Main Street West, and then Follow Newton Ave to Sterling St
- Use the middle lane to turn left onto Hwy 8/ON-8
- Turn right onto Newton Ave
- Continue onto Sterling St
From the Niagara Peninsula
- Follow the QEW over the Burlington Skyway Bridge as though going to Toronto.
- Take Highway 403 toward Hamilton and exit as described in the directions for coming from Toronto.
- Use the left 2 lanes to merge onto QEW/Queen Elizabeth Way toward Toronto
- Take exit 100 toward Brantford/Hamilton
- At the traffic signal turn left on to Main Street West, and then Follow Newton Ave to Sterling St
- Use the middle lane to turn left onto Hwy 8/ON-8
- Turn right onto Newton Ave
- Continue onto Sterling St
From Kitchener/Waterloo, Guelph, Cambridge
- Take Highway 401 to Highway 6 South.
- From Highway 6, exit on Highway 403 toward Hamilton. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for ON-403 W/Ontario 6 S/Brantford and merge onto ON-403 W
- Exit Highway 403 at the Main Street West/HWY 8 off ramp – Exit 69A
- At the traffic signal turn left on to Main Street West, and then Follow Newton Ave to Sterling St
- Use the middle lane to turn left onto Hwy 8/ON-8
- Turn right onto Newton Ave
- Continue onto Sterling St
From Brantford and London
- From Brantford and London travel on Highway 403 to the Aberdeen Avenue exit – Take exit 69 from ON-403 E
- Continue onto Aberdeen Ave
- Turn left onto Longwood Rd S
- Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto Hwy 8/ON-8
- Turn right onto Newton Ave
- Continue onto Sterling St
Upon entering campus via Sterling Street you have a few choices for parking.
On the left, you will see L.R. Wilson Hall (where the conference is being held). If availability permits, you may choose to park in L.R. Wilson Underground Parking. From the underground parking, you can use the elevator or stairs to proceed up to the main floor.
On the right, you will see additional parking in Lot B and C. There is construction on campus which may disrupt or limit parking options. Parking spot availability is displayed on a digital sign outside of these lots.
As you enter the lot you will be prompted to take a ticket to enter the lot. Please retain this ticket to pay for parking upon exiting the lot.
If you would like a campus map, you can access it here:
If you have a requirement to stay in Hamilton during the conference, you have many options to choose from. Downtown Hamilton has a variety of hotels. There may also be short-term rentals available. McMaster has a number of neighbouring communities that may have options if you have transportation to/from campus.
Typically, based on the proximity to campus, we often recommend Visitors Inn Hamilton