Digital Pedagogy activities connect the teaching and learning community at McMaster to approaches and skills to help transform teaching using digital methods, tools and media with a goal of accessible and engaging student learning experiences.
The MacPherson Institute provides pedagogical training, guidance and expertise in online, blended and open learning design, as well as the integration and use of educational technologies. Instructors can also seek advice on the pedagogical use of institutionally supported educational technology tools, Open Educational Resources and tech-enabled teaching and learning grants.
MacVideo Usage (May 2023 – April 2024)
Ed Tech Tools
The MacPherson Institute provides pedagogical training on a variety of educational technology tools that are supported through provincial funding.
Total H5P Studio User Accounts
New Participants in Learning to Teach Online Course
Accomplishments
EdTech Stations & Studios
In 2023, the MacPherson Institute launched 3 new EdTech Stations to support the development of teaching and learning content. Instructors can use these spaces to develop learning modules, create video and audio content, explore virtual and augmented reality tools, design web-based content and much more. These private rooms are equipped with a variety of design software and educational technology hardware to make production easy and accessible.
- In February 2024 the MacPherson Institute hosted 50+ attendees at the EdTech Open House.
- 140+ sessions have been booked to use the EdTech Stations and Studios in 2023-2024.
Open Educational Resources (OER)
Open Education Week
Hosted by Open Education Global (OEG), Open Education Week is an annual, week-long event that aims to raise awareness, showcase initiatives and highlight open education efforts in teaching and learning worldwide. Open Education Week provides instructors, practitioners and students with an opportunity to gain an understanding of open educational practices (OEP) and be inspired by the wealth of open educational resources (OER) being developed by the local and global communities.
- McMaster University Libraries and the MacPherson Institute collaborated to deliver 8 events to nearly 100 attendees.
OER Grant Program
14 faculty, instructional assistants and staff received grants to support 9 projects to foster the creation of free online textbooks and other openly licensed digital education materials in 2023-2024. The OER Grant program, supported by the Office of the Provost, McMaster Libraries, McMaster Students Union and the MacPherson Insititute, provides successful applicants with funding to create or adapt and customize OERs, enabling new pedagogical approaches and cost savings for students.
- Since 2020, grant-supported projects have saved students over $600,000 in text book costs. In 2023-2024 the program was expanded to offer $60,000 annually for 3 years.
Accessibility Programming
Over the past year, the MacPherson Institute has provided a variety of resources and workshops focused on enhancing accessibility practices in course design and delivery.
- In 2023-2024, 69 educators have participated in the 5-part workshop series on topics including Universal Design for Learning, accessible document creation and remediation, accessible assessment development and additional customized workshops for various faculties and departments.
Additional Accomplishments
- Supported the launch of McMaster’s first Digital Learning Strategy in collaboration with the Vice-Provost, Teaching and Learning, University Technology Services, and McMaster Libraries.
- Developed an incentivized Online Learning Fellows program aimed at supporting faculty in their design of quality online and blended courses. The first cohort will begin learning in Spring/Summer 2024.
- Delivered two new online workshops: one on computational text analysis with Jason Brodeur and one on creating digital exhibits.
- Completed Video Streaming Content Platform Review in collaboration with University Technology Services, Campus Classroom Technologies and other campus partners.