Workshops and events

Just-in-Time UM Learn Series: Creating Exams and Question Library; importing questions from older exams to Question Library

In this workshop, we will focus on creating questions in the Question Library and adding them to quizzes in UM Learn. We will also look at how to import questions from one quiz to another and/or the Question Library. You may attend in-person or on-line via UM zoom.

Date and time: Monday, October 6, 12:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Theatre E, P133 - Pathology Building (770 Bannatyne Ave), or you may join remotely through UM Zoom.
Facilitator: Michelle Laarissa

Register for Just-in-Time UM Learn Series: Creating Exams and Question Library; importing questions from older exams to Question Library

Panel Discussion: Student engagement with digital tools in flexible learning

Panel discussion exploring ways to enhance student engagement in your course through simple activities and digital tools.

Panelists:

• Kris Ashbourne, University of Victoria
• Sharmila Vijayann, University of Manitoba: Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning
• Kristen A. Hardy, University of Winnipeg: Instructor, Faculty of Arts & Brandon University: Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Health Studies

For more information about this panel discussion, please visit The Manitoba Flexible Learning Hub.

Date and time: Wednesday, October 15, 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Remote - UM Zoom
Facilitators: JJ Cloutier and Ariful Hoq Shanil

Register to attend Panel Discussion: Student engagement with digital tools in flexible learning

Experiential Learning Community of Practice Monthly Meeting: Designing Inclusive Experiential Learning

The Experiential Learning Community of Practice is a growing network of faculty, instructors, and staff passionate about experiential education at UM. Join our monthly meetings to connect with colleagues involved in Experiential Learning across UM and explore the best practices and challenges in experiential learning. 

This month:

How can we ensure that experiential learning opportunities are inclusive and accessible for all students? In this session, we’ll explore strategies and best practices for designing equitable and accessible Experiential Learning activities.

Date and time: Wednesday, October 15, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: Remote - UM Zoom
Facilitator: Gera Villagran and Meaghan Ewharekuko

Register for Designing Inclusive Experiential Learning

Small Shifts, Significant Gains: October Session

Looking for ways to revitalize your teaching but don't have time for a big redesign? In Small Teaching, author James Lang argues that small changes in classroom techniques and activities can have big impacts on student learning. Join our sessions to hear practical teaching strategies from faculty guest speakers. Bring your questions and your lunch.  Leave with ideas that you can implement right away in your courses!  

Lightning Presentation Speakers:

• Kathleen Wilson (they/she) is a Two-Spirit Métis educator and researcher from the School of Agriculture presenting:
  • The Gentle Act of Saying Hello
    • In this short talk, I will share what I’ve learned as a seasoned educator about connecting with students quickly and meaningfully, and how these brief but intentional moments can influence curriculum design, enrich pedagogy, and create learning spaces where trust, engagement, and academic growth flourish.
    • Kathleen contributed to interdisciplinary research initiatives across multiple faculties, including work with the Mino Bimaadiziiwin Partnership. More recently, Kathleen collaborates with the developers of The Working in Good Ways Project as a curriculum designer, facilitator, and consultant. Their work is grounded in the pursuit of equity, relational accountability, and reconciliation within community engagement and education.
• Kathy Block, Retired Fellow from St. John's College, and Kenneth MacKendrick from the Department of Religion co-presenting:
  • Shifting Priorities: Writing Process as a Centerpiece of Learning
    • For some undergraduate students, writing assignments can be daunting. Based on our understanding that writing leads to learning and our goal of engaging students in the process, we collaborated to center writing in a large-size, first-year Religion course. We will present what was involved in this shift toward writing, especially the steps we took to engage students.

Date and time: Friday, October 17, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Room 223 - The Centre (65 Dafoe Road)
Facilitator: Anna Nekola

Register for Small Shifts, Significant Gains: October Session

UM Learn Basic Analytics

In this workshop, participants will learn how to gather and examine data about learners in their course(s). Using these analytics participants will be able to identify at-risk learners, gauge user performance, and monitor the reliability of assessments. For best results, it is advisable to be currently (or recently) teaching a course in UM Learn using tools such as: Content, Quizzes, Discussions, Rubrics, and Grades.

Date and time: Tuesday, October 21, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Room 223 - The Centre (65 Dafoe Road)
Facilitator: Michelle Laarissa and Matthew Quesnel

Register for UM Learn Basic Analytics

Turning Words Into Change: A TRC Action Plan Workshop

This three-hour interactive workshop is designed to support Instructors and faculty members in understanding the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and to guide the development of a meaningful, actionable plan rooted in reconciliation, respect, and responsibility.

Participants will engage in guided learning, reflection, and dialogue to explore the historical and ongoing impacts of colonialism and residential schools, while identifying concrete steps they can take to respond to the TRC’s Calls to Action. The workshop will center Indigenous voices, promote shared learning, and foster accountability as we move from awareness to action.

Whether you are just beginning your reconciliation journey or are ready to take the next steps, this workshop offers a space to learn, connect, and commit to building a more just and inclusive future.

Date and time: Thursday, October 23, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Room 223 - The Centre (65 Dafoe Road)
Facilitator: Randi Desmarais

Register for Turning Words Into Change: A TRC Action Plan Workshop 

Small Shifts, Significant Gains: November Session

Looking for ways to revitalize your teaching but don't have time for a big redesign? In Small Teaching, author James Lang argues that small changes in classroom techniques and activities can have big impacts on student learning. Join our sessions to hear practical teaching strategies from faculty guest speakers. Bring your questions and your lunch.  Leave with ideas that you can implement right away in your courses!  

Lightning Presentation Speakers:

• Kristi Watson from the College of Pharmacy presents:
  • From Stress to Strength: Simple Shifts to Foster Resilient Learners in High-Stakes Assessments
    • High-stakes assessments can either overwhelm or empower. Told through the lens of a health care educator, this session explores simple mindset shifts. How applying growth mindset and stress-is-enhancing mindset can help students reframe pressure as opportunity. Faculty across disciplines will gain practical strategies to foster resilience, confidence, and stronger performance.
• Alexa Hryniuk from the Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science presents:
  • The Power of “Why”
    • At times adding engaging or active learning activities seems daunting or time consuming, which cause barriers to implementation in the classroom. One small three letter word “why” can cause a small shift that can be transformative.

Date and time: Monday, November 3, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Remote - UM Zoom
Facilitator: Anna Nekola

Register for Small Shifts, Significant Gains: November Session

Experiential Learning Community of Practice Monthly Meeting: WIL-Powered: Hovercrafts, Skills, and Speed

The Experiential Learning Community of Practice is a growing network of faculty, instructors, and staff passionate about experiential education at UM. Join our monthly meetings to connect with colleagues involved in Experiential Learning across UM and explore the best practices and challenges in experiential learning.

This month:

Work-integrated learning (WIL) goes beyond internships and field placements, it can thrive right in the classroom. In this session, we’ll speak with Dr. Sean O'Brien from Engineering about how he created a truly unique WIL experience through hovercraft racing. This innovative approach offers students the chance to apply their skills in a dynamic, hands-on setting that fosters collaboration, critical thinking, and career-relevant learning. Join us for a fun and inspiring discussion on how to think outside the box when designing meaningful WIL opportunities.

Date and time: Tuesday, November 18, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location: Remote - UM Zoom
Facilitator: Meaghan Ewharekuko and Gera Villagran

Register for WIL-Powered: Hovercrafts, Skills, and Speed