ACIFA Conference 2006

5:00 pm Registration Desk opens
Amethyst Lodge Lobby

7:30 – 10:30 pm Welcome Reception
Amethyst Lodge
Ethereal harp melodies performed by harpist Lois Samis Lund.

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Monday May 29

7:30 -8:45 am Breakfast
Jasper Activity Centre

9:00 – 10:00 am keynote speaker
Jasper Activity Centre

Keynote Speaker: Ben Gadd

Nature’s Connection to Education

Why we modern-day humans crave natural landscapes so much (the real reason we head for the woods).

Ben Gadd, 60, has lived in Jasper, Alberta since 1980. The author of Handbook of the Canadian Rockies, which has sold over 50,000 copies, Ben has written seven other books and contributed to several more. His first novel, Raven’s End, has become an award-winning Canadian best-seller. Popular in Europe as well, Raven’s End has been translated into German, Italian, Dutch, Danish and Japanese. Ben has received three Banff Mountain Book Festival awards for his work.

Ben is a recognized authority on the Rocky Mountains. Educated as a geologist, he has pursued a career in natural history, working in the summer as a freelance interpretive guide in Jasper National Park—a job he describes as “rent-a-naturalist”—and in the winter as a writer and lecturer on Rockies topics. He also teaches writing courses for Grant MacEwan College and does consulting work for national and provincial parks.

Heard frequently on CBC radio, Ben has also appeared in many television items and several documentaries on the Rockies. He is a member of several conservation groups and helps to promote wilderness protection.

When not otherwise occupied, Ben hikes, bikes, climbs and cross-country skis in the mountains he loves best.

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Monday evening

7:00 pm – 10:00 pm dinner banquet
Jasper Activity Centre

Activities include:

ACIFA 2006 Award for Innovation in Teaching
Presentations to ACIFA Executive, and additional presentations.

Banquet Speaker: Zandra Bell

Writer, motivational speaker, and Global television "Woman of Vision" award winner, Zandra Bell is the driving force behind the innovative "infotainment" company, “at wit’s end”, specializing in customized motivational presentations specifically geared to your business environment. It started out as a creative sideline but eventually, as the demand for her public speaking talents increased, Zandra resigned from her thirteen year career as a regional director with the federal government to pursue her new venture on a full time basis. Now she travels internationally delivering your corporate messages, visions and philosophy in her own unique, high energy, professional style.

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Tuesday afternoon

2:00 – 4:00 pm ACIFA Annual General Meeting
Skyline room, Lobstick Lodge

4:00 – 5:30 pm Free Time

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Tuesday evening

5:30 – 6:30 pm keynote speaker
Jasper Activity Centre

Keynote Speaker: Eric Newell

Eric Newell is the 18^th Chancellor of the University of Alberta. He is the retired Chairman of the Board and CEO of Syncrude Canada Ltd., positions he held since May 1994 and August 1989 respectively. He also served as President of Syncrude from 1989 to 1997. Prior to this he worked with Imperial Oil Limited and Esso Petroleum Canada Ltd.

Mr. Newell holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of British Columbia and a Masters of Science in Management Studies from the University of Birmingham, England. He is an Officer of the Order of Canada and a member of the Alberta Order of Excellence.

Mr Newell is a director of Canfor Corporation and Nexen Inc. He is also Chair of the CAREERS: The Next Generation Foundation, Honorary Chair of the Centre for Family Literacy, Policy Advisor to The Learning Partnership, and a member of the board of the Alberta Energy Research Institute, C. D. Howe Institute, Alberta Heart Institute, and Lieutenant Governor Arts Award Foundation. As past President of the Alberta Chamber of Resources, he spearheaded the creation of the National Oil Sands Task Force which developed a comprehensive new energy vision for Canada in 1995.

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7:00 pm Barbeque at

hospitality suites

On both Monday and Tuesday night there will be an opportunity to visit with your colleagues during the hospitality suites, starting at 10:00 p.m. and located in the Cabaret Lounge at the Marmot Lodge, with performances by a live Jazz Band from Keyano College.

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reminder!

... about items for the Silent Auction @ the ACIFA 2006 Conference in Jasper, AB, May 28-31.

Since 2000, silent auctions have been held at the ACIFA Annual Spring Conference to raise funds for the Alberta Public Post-Secondary Education Trust Fund. In operation since 1995, the Trust Fund provides funding to provincial award programs and a range of PD activities.

Each year faculty associations, the ACIFA Professional Affairs Committee, and ACIFA members collect and generously donate items to support the silent auction.

If you are bringing an item for the Alberta Public Post-secondary Education Trust Fund SILENT AUCTION, please drop it off on Sunday, May 28th at the conference REGISTRATION DESK at the Amethyst Lodge (In the Lobby). The desk opens at 5:00 p.m.
Shelly Allison (Lethbridge Community College Faculty Association) is the manager of the silent auction. If you have questions about the auction, or if you are able to advise us ahead of time about bringing an item, please contact Shelly at: shelly.allison@lethbridgecollege.ab.ca
For your donation items, please fill out the attached donation information form and return to Shelly by email or fax.

The silent auction takes place at the conference hospitality suites on Monday and Tuesday evening. Thank you for your continuing support of the Alberta Public Post-secondary Education Trust Fund.

Programme – sessions

· All concurrent sessions will take place at the Amethyst Lodge, and are scheduled for Monday morning and afternoon, and Tuesday morning.

· There are 15-minute transition breaks between each session.

“Promoting Change – A tool for teaching”
Francis Palmer-Barlow, Jean Wilson; NC. Lecture (90 min.):

One of the many challenges faced by nursing educators and students alike is the need to adapt to rapid change in healthcare and technology and in society. However, change is not always welcome. In this session, the presenters will demonstrate how a group of first year students, exposed to a policy analysis framework, developed a change in attitude toward gerontology and gerentological nursing. Educators teaching English as a second language programs can employ the same framework to stimulate attitude shifts in how students both view and adapt to change.

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“Why is minimalist documentation essential for the success of long distance delivery?”
Ken McKee; NAIT. Lecture (60 min.):

The critical idea of minimalist theory is to minimize the extent to which instructional materials obstruct learning. Minimalist theory can also help instructors to focus their learning plan designs to support learner-directed activity and accomplishment. Participants in this session will learn more about minimalist theory and how to apply it in a distance delivery setting.

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“Taoist Tai Chi an Ancient Art for Modern Times”
Jane Howes; GPRC. Activity (60 min.):

Moving meditation provides a window into how one can relax the body and mind through movement. We all experience physical stress daily, which can be reduced through this movement form.

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“Take ANOTHER Hike”
George Haeckel, Judy Grattan; SAIT. Activity (half-day afternoon):

Participants of this half-day excursion into the outdoors will discover more about life outside of our institutes. This session involves a hike in the Jasper area and is intended to support the concept of faculty wellness. Participants will see that walking, talking, and viewing nature is not that difficult to include in a busy schedule.

Participants will be required to car pool to the trailhead. A sign-up sheet for this event will be available at the conference registration desk.

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“Disappearing Wild Places”
Marv Machura; NC. Lecture (60 min.):

This session will focus on many examples of unnecessary destruction where “wildness” has been swept away by suburban and recreational development. Through pictures and storytelling, the presenter will illustrate how humans dominate, re-shape, and ruin wild spaces. The presenter will also challenge the audience to see the world in a different way by encouraging new types of development that support and promote wildness, biodiversity and biomass in our communities.

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“From Resistance to Endorsement”
Barbara Jacobson; University of Alberta. Lecture (60 min.):

The goal of this session is to describe how the use of WebCT, as a tool for group work, can improve both the communication and teamwork skills of students as they work on case study projects. This session also encourages instructors to use WebCT as a student-centred tool in addition to a method to present lecture materials.

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“The Norquest Reader: A resource for adult literacy students who are Deaf”
Flo Brokop; NC. Lecture/Demonstration (60 min.):

The purpose of this session is to demonstrate the NorQuest Reader, an interactive CD developed by NorQuest College, which is an effective instructional tool for adult students who are deaf. The presenter will share research findings on reading instruction for deaf learners relative to both classroom and one-one settings. This session will also discuss the effective use of sign language interpreters.

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“Video Game Play: Upsides, Downsides and Implications for Educators”
Jane Gackenbach; GMC. Lecture (90 min.):

Video games players now constitute a large majority of the 15 to 35 year old population in North America. Research into video games seems largely concentrated on how the player is affected by the exposure to violence. While this is important, it is not the only research question of interest and concern to educators. Video game play has also been found to promote better spatial skills, problem solving capacities, and general intelligence. In this presentation, both the positive and negative effects of video game play on the player will be considered.

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“Technology & You: The Control Factor”
Mike Durocher; KC. Demonstration (90 min.):

This session examines alternative delivery methods using technology to assist you in delivering various materials that can be used repeatedly, and be delivered at the pace you and your students demand. Mimeo, DVD’s, WebCT, camera and audio are the tip of the iceberg in the growing fields of technology that are being made available to us, our students and the general public. Knowing how to use these simple tools in a simple demonstration will help to reduce the stress associated with learning something new. As members participate, any preconceived ideas that a large amount of training is required will be proven false, and they will understand the ease of using new technology. The value of using the technology will also be explained.

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“What’s a Fish Scale Lapel Pin?”
Margaret Louise Cardinal, Betty Jackson; NLC. Workshop (90 min.):

Learn to work with dyed fish scales to create works of art that you can take home. The intricate arranging of these natural elements creates various designs on a beaded lapel pin. A photograph display and step-by-step demonstration of the art form will be presented to participants. A series of finished products will be on display to encourage participants to try different techniques. An assortment of different colour fish scales and fish bones will be available for use.

There will be a $5.00 fee for participants of this session. Interested persons are encouraged to pre-register as the session will be limited to just 20 participants.

A sign-up sheet for this event will be available at the conference registration desk.

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“Inspiration with Road Kill – Quillwork”
Margaret Louise Cardinal, Betty Jackson; NLC. Workshop (90 min.):

Produce brilliant art with dyed porcupine quills on a native tanned moose hide measuring 3x5 cm with an edge beadwork frame. Participants will appreciate this art form as they work on their projects. Photographs will be displayed and a step-by-step demonstration will be shown to participants. A PowerPoint presentation called “my road kill treasures” will be viewed to give a better understanding of the preparatory work involved before porcupine quills are ready for applications. An assortment of different quill colours will be available for projects.

There will be a $5.00 fee for participants of this session. Interested persons are encouraged to pre-register as the session will be limited to just 20 participants.

A sign-up sheet for this event will be available at the conference registration desk.

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“When You’re Not From Around Here: Analyzing the English Language Proficiency Demands of College Applied Programs”
Gail Kingwell, Shelley McConnel, Clare Myers; BVC. Workshop (90 min.):

What are the entry level English language skills required from second language (L2) students for success in college applied programs? This session reports on a study that was based on the Canadian Language Benchmarks (a nationally recognized standard for describing communicative proficiency in English) to help researchers analyze the language tasks L2 students encounter in a typical college classroom.

This session will draw on research undertaken at Bow Valley College in Calgary to analyze the language proficiency levels needed for entry-level to two courses in the Accounting and Financial Management Programs. The session will begin with an overview of the Canadian Language Benchmarks. Workshop participants will gain practical experience and insight into the process of language benchmarking. The session will close with the presenters sharing their findings from the benchmarking process, with a particular emphasis on the strength and challenges faced by L2 learners in college applied classrooms.

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“Hike near Disaster Point”
Eric Hoogstraten; BVC. Activity (half-day):

This half-day session will take participants for a moderate hike that will provide ample opportunity to connect with other members of ACIFA amid spectacular views. The general locale will be near Disaster Point, just east of Jasper. The Athabasca Valley and Dry Ranges highlight this region and offer opportunities for exploration among the diverse montane geology including, kettles, kames, sinkholes, and significant karst topography.

Participants will need to register in advance and should make arrangements to car pool out to the trailhead (approximately 20 minutes). Session duration is approximate and may or may not be longer than anticipated due to terrain, safety, and enjoyment considerations.

A sign-up sheet for this event will be available at the conference registration desk.

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“Mini-Quizzes and Meta-Memory: Helping Students Self-Assess (Before It’s Too Late!)”
Trudy Kwong; GMC. Lecture (60 min.):

This session will demonstrate how ungraded quizzes can be used to help students assess their learning throughout the last two-thirds of the term. The benefit of ungraded quizzes is that students still have the opportunity to determine how well they understand the material through a low-stress mechanism. In a case-study that employed ungraded quizzes, students’ performance improved significantly relative to students in comparable classes from the previous year.

The objective of this session is to share the mini-quizzes strategy with other instructors and to foster a discussion about the best format for such quizzes and other potential low-stress means for assessing students’ learning.

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“Teaching Students to Think: I know they have a brain but how can I get them to use it”
Anthony Chaston; KC. Lecture (90 min.):

The main goal of this session is to inspire post-secondary educators to help their students become engaged, passionate learners. When teaching in any post-secondary environment, our goal, as faculty, should go beyond simply teaching the course material. We need to teach our students how to think and learn at an advanced level. To do this, we need practical strategies. We can teach our students to be motivated and engaged in the learning process. But first, we must learn the skills to make that happen. The goal of this presentation is to learn new teaching strategies so we can prove to our students that learning can be easy, effective, and fun.

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“The ethics of using students as research subjects”
David Legg; MRC. Lecture (60 min.):

As faculty pursue research endeavours, particularly research related to teaching effectiveness, the use of student subjects might become necessary. This session will discuss issues and ethical concerns that arise when student subjects are used in research. In this presentation, the history of using students as research subjects will be reviewed alongside current issues that have been debated by various ethics committees.

Strategies will also be provided to increase the value of research using student subjects. The objective of this session is that attendees will be able to better understand the ethical implications of using students as research subjects and, as a consequence, develop ethical and appropriate research protocols.

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“Changes in academic governance at colleges”
Don Fisher; GMC, David Hyttenrauch; MRC. Lecture (120 min.):

This session is a participatory presentation on the topic of changes in academic governance at the colleges and technical institutes in Alberta that have become, or are preparing to be, baccalaureate degree-granting institutions. The presentation will explore the ramifications, both real and potential, of the changes to the Post-Secondary Learning Act brought in through Bill 55.

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“Brain Matters: Classroom Strategies for How the Brain Learns”
Susan Yackulic; NC. Workshop (120 min.):

Research in the neurosciences has improved our understanding of how the brain processes information. Participants of this workshop will be inspired to reflect on their instructional techniques and strategies. They will be presented with current research and innovative instructional techniques that challenge them to modify or revamp their current practices. Through reflection, dialogue and practice, the participants may consider ways to plan lessons that match how the brain learns best. Throughout the workshop, there will be time for both questions and answers. The presenter will also have the resources, on which the session is based, on hand for the review and benefit of the session participants.

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“McDonald’s For A Year: One Man’s Pursuit Of Good Health One Burger At A Time”
Leslie Sayer; NC. Lecture (60 min.):

The presenter recently completed a year-long diet of McDonald’s food to challenge the findings presented in the docu-movie “Super Size Me.” The experiment was carried out using the same methods employed in the docu-movie with just one modification: adding regular exercise. The decision to undertake the diet plan was based around the presenter’s contention that while diet is an important aspect to one’s health, exercise is the central component of a healthy lifestyle. Session participants may be surprised to learn more about the results of the experiment relative to a marriage of an unorthodox diet and good health.

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“Leveling the Playing Field for ESL Students in Academic and Trades Programs”
Rita Anderson, Sandy Armstrong; BVC. Activity (60min.):

The reality of the Canadian mosaic is that we will continue to see greater numbers of English as a second language (ESL) students in our classrooms and, consequently, in the workplace. We need their skills, expertise, and diversity, but how can we best help them to become successful in their entry into the workforce and integration into Canadian society? This session will focus on: how to identify an ESL student, how to evaluate his or her level of English proficiency, how to discern what makes a task easy or difficult for an ESL student and how teachers can best help ESL students.

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“Professional Development Opportunities”
Geraldine Joosse; LCC. Panel Discussion (90 min.):

Panel Members: Patricia Brown; University of Calgary, Doug Hamilton; Royal Roads University, Mark Dale; University of Alberta, Rebecca Heartt; Athabasca University

The objective of this panel session is to bring representatives from four area universities to present their offerings for Master’s and/or Doctoral degrees. Many of us have questions relative to professional development: What type of program will support the direction I want my career to go? Which universities offer the type of program I need? How can I register for the program? Topics to be discussed in this panel discussion include Masters and Doctoral programs in education as well as integrated studies, which may be helpful for professional development in a content specific area. Bring your questions!

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“Agri-Health Centre: Connecting Research to Education”
Ken Fry; OC. Lecture (60 min.):

Olds College faculty, in cooperation with Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development scientists, are pursuing three complementary research streams: dark berry market development, dark berry functional attributes, and ecologically-based production methods for dark berry crops. Integral to the project are faculty and students. Research results and experience gained from the project are integrated into course curricula across the diploma and applied degree programs.

The Agri-Health Innovation Centre project is a unique blend of laboratory, field and market research, college and extension training, and professional development. This project exemplifies how research can be integrated into the college realm.

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“Human Patient Simulation: Panacea or Bonafide Educational Tool”
Jayne Smitten; GMC. Lecture/Demonstration/Activity (60 min.):

Grant MacEwan College has the first nursing school in Canada to acquire several simulators as a creative solution to assist in preparation of healthcare practitioners for realistic clinical events. A Simulation Committee has been created and continues to investigate realistic simulation scenarios that show promise as effective educational tools in the diverse healthcare domains. Human Patient Simulation (HPS) technology, as an innovation in healthcare education, has the potential to augment the ability to provide more clinical training and educational opportunities for our future. A variety of simulation scenarios will be presented in this session and participants will have opportunities to interact, deliberate and reflect on this evolving solution for enhancing healthcare education.

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“Canoe Session”
Dave Purkis; NLC, Paul Hawthorn; PC. Activity (half-day):

Enjoy the striking scenery along the Athabasca River from a canoe in this half-day session lead by seasoned veterans of canoeing. Canoes, paddles, and lifejackets will be provided for participants. Capacity for this session is limited; please register in advance.

A sign-up sheet for this event will be available at the conference registration desk.

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“A Cross-Departmental Education Model for Foreign–Trained Professionals”
Erin Bampton, Cynthia Lambertson-Poon, Anne Starreveld; NC. Lecture (60 min.):

The objective of this session is to showcase NorQuest College’s cross-departmental education model for English as a second language (ESL) students who are already foreign-educated health professionals. The goal is to describe the development and implementation of this innovative model, which fast tracks internationally-educated nurses into the Licensed Practical Nurse role. This hybrid program blends content-based learning and English for Specific Purposes models. As an interdepartmental collaboration, it brings the expertise from healthcare and language learning together to provide maximum support for these internationally trained professionals. The presentation team hopes that this project will inspire application of the teaching model to other faculty members.

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“Lobbying Priorities: Where ACIFA Has Been - Where ACIFA Is Going”
Brett Bergie; ACIFA. Lecture (60 min.):

ACIFA is a non-partisan organization and its approach to government relations is to focus on post-secondary education issues and policy. ACIFA participates in policy discussions by responding to government papers, meeting with elected officials and bureaucrats, and participating in committees set up by the government. All of these activities assist policy makers in making informed decisions.

Participants of this session will learn about recent ACIFA activities relative to lobbying, government relations, and advocacy.

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“Bargaining On the Fast Track”
Mark Lund; GMC, Terry Sway; ACIFA. Workshop (60 min.):

Panel Members: Joe McFadyen; NAIT, Paul Hawthorn; PC

This panel discussion will present some of the challenges and issues that often arise during labour negotiations that can result in unnecessary delays in reaching an agreement. The primary objective of this session, however, is for panel participants to outline negotiating strategies to minimize delays during negotiations in the interest of moving forward on positive and constructive terms.

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“Dealing with Tyrants & Other Difficult People: How to Manage Negativity in Your Life”
Carolyn Miller; Trainer and Consultant. Lecture/Workshop (3 hours):

Do you lose power to negative people and situations in your life? Do you want to understand how you might contribute to these difficulties? Do you want to deal with these situations in a way that empowers you? In this half-day workshop, you will learn how to: recognize and understand the roots of control drama in yourself and others; stop and change the draining energy “dance” of a difficult relationship; discover, face, and transform your own fears in a way that gets results; use an inquiry process that helps create empowering thoughts, feelings and actions; gain approaches for increasing your sense of personal power.

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“Guided Nature Walk”
Ben Gadd; Writer/Naturalist. Activity (120 min.):

Following right after his keynote address, participants will journey with Ben Gadd on a short guided walk to experience the real reason modern-day humans head for the woods. The group will embark on the trek directly from the Jasper Activity Centre.

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“Best Teaching Practices Round Table”
Presentations by Session Attendees, facilitated by David Milner; ACIFA President/GMC. Round Table Discussion (90 min.):

Participants in this session are also session presenters. This round table discussion session will showcase all participants sharing best practices in teaching excellence. Bring your examples of best teaching practices and your questions to this session.

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“Pushing Addictions Content in the Corridors and Classrooms of Academia”
Mary Crozier; MHC. Workshop (60 min.):

This workshop will be a case study on one instructor’s attempt to push addictions counselling course content into other disciplines and professions. Addictions literature is buzzing with information on co-occurring disorders and interactions between substance and process addictions. The goal of this workshop is to encourage instructors to “cook” new addictions related course content into existing curricula. As a result of this workshop, participants will be able to: list five types of addictions; list at least three commonalities between different addictions; cite at least one reason for giving students proactive information about addictions; state at least one reason why all students, as neophyte professionals representing diverse fields, need resource information about addictions; and state at least one reason way addictions-related content could be infused into their particular discipline.

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“A New Way to Mark Your Papers Electronically Using ‘Markin’ Software”
Hal Thiessen; GMC. Demonstration (60 min.):

The session presenter will demonstrate “Markin” software, a Windows program. “Markin” can import assignments from students and provide all of the tools for teachers to mark and annotate the text. Upon completion, instructors can export the marked assignment into a word processor or onto a webpage so students can receive and view their documents. The session presenter will demonstrate the application from receiving a document from students through all of the steps involved in grading and returning the assignment.

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“Creativity: how to recognize and encourage it in your classroom”
Karla Kordyban, Dianne McDonald; GPRC. Lecture/Workshop (120 min.):

Are our students fully engaged in the learning process? Are we actively seeking to develop independent thinkers or are we busily giving our students information? The goals of this session are to: provide opportunities to experience different styles of teaching that enhance and encourage creative responses; consider the individual learner; provide information on the creative process and the kinds of environments that stimulate creative thought; be a part of the latest stream of awareness – that creativity is a valuable resource. The presenters will also detail novel ways to encourage and develop independent thinkers.

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“Synchronous Web-Conference vs. Synchronous Video Conferencing”
Phil Switzer; NC. Demonstration (90 min.):

Colleges and universities in Canada are looking for synchronous online learning solutions. Two of the biggest choices right now are Video Conferencing and Web Conferencing. Each has its strengths and weaknesses. The goal of this session is to provide participants with a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each conference system so that they may be better informed when deciding which system to employ. This session will demonstrate how NorQuest College uses Elluminate live and Video Conferencing to deliver synchronous instruction.

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“Your Retirement; LAPP; and other benefit packages”
Doug Short; NAIT. Lecture (60 min.):

ACIFA’s representative on the Stakeholder Consultation Group (advisory body to LAPP Trustees) will walk participants through key factors relative to their retirement, provide an update on Local Authorities Pension Plan activities, and discuss the offerings of other benefit packages. Your comments and questions will be welcomed.

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