Introduction to Teaching at Algonquin College (ITAC) Program

New faculty members at Algonquin College must adapt quickly to thrive in their new role and support adult learners. This workshop helps participants to reflect on how their prior experiences have shaped them to be educators. It provides them with the guiding policies, frameworks, and resources required to undertake this exciting challenge. By participating in discussions, activities, and case studies, faculty gain confidence as they interact in their new role.

Algonquin College uses Brightspace, a Learning Management System (LMS), to provide a digital learning experience for all learners. In this workshop, faculty discuss the College’s expectations for using the LMS, recognize common features and navigational elements, practice creating content and communicating with students in Brightspace, and identify further training. Through demonstrations and self-paced exercises, faculty prepare to support learners in the LMS environment, effectively providing communication, engagement, and content.

Effective assessment practices and meaningful evaluation processes are a fundamental part of a successful post-secondary learning experience. During this workshop, participants examine opportunities to support learners using a variety of assessments while ensuring that the evaluation of learners’ progress remains manageable and sustainable. While information about assessment and evaluation might initially look like an identical pile of nuts and bolts, workshop activities and discussions focus on the ways in which these pieces can be combined together to form strong and enduring authentic learning experiences for learners and instructors alike.

As a new part-time faculty member of the Algonquin College community, this workshop sets you on a supportive, connected journey, introducing you to some of the services, resources, and tools available at Algonquin College. Framed around the “pit stops” of the term, this workshop addresses what you need to know before you start teaching, as you navigate through the term, and when wrapping up the experience. In addition to highlighting resources and supports, this workshop emphasizes self-reflection and identifying your teaching and learning needs, as you “find your way” as a new educator at Algonquin College.

Newly hired Other Than Full-Time faculty who have never taught at Algonquin College, and returning Other Than Full-Time faculty who have not taught at Algonquin College within the last two years.

Participation in the workshops is voluntary and should be completed based on interest and need. The full ITAC program is comprised of 4 workshops.

This program is designed for individuals who are brand new to the College. Established Other Than Full-Time faculty are welcome to attend as a refresher, but they will not be remunerated for their participation.

You can register for workshops within 30 days of the start of your Algonquin College contract, once Onboarding access is provided via Workday. Please visit the Employee Learning Catalogue to view the schedule of workshops and register.

Learning and Teaching Services (LTS) will directly compensate eligible ITAC participants (see Who should participate FAQ) as outlined on the OTFT Academic Compensation webpage. Participants should not enter ITAC hours in Workday. The compensation will appear on their payslip as “LTS PD Programs”.

Pre-Employees who complete ITAC workshops before their contract start date will be paid upon contract activation, following the College’s pay cycle.

Should faculty have any questions or concerns about this pay, please contact LTS@algonquincollege.com.