Online Ped Days a success!

About 325 teachers, professionals and managers attended the first-ever online Ped Days event last week.

Usha James of The Critical Thinking Consortium returned to Ped Days for the opening keynote Oct. 13 and Michelle Miller, author of Minds Online: Teaching Effectively with Technology gave the closing keynote address Oct. 16.

Many firsts at this year’s Ped Days
Although Ped Days were different this year, many participated. It was the first time that the event took place over four days, featured two keynotes and was entirely online.

“The keynote presentations and sessions were very practical and engaging. We are so thankful to the Dawson teachers who generously shared their best practices and knowledge,” said Julia Lijerón of Dawson’s Faculty Hub.

Adapting and sharing
Azra Khan, lead organizer of Ped Days, noted that the spirit of adapting and sharing was present all week.

It was unclear if many faculty members would attend given the unusual period we are living through. “They came! And the numbers were even better than last year. We had perhaps a few more at the opening keynote than the previous year,” Azra reported.

Peak attendance at keynote was 140
The opening keynote had a peak attendance of about 140 participants this year. “I would like to thank the organizing team, the Office of Academic Development and Human Resources for putting on these very interesting events,” said Director General Richard Filion. “I’d also like to thank the teachers for attending. It is an important gesture to take the time for professional development.”

Recognition for all employees
The DG attended the closing of Ped Days Oct. 16 to announce that all teachers and all employees are receiving the 2019-2020 Director General’s Teaching Excellence Award. The award money will be reinvested in more professional development for all employees.

Presentation decks, resources and some recordings from Ped Days will be available on the Faculty Hub by the end of October.