PDGIA Virtual Conference 2021: Full Schedule

8:45am PDT

Ingathering – Ms. Manel Miaadi & Dr. Mark Pezarro Program Committee Co-Chairs

Join us for some informal gathering, say hello, and test your Zoom hardware!

Moderators

Manel Miaadi

Academic Committee Co-Chair, PDGIA

Welcome to the PDGIA Conference!My name is Manel Miaadi. I am the co-chair of the program committee and associate faculty at Yorkville University. I have a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature and a Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics. And currently, I am a political... Read More →

Mark Pezarro

Academic Committee, PDGIA

I am the Director of CityU Canada's BA in Management program and one of the program co-chairs for the conference. Please see my LinkedIn profile for more info about me. Welcome to the conference?

Friday October 1, 2021 8:45am - 9:00am PDT
Main Zoom Webinar

Main Stage

9:00am PDT

Welcome address

Welcome Address from the Steering Committee Chair

Moderators

Manel Miaadi

Academic Committee Co-Chair, PDGIA

Mark Pezarro

Academic Committee, PDGIA

I am the Director of CityU Canada's BA in Management program and one of the program co-chairs for the conference. Please see my LinkedIn profile for more info about me. Welcome to the conference?

Friday October 1, 2021 9:00am - 9:15am PDT
Main Zoom Webinar

Main Stage

9:15am PDT

Keynote - “Can Academia Ever Return to the “Before” Times? Cross-Border Perspectives from a Public University Professor”

Dr. Mark Roseland, Professor and past Director,School of Community Resources and Development, Arizona State University, and past Professor, Simon Fraser University

Moderators

Manel Miaadi

Academic Committee Co-Chair, PDGIA

Mark Pezarro

Academic Committee, PDGIA

I am the Director of CityU Canada's BA in Management program and one of the program co-chairs for the conference. Please see my LinkedIn profile for more info about me. Welcome to the conference?

Speakers

Dr. Mark Roseland

Friday October 1, 2021 9:15am - 9:45am PDT
Main Zoom Webinar

Main Stage

9:50am PDT

Invited Speaker – Ms. Dorothy Rogers, Director, Secretariat, BC Degree Quality Assessment Board

Moderators

Manel Miaadi

Academic Committee Co-Chair, PDGIA

Mark Pezarro

Academic Committee, PDGIA

I am the Director of CityU Canada's BA in Management program and one of the program co-chairs for the conference. Please see my LinkedIn profile for more info about me. Welcome to the conference?

Speakers

Dorothy Rogers

Friday October 1, 2021 9:50am - 10:20am PDT
Main Zoom Webinar

Main Stage

10:25am PDT

Invited Speaker – Mr. Jamie Edwardson, Executive Director International, BC Ministry of Advanced Education

Moderators

Manel Miaadi

Academic Committee Co-Chair, PDGIA

Mark Pezarro

Academic Committee, PDGIA

I am the Director of CityU Canada's BA in Management program and one of the program co-chairs for the conference. Please see my LinkedIn profile for more info about me. Welcome to the conference?

Speakers

Jamie Edwardson

Director of International Education and Intergovernmental Relations, Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training.

Friday October 1, 2021 10:25am - 10:55am PDT
Main Zoom Webinar

Main Stage

10:55am PDT

Health Break

Friday October 1, 2021 10:55am - 11:15am PDT
Main Zoom Webinar

Main Stage

11:15am PDT

Sustainability in Education Sector: A Review to Establish New Norm Post COVID-19

The education sector globally was pushed into a dilemma of deciding to close for a while or going online and most of the institutions chose the latter since the duration of the pandemic continued to increase with second or third waves hitting in many countries in 2021. Remote learning thus became a substitute for in-person learning during the pandemic. It is, therefore, necessary to understand the effects of the closures globally during the pandemic and the amount of preparedness by the educational institutions to continue the educational process during this time. Through a study of secondary sources from 34 different countries for the years 2019, 2020, and 2021, this session gives a glimpse of a global call for understanding the solutions to have a sustained educational sector and that to avoid future disruption of classes.

Moderators

Daren Hancott

Yorkville University

Speakers

Pramela Nair Panthallor

Director of Alumni Relations, Monarch Business School Switzerland

Dr. Pramela Nair Panthallor is the Director of Alumni Relations at Monarch Business School Switzerland and has her Ph.D. in Business Research. Her doctoral thesis on “Operational Sustainability in the Mining Industry” is a Management book (available on Amazon), published by Springer... Read More →

Friday October 1, 2021 11:15am - 11:35am PDT
Zoom Session 1

Conference Themes

Host Organization Monarch Business School Switzerland

11:15am PDT

Successes and challenges of the delivery of education during the COVID-19 pandemic

The impacts of the pandemic on the quality of teaching in remotely delivered synchronous, also referred to as online in this presentation, classes have been under-researched. While previous studies bring to light significant educational issues which could inform teaching and learning during the pandemic, the need to investigate the successes and challenges of online teaching during the pandemic is felt, given the popularity of online education during this time.

Moderators

Alex Pett

Academic Committee, PDGIA

Dr. Alexandra Pett has taught English and communications courses at universities and colleges from coast to coast in Canada. For sixteen years, she has worked with University Canada West, as writing coach, chair of Arts and Science, full time faculty, and at present as an adjunct... Read More →

Speakers

Naghmeh Babaee

General Studies Head, Yorkville University

Naghmeh Babaee has a Ph.D. in Second Language Education and is the General Studies Head-British Columbia at Yorkville University. (Naghmeh's photo has been attached.)_x000D_

Shahab Ghandhari

Yorkville University

Friday October 1, 2021 11:15am - 11:35am PDT
Zoom Session 3

External Problems and Specific Solutions

Host Organization Yorkville University

11:15am PDT

Remote Synchronous Delivery: New Sustainable Delivery or a Stop-Gap Measure during Covid?

Remote Synchronous Delivery: New Sustainable Delivery or a Stop-Gap Measure during Covid?

During the unprecedented circumstances of COVID-19, learning strategists were faced with overwhelming challenges to provide virtual education opportunities that are synonymous with physical on campus experiences. Most post-secondary institutions worldwide adopted a remote approach to implement asynchronous and/or synchronous delivery. This research investigated remote synchronous delivery (RSD) at University X where students and faculty meet within scheduled hours via online platform. For further investigation of the topic, several questions were set, how will remote synchronous delivery affect post secondary education? Does learning via RSD delivery provide full university and students’ life learning experience? Is RSD another model of learning or it is a middle method between to face-to-face and online? How can we be prepared to shift to an alternate learning methods? The research aim was to examine whether remote delivery is a sustainable method or an urgent solution for pandemic situation. Through literature review and observations, the research investigated the multi-layered challenges aligned with RSD, and expectations after end of the pandemic. The research predicted that remote delivery format will continue forward, however, it will require further new measures of implementation to sustain the integrity of educational process without compromising education quality and students’ preparedness for professional work environment.
Keywords: Remote Synchronous Delivery (RSD), Higher Education, Face-to-Face learning, online education, synchronous and asynchronous

Moderators

Imran Aziz

Academic Committee, PDGIA

Speakers

Dr. Maha Salman

Director-Bachelor of Interior Design, Yorkville University

Dr. Maha Salman is the Director of Bachelor of Interior Design at Yorkville University, Canada. She is a LEED AP (BD+C) who embraces numerous years of industry and academic experience, several publications and books, and a number of awards for her research work. Dr. Salman received... Read More →

Dr. Angela Antohi-Kominek

Dean of Academics, Yorkville University

Friday October 1, 2021 11:15am - 11:35am PDT
Zoom Session 2

New Delivery Methods

Host Organization Yorkville University

11:35am PDT

Adaptive Leadership in Action During COVID: Leadership Lessons Learned

Moderators

Daren Hancott

Yorkville University

Speakers

Gloria Antifaiff

Principal Faculty, City University in Canada

Dr. Gloria Antifaiff is currently a Principal Faculty member in the M.Ed in Leadership program teaching courses in research and leadership while supervising internships and capstone studies. Previously she held the position of Dean, School of Education and Interim Dean, Donald School... Read More →

City University in Canada

Program Director MEd Leadership, City University in Canada

University materials - for degree programs

Friday October 1, 2021 11:35am - 11:55am PDT
Zoom Session 1

Conference Themes

Host Organization City University in Canada

11:35am PDT

Word of Mouth: Oral Assessment in the Post-Pandemic Era

Focusing on Alexander College, a private liberal arts institution in Metro Vancouver, our study compares use of oral assessment before the pandemic to use of oral assessment during the pandemic. Some interesting findings emerge!

Indeed, it's apparent that remote delivey during the pandemic prompted experimentation and innovation with oral assessment, pointing to new opportunities for best practice in both online and face-to-face learning environments.

We look forward to seeing conference attendees in this session and to sharing our research.

Sincerely,
Steve Roe, Kelly Cheung, and Lindsey bat Joseph

Moderators

Alex Pett

Academic Committee, PDGIA

Speakers

Steve Roe

Dean of Arts and Science, Alexander College

Steve Roe (PhD) is the Dean of Arts and Sciences at Alexander College. Kelly Cheung (PhD) is the Department Head for Math and Sciences at Alexander College. Lindsey bat Joseph (MA) is the Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences at Alexander College. All three presenters have extensive... Read More →

Kelly Cheung

Alexander College

Department Head of Mathematics and Science at Alexander College

Lindsey bat Joseph

Associate Dean; Philosophy Instructor, Alexander College

Friday October 1, 2021 11:35am - 11:55am PDT
Zoom Session 3

External Problems and Specific Solutions

Host Organization Alexander College

11:35am PDT

Use of Flipped Learning Model in Online Learning Courses

Moderators

Imran Aziz

Academic Committee, PDGIA

Speakers

Michele Vincenti

Academic Committee, PDGIA

Dr. Michele Vincenti is Chair of the Leadership Department in the MBA program at UCW. Dr. Vincenti holds a Ph.D. in Human and Organizational Systems from Fielding Graduate University, an MBA Executive from Royal Roads University, and a Master of Arts in Human Organizational Systems... Read More →

Friday October 1, 2021 11:35am - 11:55am PDT
Zoom Session 2

New Delivery Methods

Host Organization University Canada West

11:55am PDT

A POSTHUMANIST STRATEGY FOR POST-PANDEMIC UNIVERSITY

Moderators

Daren Hancott

Yorkville University

Speakers

Cagdas Dedeoglu

Associate Faculty, Yorkville University

Çağdaş Dedeoğlu, PhD, teaches social sciences and (post)humanities at Yorkville University in Toronto, ON (Canada). He is the founding co-editor of the Journal of Posthumanism. He also is a research associate at the US-based Center for Critical Research on Religion.Dr. Dedeoğlu... Read More →

Friday October 1, 2021 11:55am - 12:15pm PDT
Zoom Session 1

Conference Themes

Host Organization Yorkville University

11:55am PDT

Particularity and Explicitness of Assessment Tools in the Design Studio - A Reflection

Moderators

Alex Pett

Academic Committee, PDGIA

Speakers

Hazim Al-Nijaidi

Adjunct Faculty, Yorkville University

Hazim Rashed Al-Nijaidi B.Sc. M.Phil. Ph.D. MRAICDr. Al-Nijaidi holds a PhD in Architectural Design from Oxford-Brookes University, UK (1985), and an MPhil, also from Oxford-Brookes, in collaboration with the Bartlett School of Architecture & Planning - University College London... Read More →

Dr. Maha Al-Bustani

Dr. Maha Al-Bustani B.Sc. M.Arch. Ph.D.Over 30 years of progressive experience as an Academic and ArchitectProficiency in Teaching Architectural and Interior Design ProgramsFocus on Teaching Design Studio and Design TheoriesExtensive involvement in Curriculum DevelopmentPublication... Read More →

Friday October 1, 2021 11:55am - 12:15pm PDT
Zoom Session 3

External Problems and Specific Solutions

Host Organization Yorkville University

11:55am PDT

Optimizing the Proportion of In Person and Online Courses During the Post Covid-19 Era

The main purpose of this paper is to primarily address the question: What are the optimal proportions for in person (face-to-face) and online courses during the post COVID-19 pandemic era? A survey aiming at collecting data of proportions of online and face-to-face sessions at a one of the campuses of a private Canadian University was conducted, and data were collected and reviewed. The data analysis revealed similar proportions for the two formats. The second phase of the study is posed to include three stakeholders: students, professors, and administrators needed to optimize the percentages of online and in person sessions. The paper also highlights some attractive features of hybrid teaching format with 50% each for online and in person. It also includes reviews of research peer research articles to understand the scholarly works on conducted in the e-learning field. The paper concludes by recommending future research to investigate in more depth the concerns of the primary stakeholders.

The second stage of this study intends to cover students enrolled in all four years of the BBA program at the university in question and compare their preferences for both online and face to face courses. The study will also cover several objectives such as whether the course delivery mode is independent of the year of study (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior). The future work will investigate whether the proportions of students who prefer online courses to those who would like to return to face to face courses are gender related. The next study phase is planned to be conducted when the students will resume their on-campus classes. We anticipate that the results of the latter will serve as the primary data needed to formulate a model aiming to propose an optimal combination of the three key stakeholders: students, professors, and institutions.

Moderators

Imran Aziz

Academic Committee, PDGIA

Speakers

Abdelghani Mehailia

Academic Committee/ Yorkville University Faculty, PDGIA

Abdelghani Mehailia joined Yorkville University in January 2020 as a Professor in the Program of Business Administration (BBA). From 2017 to December 2019, he served as MBA Coordinator at the Canadian University of Dubai (CUD). He served as Associate Professor from 2009 to 2019 in... Read More →

Friday October 1, 2021 11:55am - 12:15pm PDT
Zoom Session 2

New Delivery Methods

Host Organization Yorkville University

12:15pm PDT

Questions, Answers, Responses

Moderators

Daren Hancott

Yorkville University

Friday October 1, 2021 12:15pm - 12:45pm PDT
Zoom Session 1

Conference Themes

12:15pm PDT

Questions, Answers, Responses

Moderators

Alex Pett

Academic Committee, PDGIA

Friday October 1, 2021 12:15pm - 12:45pm PDT
Zoom Session 3

External Problems and Specific Solutions

12:15pm PDT

Questions, Answers, Responses

Moderators

Imran Aziz

Academic Committee, PDGIA

Friday October 1, 2021 12:15pm - 12:45pm PDT
Zoom Session 2

New Delivery Methods

12:45pm PDT

Lunch

Friday October 1, 2021 12:45pm - 1:30pm PDT
Main Zoom Webinar

Main Stage

1:30pm PDT

Panel: Meeting the Challenges of the Fall Return-to-Campus

Panel Speakers:

Neil Mort (Acsenda School of Management)
Kathleen Campbell (New York Institute of Technology)
Brock Dykeman (University Canada West)

Moderators

Daren Hancott

Yorkville University

Speakers

Brock Dykeman

President, UCW

Neil Mort

President, Acsenda School of Management

Kathleen Campbell

Organizing Committee, PDGIA

Friday October 1, 2021 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Main Zoom Webinar

Main Stage

2:30pm PDT

Health Break

Friday October 1, 2021 2:30pm - 2:45pm PDT
Main Zoom Webinar

Main Stage

2:45pm PDT

Setting a Precedent for Research: The Creation of a Mini-Doc “Turtles in Ontario”

The mini documentary “Turtles in Ontario: Silent Cry for Help,” sets a precedent for scholarly research. In the wake of the pandemic, people have become increasingly aware of both field-workers such as nurses and the fragility of nature. The mini-doc echoes this trend by incorporating the practical knowledge of veterinarians, volunteers and law-enforcement officers. While this is consistent with such trends in research as standpoint epistemology and ecological thinking, the mini-doc also emphasizes cooperation between the interviewees, and how different forms of expertise and action converge to solve a wildlife issue in Ontario.

Furthermore, the film and accompanying digital poster were created in collaboration with students and recent graduates. Faculty who reach-out to students in the production of research benefit not only from fresh perspectives, contemporary ideas and skills, but also forge a community of knowledge and creativity across departments of learning.

The presentation includes contributions by Toronto Film School graduate, director and producer Egor Trushin, Graphic Design and Interactive Media students Angèlie Gilchrist Blanchard, and Colleen Fitzpatrick. Their work will be shared and discussed during the presentation about the scholarly merits of "Turtles in Ontario."

Moderators

Noosha Mehdian

Faculty, UCW

Dr. Mehdian has more than 20 years of experience teaching in the Middle East, South East Asia and Canada where she has taught in various programs and universities, trained teachers, developed course material, audited schools and supervised teaching practicums.  Her PhD and her... Read More →

Speakers

Egor Trushin

Born and raised in a small town in the north of Siberia (Russian Federation), Egor Trushin graduated from a military school prior to being accepted to some of the most acclaimed universities in Saint Petersburg for Management Studies. Shortly after, Egor decided to pursue his true... Read More →

Angèlie Gilchrist Blanchard

Student, Toronto Film School

Angèlie Gilchrist Blanchard is a student of the accelerated Graphic Design & Interactive Media Diploma at the Toronto Film School (TFS). Achieving excellence in her studies, Angèlie has upheld a spot on both the President’s and Honours lists throughout the year. Her academic interests... Read More →

Andrew Fuyarchuk

Faculty, Yorkville University

Andrew Fuyarchuk was awarded an MA. in philosophy from the University of Alberta (1998), a research doctorate in philosophy of religion from the Toronto School of Theology (2016) and an M.A. in education from Canisius College, Buffalo (2019). He has completed his A.B.D. for a PHD... Read More →

Colleen Fitzpatrick

Friday October 1, 2021 2:45pm - 3:05pm PDT
Zoom Session 4

Changed Workplace/Greater Interdisciplinarity

Host Organization Yorkville University

2:45pm PDT

How I am Helping My Students to Stop Plagiarizing

Moderators

City University in Canada

Program Director MEd Leadership, City University in Canada

University materials - for degree programs

Speakers

Irene Torres-Arends

Professor, Yorkville University

I received my bachelor's degree in Psychology (1987) and Law (1993) from the Central University of Venezuela. My postgraduate studies took place in Europe and the USA. I received a master’s degree (M.Sc.) – Eximia Cum Laude Approbatur – in Sociology of Law at the International... Read More →

Friday October 1, 2021 2:45pm - 3:05pm PDT
Zoom Session 6

Dealing with the Uncertain Present and Future

Host Organization Yorkville University

2:45pm PDT

Practicing Appreciative Inquiry in Undergraduate Economics Education

Appreciative Inquiry (Ai) is a strengths-based approach to organizational development that has gained currency as an alternative to the classical deficit-based approach. There are numerous examples of its highly successful application as a tool of Organizational Development (OD). In this research study, Ai is applied to a diverse group of students in undergraduate non-specialist Economics classrooms to verify its effectiveness in the teaching-learning process. The objective of this paper to examine the pedagogical use of Ai in teaching and validate its utility in economics courses. Moreover, the specific objective is to find out challenges and opportunities when using Ai in classrooms. The approach is applied to five sections of Economics classes at Yorkville University, British Columbia Campus, Canada. Students, in each section were divided into small groups-the four phases of the Ai Cycle (Discovery, Dream, Design and Destiny) were then applied to each student group. Each group discovered their strengths, shared their dreams for an ideal class, designed a collective vision/plan as to how to achieve their objectives and started implementing the plan. It was found that Ai increased students’ engagement, confidence, attendance, commitment, and improved the overall academic environment in the class and enhanced student success. We conclude therefore that universities and academic institutions can utilize this rapidly evolving and popular tool of organizational development to positively impact educational outcomes in the classroom.

Moderators

Abdelghani Mehailia

Academic Committee/ Yorkville University Faculty, PDGIA

Speakers

Iqtidar Shah

Professor, Yorkville University

Dr. Iqtidar Shah is professor at Yorkville University, New Westminster campus. He holds a PhD in Economics. He has 20 years international experience at various public and private sector organizations of high repute in Greece, Oman, Pakistan and Canada as an academician, researcher... Read More →

Shubhayu Mookerjee

Associate Faculty, Yorkville University

Shubhayu Mookerjee holds Master of Science (Economics) and MBA degrees from Virginia Tech., in Blacksburg, VA, United States. He received a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in Economics from the University of Calcutta, India, with a minor in Pure Mathematics. His work experience... Read More →

Friday October 1, 2021 2:45pm - 3:05pm PDT
Zoom Session 5

Engaging Students in Blended Teaching/Learning

Host Organization Yorkville University

2:45pm PDT

Augmenting Student Engagement in Blended Teaching

When we had to switch online, I knew I am not alone in feeling overwhelmed and wondered how I could achieve my course objectives. I knew that students were also stressed and likely demotivated to engage with their course material. I started exploring how to adapt my course design and delivery to cultivate an engaged learning community. I looked at literature to narrow down the components of learner-centered teaching and what impedes collaborative learning and, in this presentation, will share what worked well in my classes hoping other educators can benefit in their delivery.

Speakers

Noosha Mehdian

Faculty, UCW

Friday October 1, 2021 2:45pm - 4:15pm PDT
Prerecorded - Always Available

Engaging Students in Blended Teaching/Learning, PreRecorded

Host Organization UCW

2:45pm PDT

MATHEDAMIC: A NEW GENRE OF MATH LEARNING/TEACHING DURING PANDEMIC

Every year we are creating new professionals for our society/country. As a professor/teacher this is our responsibility to make sure while they are graduating from the university/College with a good grade, we have taught them in a way which will make them the good professionals for our country.

Speakers

Dr. Tahmina Akhter

Professor, Yorkville University

Dr. Tahmina AkhterYorkville UniversityProfessor, BBAI am Dr. Tahmina Akhter, currently working as a professor of BBA at Yorkville University, Toronto, Ontario. I received my PhD from University of Waterloo and M.Sc. from Ryerson University, both in Applied Mathematics. During my PhD... Read More →

Friday October 1, 2021 2:45pm - 4:15pm PDT
Prerecorded - Always Available

Engaging Students in Blended Teaching/Learning, PreRecorded

Host Organization Yorkville University

3:05pm PDT

From Short Story to Case-Based Learning: Workplace Fiction After COVID

What would help present and post COVID students become better readers and thus better writers? How could reading short fiction help business students understand business issues? How can case-based learning assist students in identifying personalites and conflicts at work?

Teaching a course in workplace fiction and also a course in composition and business writing provided two sites for observation in two different universities. The assumption is that a case is a story with characters and plot, whether the case is assigned for analysis of problems, leadership, or organizational mission or whether the students create the case themselves.

Two short stories, one from early 20th century and the other published in 2020, reveal elements of leadership and supervision of employees in differing workplaces. One provides readers with a newly appointed captain of a ship returning from the South Asian seas to England whereas the other shows us a young immigrant mother from Laos who is disrupted in her farming and family tasks by an ambitious young man who takes charge. Both stories inscribe the theme of alienation at work. Both demonstrate the challenges of a working life. As one critic of workplace fiction state: “. . . literature that engages the subject of work thereby proclaims work to be a proper subject of our notice—ultimately, a moral transaction” (Ford, 2011, p. xi).
The two stories could become case studies if we appreciate that fiction contains omissions which a case could fill in. For example, readers have questions about fiction that a case study could answer.

Neither short story presents employees struggling with new technology; both show traditional jobs based on physical labour. Yet both anticipate a new reality in which humans at work are more detached from one another, more caught up in anger and fear, and more controlled by the protocols of impersonal labour relations. Moreover, looking back at Conrad's story from the perspective of the COVID years, we now have new ways of understanding the conclusion in which Leggatt, the fugitive officer hiding in the Captain's cabin, lets go of a rope connecting him to the ship, slips into unexplored waters near shore, "a proud swimmer, striking out for a new destiny." Overall, we are asking now what that new destiny may be.

Moderators

Noosha Mehdian

Faculty, UCW

Speakers

Alex Pett

Academic Committee, PDGIA

Friday October 1, 2021 3:05pm - 3:25pm PDT
Zoom Session 4

Changed Workplace/Greater Interdisciplinarity

Host Organization Yorkville University

3:05pm PDT

The Fuzzy Teaching Methodology in Post Corona

Moderators

City University in Canada

Program Director MEd Leadership, City University in Canada

University materials - for degree programs

Speakers

Naji Yazdi

Friday October 1, 2021 3:05pm - 3:25pm PDT
Zoom Session 6

Dealing with the Uncertain Present and Future

Host Organization University Canada West

3:05pm PDT

L2 WTC in an online environment - an investigation on how “seeing oneself speaking” affects WTC

Moderators

Abdelghani Mehailia

Academic Committee/ Yorkville University Faculty, PDGIA

Speakers

Cynthia He

Instructor, University Canada West

Cynthia obtained her M.A. in Second Language Studies from University of Hawaii at Manoa and has been teaching in various ESL/EFL/ESP programs in the U.S., Japan, and now in Canada for 11 years. Her research interests include learner autonomy, self-regulated learning strategies... Read More →

Shin-Ru He

Friday October 1, 2021 3:05pm - 3:25pm PDT
Zoom Session 5

Engaging Students in Blended Teaching/Learning

Host Organization University Canada West

3:25pm PDT

Has the COVID-19 Pandemic Revealed the Skills Deficit among Students in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)?

Moderators

Noosha Mehdian

Faculty, UCW

Speakers

Guranda Khabeishvili

Lecturer, International Black Sea University

I am an invited lecturer at three different Higher Education Institutions, in Tbilisi, Georgia. _x000D_PhD. candidate in Education Sciences. _x000D_With CELTA qualification.

Friday October 1, 2021 3:25pm - 3:45pm PDT
Zoom Session 4

Changed Workplace/Greater Interdisciplinarity

Host Organization International Black Sea University

3:25pm PDT

Emotional Support Dogs’ Effects on Anxiety, Depression, and Somatization in Elementary Students

Moderators

City University in Canada

Program Director MEd Leadership, City University in Canada

University materials - for degree programs

Speakers

Truman Spring

I am Dr. Truman Spring an Associate Director of the Masters of Leadership in Education Program at City University in Canada.I just recently left School District #22 (Vernon, BC) where I was the Director of Instruction, Student Support Services. Prior to this I was in School District... Read More →

Friday October 1, 2021 3:25pm - 3:45pm PDT
Zoom Session 6

Dealing with the Uncertain Present and Future

Host Organization City University

3:25pm PDT

Computer-assisted language learning techniques and EPS programs at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Vancouver campus: Focus on conceptual fluency

The session will focus a narrative presentation of whether online courses of ESP at FDU, vancouver Campus were assisting the students with their conceptual development in English language learning through exposing them with authentic materials.

Moderators

Abdelghani Mehailia

Academic Committee/ Yorkville University Faculty, PDGIA

Speakers

Mehran Norafkan

Lecturer, FDU

Mehran Norafkan has done his PhD in Linguistics at SFU, Canada. His interest is in the area of Applied Linguistics, Cognitive Linguistics and CALL ( Computer-assisted Language Learning). He currently teaching at FDU, Vancouver campus. His current research activity is focusing on second... Read More →

Amiena (Amina) Mohammed

Lecturer, Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU)

Amiena (Amina) MohammedAs a full time, Faculty Academic University Lecturer, I teach courses in Academic Writing, Research Foundations, and Hospitality Management. I have varied qualifications and experience in Education, Research, Food Science, Health & Nutrition, and Hospitality... Read More →

Friday October 1, 2021 3:25pm - 3:45pm PDT
Zoom Session 5

Engaging Students in Blended Teaching/Learning

Host Organization FDU

3:45pm PDT

Questions, Answers, Responses

Moderators

Noosha Mehdian

Faculty, UCW

Friday October 1, 2021 3:45pm - 4:15pm PDT
Zoom Session 4

Changed Workplace/Greater Interdisciplinarity

3:45pm PDT

Questions, Answers, Responses

Moderators

City University in Canada

Program Director MEd Leadership, City University in Canada

University materials - for degree programs

Friday October 1, 2021 3:45pm - 4:15pm PDT
Zoom Session 6

Dealing with the Uncertain Present and Future

3:45pm PDT

Questions, Answers, Responses

Moderators

Abdelghani Mehailia

Academic Committee/ Yorkville University Faculty, PDGIA

Friday October 1, 2021 3:45pm - 4:15pm PDT
Zoom Session 5

Engaging Students in Blended Teaching/Learning

4:15pm PDT

Closing – Ms. Manel Miaadi & Dr. Mark Pezarro

Speakers

Manel Miaadi

Academic Committee Co-Chair, PDGIA

Mark Pezarro

Academic Committee, PDGIA

I am the Director of CityU Canada's BA in Management program and one of the program co-chairs for the conference. Please see my LinkedIn profile for more info about me. Welcome to the conference?

Friday October 1, 2021 4:15pm - 4:30pm PDT
Main Zoom Webinar

Main Stage

9:00am PDT

Ingathering – Ms. Manel Miaadi & Dr. Mark Pezarro Program Committee Co-Chairs

Moderators

Manel Miaadi

Academic Committee Co-Chair, PDGIA

Mark Pezarro

Academic Committee, PDGIA

I am the Director of CityU Canada's BA in Management program and one of the program co-chairs for the conference. Please see my LinkedIn profile for more info about me. Welcome to the conference?

Saturday October 2, 2021 9:00am - 9:05am PDT
Main Zoom Webinar

Main Stage

9:05am PDT

Invited Speaker – Dr. Robert Fleming, Executive Director & Co-Chair, BC Council on Admissions & Transfers

Moderators

Manel Miaadi

Academic Committee Co-Chair, PDGIA

Mark Pezarro

Academic Committee, PDGIA

I am the Director of CityU Canada's BA in Management program and one of the program co-chairs for the conference. Please see my LinkedIn profile for more info about me. Welcome to the conference?

Speakers

Dr. Robert Fleming

Executive Director, BC Council on Admissions and Transfer

Prior to his appointment in 2010, Dr. Fleming taught English in several post-secondary institutions & served in senior academic administrative roles. Over his career, he has participated in many provincial, national, international post-secondary initiatives & organizations. His scholarship... Read More →

Saturday October 2, 2021 9:05am - 9:35am PDT
Main Zoom Webinar

Main Stage

9:40am PDT

Invited Speaker – Dr. Randall Martin, Executive Director, BC Council for International Education

Moderators

Manel Miaadi

Academic Committee Co-Chair, PDGIA

Mark Pezarro

Academic Committee, PDGIA

I am the Director of CityU Canada's BA in Management program and one of the program co-chairs for the conference. Please see my LinkedIn profile for more info about me. Welcome to the conference?

Speakers

Dr. Randall Martin

Executive Director, BC Council for International Education (BCCIE)

Dr Randall Martin has more than 26 years experience in post-secondary, development and international education. He is the Executive Director at the BC Council for International Education (BCCIE), a Crown Corporation of the Province of British Columbia charged with advancing the provincial... Read More →

Saturday October 2, 2021 9:40am - 10:10am PDT
Main Zoom Webinar

Main Stage

10:15am PDT

Invited Speaker – Ms. Rachel Weppler, “On the Path to Success for Indigenous Students: Utilizing Culturally Responsive Leadership Practices in Kindergarten to Grade 12 Schools”

On the Path to Success for Indigenous Students: Utilizing Culturally Responsive Leadership Practices in Kindergarten to Grade 12 Schools
For many Indigenous students, education can be difficult as they are met with numerous barriers inhibiting their ability to connect and engage with the curriculum. This session will provide a brief review of research related to culturally responsive leadership and teaching practices as a means to eliminate some of these barriers. As well as provide recommendations outlining strategies that can be used to increase personal leadership capacity surrounding culturally responsive practices.

Moderators

Manel Miaadi

Academic Committee Co-Chair, PDGIA

Mark Pezarro

Academic Committee, PDGIA

I am the Director of CityU Canada's BA in Management program and one of the program co-chairs for the conference. Please see my LinkedIn profile for more info about me. Welcome to the conference?

Speakers

Rachel Weppler

Assistant Principal, Maskwacis Education Schools Commission (MESC)

Rachel Weppler is an Indigenous educator in Maskwacis, Alberta. Having grown up on a reservation, she has a deep appreciation of Indigenous culture and ways of learning. As a recent gradute of the Masters of Educational Leadership program through CityUniversity of Seattle in Canada... Read More →

Saturday October 2, 2021 10:15am - 10:35am PDT
Main Zoom Webinar

Main Stage

10:40am PDT

Feminist Educational Practices in/post Pandemic Classrooms

The impact of the pandemic has given educators an opportunity to re-think educational strategies and the traces of pre-existing inequities within academia. In this session, faculty in will learn specific Feminist educational practices which can steady educators in this transitory time as Feminist theory historically values and utilizes unease, flexibility, multiplicity, and self-reflection. All faculty - regardless of and because of their gender, race, age, sexual orientation, and social class- will benefit from Feminist educational strategies as they offer helpful ways into learning and teaching. Moreover, these theories and techniques build upon the adaptable, inclusive, and reflexive methods practiced as necessity within the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Moderators

Laura Farquhar

Academic Committee, PDGIA

I am passionate, motivated and ready to inspire excellence!I enjoy developing leaders, and facilitating learning opportunities in the Academic, Tourism and Hospitality sectors.With my husband, we own and operate Farquhar Consultants https://www.farquharconsultants.com/. Together we... Read More →

Speakers

Amy Bagshaw

Faculty, Yorkville University

Amy Bagshaw is a Visual Artist with close to twenty years of experience teaching in various post-secondary institutions in North America. She has earned an MFA and Graduate Women’s Studies Certification from Stony Brook University, NY, and a B.Ed. from the University of Toronto... Read More →

Saturday October 2, 2021 10:40am - 11:00am PDT
Zoom Session 9

Issues of Language Inclusion

Host Organization Yorkville University

10:40am PDT

Advising for Success: A Practitioner’ s Perspective

Moderators

Abdelghani Mehailia

Academic Committee/ Yorkville University Faculty, PDGIA

Speakers

Maika Tshimbalanga

Director of Enrolment, City University of Seattle in Canada

Maika Tshimbalanga is the Director of Enrollment and Student Success at City University of Seattle in Canada. She has over 20 years’ experience in the realm of higher education in addition to experience working for and with Nonprofit Organizations in Canada, the USA, and abroad... Read More →

Saturday October 2, 2021 10:40am - 11:00am PDT
Zoom Session 8

Students’ Success Strategies

Host Organization City University of Seattle in Canada

10:40am PDT

The Power of Empathy in Education: A Critical Response to COVID-19 Post Traumatic Effects on International Students

Moderators

Adam Rudder

Academic Committee, PDGIA

Adam Rudder, was born in Vancouver and completed his Master of Arts degree in history at the University of Victoria, where he wrote about the Hogan’s Alley community in Strathcona. He completed his doctoral studies at the University of Ljubljana where he documented the experiences... Read More →

Speakers

Manel Miaadi

Academic Committee Co-Chair, PDGIA

Saturday October 2, 2021 10:40am - 11:00am PDT
Zoom Session 7

Trauma and Recovery

Host Organization Yorkville University

10:40am PDT

Open Education Resources at Alexander College: Adopting for Accessibility

Traditionally at Alexander College, the bookstore would purchase physical textbooks and have them available for students to purchase and the library would have one copy of each text on reserve for students to borrow. This is a system used by many post-secondary organizations. This system can no longer be implemented for all students, due to the virtual environment of many courses and the potential for prolonged timelines over which students may need to study from their home countries or be expected to complete at least some of their classes virtually. The pandemic has also created an environment where distance, asynchronous and virtual education will likely be offered with much higher frequency, even at such a time when students are able to be physically back on campus. Private institutions will need to be able to pivot to meet the needs of this changed student demographic, which will involve providing alternative (accessible) textbooks options for students (as seen in the public sector). This presentation will examine the benefits of adopting OER, using the experiences of the staff and faculty at Alexander College as a case study.

Speakers

Caitlin Lindsay &

Janelle Haley

Saturday October 2, 2021 10:40am - 12:10pm PDT
Prerecorded - Always Available

Students’ Success Strategies, PreRecorded

Host Organization Alexander College

11:00am PDT

English Conversation Circle

The English Conversation Circle is a safe online space where International students come to practice their verbal communication skills. The inspiration for the cirlce comes from the Indigenour concept of Listening Circles and the Toastmasters meetings that offer a structured approach for improving both Listening and Speaking skills of in a holistic manner.

In the session, we aim to discuss the ways an English Conversation Circle can help new students to form connections with their peers, improve their skills and gain confidence in themselves.

Moderators

Laura Farquhar

Academic Committee, PDGIA

Speakers

Garima Yadav

Manager of English Language Centre, Acsenda School of Management

Garima is the Manager of English Language Centre at Acsenda School of Management, a private business school located in downtown Vancouver. She holds two Masters degrees -one in Media & Communication Management from Middlesex University - Dubai, and the second one in Education from... Read More →

Nick Wang

Career Services Coordinator, Acsenda School of Management

Nick works as a Career Services Coordinator at Acsenda school of Management, which is a private post-secondary institution located in Downtown Vancouver. He has a bachelor's degree in human resources, and he plays as a liaison between employers and talented students. He is an active... Read More →

Saturday October 2, 2021 11:00am - 11:20am PDT
Zoom Session 9

Issues of Language Inclusion

Host Organization Acsenda School of Management

11:00am PDT

International Students’ Understanding of Basic Academic Rules at Different Stages of their Academic Program

Moderators

Abdelghani Mehailia

Academic Committee/ Yorkville University Faculty, PDGIA

Speakers

Irene Torres-Arends

Professor, Yorkville University

Saturday October 2, 2021 11:00am - 11:20am PDT
Zoom Session 8

Students’ Success Strategies

Host Organization Yorkville University

11:00am PDT

Study of Protagonist of Instructors in Dipping the Influence of COVID–19 on International Students in Canada

Moderators

Adam Rudder

Academic Committee, PDGIA

Speakers

Dr. Amit Kohli

Professor, Yorkville University

Amit Kohli, Professor, Yorkville University

Ajay Garg

Associate Professor & Program Director, FDU V

Ajay K. Garg is Associate Professor and Program Director in Fairleigh Dickinson University, Vancouver. Email: ajaykgarg7@gmail.comAmit Kohli is a Faculty in Yorkville University, Vancouver.Jyoti K. is a Faculty in Vancouver Premier College of Hotel Management, Vancouver

Saturday October 2, 2021 11:00am - 11:20am PDT
Zoom Session 7

Trauma and Recovery

Host Organization FDU V

11:20am PDT

Digital Natives and Digital Immigrants: Bridging the divide in the Post-Pandemic Era

Moderators

Laura Farquhar

Academic Committee, PDGIA

Speakers

Jasreen Grewal

General Studies- Instructor, Yorkville University

My name is Jasreen Grewal Kang and am passionate about reading, travelling and yoga. I completed my Masters in English and Masters in Education in the years 2005 and 2007 respectively. I have served as a Fulbright Fellow at University of California in Santa Barbara and had the opportunity... Read More →

Garima Kamboj

Yorkville University

Saturday October 2, 2021 11:20am - 11:40am PDT
Zoom Session 9

Issues of Language Inclusion

Host Organization Yorkville University

11:20am PDT

The Stressed and Fatigued “Zooming” Educator: Sources, Symptoms, and Solutions

Moderators

Adam Rudder

Academic Committee, PDGIA

Speakers

Jasreen Grewal

General Studies- Instructor, Yorkville University

Amanpreet Kang

Program Director and Professor, Yorkville University

Dr. Aman Kang, has more than 16 years of experience, working in the higher education industry and Fortune 500 companies. As a faculty member, Dr. Kang has taught courses related to Marketing, International Business, Research Methodology and Consumer Behaviour in undergraduate and... Read More →

Garima Kamboj

Yorkville University

Saturday October 2, 2021 11:20am - 11:40am PDT
Zoom Session 7

Trauma and Recovery

Host Organization Yorkville University

12:15pm PDT

Mental Health Learning Circle

Explore the impacts of, and solutions to, the emerging mental health issues connected to online learning environments in this interactive Learning Circle.

Speakers

André Serzisko

Hello, my name is André, I am the Program Director for the City University Master of Counselling program on Vancouver Island. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor and have been in the counselling field for 27 years offering services around behavioural and substance addiction... Read More →

Saturday October 2, 2021 12:15pm - 1:15pm PDT
Zoom Session 10

Student Panels