Hello and welcome to another issue of Innovatus, a special issue of YFile that is devoted to teaching and learning innovation at York University.
There are many wonderful stories presented in this issue. Our top story focuses on a Canadian first, a collaborative project involving York University and IBM to create a virtual assistant to help students get real-time answers to their questions. The student support solution involved more than 100 York students who were directly involved in its development. A true success for York University and for our current and future students!
We’re also excited to have a wealth of stories focused on the amazing work underway at Glendon. Featured in this issue of Innovatus is a wonderful story about how Glendon students are learning skills to enhance lifelong learning. There’s a fascinating article about Glendon students engaging in biology field work in Quebec, and a profile of a student who used her placement to teach French to primary students in Brampton.
I hope you enjoy the stories presented in this issue of Innovatus. Happy spring!
Featured in the March 2019 issue of Innovatus
York University and IBM develop and launch AI-powered student support pilot
York University and IBM have launched an innovative student support solution that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to provide students with support services designed to improve their university experiences by delivering both academic and personal guidance covering a wide range of topics in real time. Click here for the full story.
Glendon students introduced to Pathways to Life-Long Learning
The three-credit course developed through the Academic Innovation Fund employs experiential seminars to teach students fundamental and advanced skills for learning, both in the university setting and in their later lives. Click here for the full story.
Students inaugurate bilingual biology field research course
Glendon biology students Cassandra Carey and Emma Joo travelled to a remote region of Quebec to conduct field research with Laura McKinnon, an assistant professor specializing in avian ecology and climate change. Click here for the full story.
French is fun! BEd student’s experiential education placement benefits Brampton
York student Esha Bhardwaj is the co-founder of the Brampton East chapter of Canadian Parents for French. During her placement, she spent nine months working with primary students and showing them that learning French is fun. Click here for the full story.
Calling all TAs and graduate students: Register for the sixth annual STAY Symposium
This free, day-long conference will provide an excellent opportunity for teaching assistants (TAs) and graduate students to connect with one another, network and build community. The conference takes place May 3. Register early to avoid disappointment. Click here for the full story.
Innovatus is produced by the Office of the Associate Vice-President Teaching & Learning in partnership with Communications & Public Affairs.
In closing, I extend a personal invitation to you to share your experiences in teaching, learning, internationalization and the student experience through the Innovatus story form, which is available at tl.apps01.yorku.ca/machform/view.php?id=16573.
Sincerely,
Will Gage
Associate Vice-President Teaching & Learning