News Article

Fifty-five instructional designers, developers, faculty, and administrators will gather in Clarenville next week for the third annual conference of the Teaching with Technology Community (TWTC).
 
Participation in the three-day conference, being held from Nov. 25-27, has grown each year with College of the North Atlantic (CNA) partnering with Memorial University, Marine Institute, and the Centre for Distance Learning & Innovation for the event.
 
According to Theresa Pittman, CNA’s Chair of Distributed Learning, the mandate of the TWTC is to create a network of practitioners who focus on continual improvement as they support faculty in their integration of technology in teaching and learning.
 
“The use of technology, including learning management systems, synchronous and asynchronous learning tools, and mobile learning systems in education, is increasing each year,” said Pittman. “The Foundation for Success: White Paper on Public Post-Secondary Education recommended innovative collaborative partnerships within the kindergarten-post-secondary system of Newfoundland and Labrador. In response to the white paper directives, the TWTC was formed.”
 
This year marks the first time the conference has been hosted by College of the North Atlantic. The organization’s first two meetings were hosted by MUN’s Distance Education, Learning and Teaching Support (DELTS) in St. John’s.
 
“We jumped at the opportunity and are excited to be able host it in Clarenville,” said Pittman.
 
The 2011 conference focused on initiating connections between individuals who support teachers, instructors and faculty in their use of teaching technologies.
 
“With the connections established, we were able to focus the 2012 conference on sharing in the true sense of a ‘community of practice’.”
 
The focus this year is continuing to build, enhance and add value to the community as well as share experiences, ideas, and innovations.
“The conference creates opportunities and tools to enable sharing of ideas and resources between all members of the community,” said Pittman. “In addition to guest speaker presentations, several community members will present to the group on new technologies and how to use technologies for teaching and learning.”
 
Pittman says there is plenty of interest in the community about the TWTC, which has been building momentum with each conference. She feels it is very important to learn from each other and keep current on new and changing technologies.
 
“The TWTC ensures the creation and sharing of quality support resources for teaching with technology across the Kindergarten – post-secondary system.”
 
For the latest information about TWTC and updates on the conference follow them on Twitter @TeachwithTechNL.
 
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Media Contact:
 
Glenda McCarthy
Public Relations Specialist
College of the North Atlantic
709.643.6408
glenda.mccarthy@cna.nl.ca