July 5 & 6 2017
10AM – 4PM
Location: UBC (building & room TBD)

Workshop Instructors
Ernesto Peña: ernesto.pena@alumni.ubc.ca
Claire Ahn: claire.ahn@ubc.ca

Workshop Description
With the implementation of the new curriculum in British Columbia for K-9, and the drafts set to be piloted at the secondary level in the coming academic year, there is a focus on the use of technology, on access to digital tools and a great importance for students to develop the skills to be able to determine what they read and view as being valid. This is especially significant in the current climate of “fake news” and “alternate facts” where one is able to easily produce something plausible. However, there has been much attention to the production of the written text as a means to develop students’ critical skills when reading print. And while new curricular documents tout the importance of developing visual analytical skills among students of all ages, there still appears to be a lack of resources, and time provided for teachers to learn how to use these tools and consider how they might implement these tools in their classrooms. This course will introduce such resources and tools to teachers.

This two day workshop will provide an overview of theoretical frames (E.g. New London Groups’ Multiliteracies; Visual Literacy; Dewey’s Participatory/Consummatory Experience) that will help introduce participants to the notion of engaging in the production of visuals as a means to develop critical analytical skills.

The primary focus of this course, however, is to focus on how to apply the theoretical frameworks into practice and demonstrate how the theories and resources could be used by teachers of all subjects, of all grades, of all levels and ages can apply this course content to any classroom (traditional, private classroom, etc.). Participants will be introduced to resources and programs such as Tineye.com, Acrobat Photoshop, Pixlr and Gimp, and will have ample opportunities to interact with these tools (among others) during in-class activities, and also have the instructors available to ask questions, provide guidance, etc. The goal is for participants to leave the two-day workshop feeling confident about implementing such resources and tools in their classrooms as a means to engage their students to produce visuals to develop critical analytical  skills.

** Participants will need to bring their own laptops and/or tablets.

Should you have any questions about the course, please feel free to contact the course instructors.

Key Highlights
Participants will:
– Gain an understanding of key theoretical frames that enhance teaching and learning within a visual/multiliteracy context.
– Be able to navigate through different resources and tools, learning about the programs such that they will feel comfortable implementing the tools in their classrooms.
– Have access to a multitude of resources introduced in class, and also available on an online blog.
– Have gained insight as to what kinds of lessons/assignments they can implement in their classrooms through class discussions.