To faculty, students, and staff, UBC Vancouver:

Many people have been asking me where they can learn more about the Flexible Learning Initiative and I’m pleased to say that, as a first step, the website www.flexible.learning.ubc.ca is now live. The site has information about:

• the objectives of the initiative (‘What is it” tab has menus for goals, priorities, approach);
• the evidence for impact of blended class transformations;
• examples of what’s already happening at UBC (Showcase); and
• links to media stories relative to blended classes, MOOCs, technology and post-secondary education – updated weekly.

The website notes that the first funding opportunity is for the (re)design of undergraduate classes and has a link to the short online form calling for interested members of the UBC Vancouver community to submit Letters of Intent if they are interested in support for (re)design of their undergraduate courses, or other activities that support the goals of the Flexible Learning Initiative.  Proposals will be ranked and reviewed by Faculty Deans (and the VP Students for student initiatives) and then prioritized by a campus wide adjudication team. The form is short as we want to encourage applications and we know the deadline (Monday, May 13) is not far away.  We will work with successful applicants to develop a budget and more detailed specification of what support is needed and the extent of (re)design. Examples of support that is available include funding for TAs or teaching release, instructional designers, curriculum and assessment support, videography, and IT support. (There will be further funding opportunities for undergraduate and other initiatives in Fall 2013.)

Questions about the Initiative or the LOI can be sent to flexible.learning@ubc.ca. Answers to such questions (if generally applicable) will be posted on the FAQ section of the website, so that is a good place to check to see if your question has already been answered. Equally I am happy to come and speak to departments or groups that would like further information about either.

Finally, this is an invitation to attend the workshop on ‘What Flexible Learning Looks Like’ on Wednesday, May 8 (you can find more information and register here).  Faculty and students will share examples of work being done in the area of Flexible Learning across campus. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions of the Flexible Learning Implementation Team and to discuss the support available for course redesign. Professor Toope will also speak at the event.

Angela Redish Vice Provost and Associate Vice-President Enrolment and Academic Facilities Professor of Economics

604 822 4544