George Brookman Introduces Our Speaker Laura Jo Gunter Walter Chayka
Thanks Our Speaker | | This week's presentation featured two speakers from Bow Valley College. Andrea Serink introduced our first speaker on behalf of the Adult Literacy committee. Andrea introduced Keith Seel, Dean of Foundation Learning. Bow Valley College selected our club as one of its 2018 Distinguished Partner Award winners. At the award presentation the club received a piece of art that was displayed at the meeting. The watercolour and cut paper artwork was created by ACAD/Bow Valley Art Stream learner Maverick Sham. Our club was selected to receive the award because we are a valued partner with an outstanding record of contributions to the community, and we reflect Bow Valley College’s values. Our partnership with Bow Valley College began in 1999 and our projects with the college target adult literacy. We have supported - Rotary Club Literacy Bursaries
- Adult Basic Literacy Education (ABLE), which offers small class sizes and is free of charge to students who face financial barriers
- Supported Adult Learning (SAL, formerly Speech Assisted Reading and Writing-SARAW)
Following Dr. Seel's remarks, George Brookman introduced Laura Jo Gunter, President and CEO of Bow Valley College, who provided a detailed overview of the college's mandate. BVC is an open-access college that admits all students who meet its entrance requirements. Founded over 50 years ago, BVC now has more than 15,000 enrolled students. Its student body is very diverse, and includes many immigrant adult learners who are preparing to enter the Canadian job market. It is also focused on providing adult learners with the skills to adopt to a rapidly changing economy, as more than fifty per cent of Canadian workers will require completely new skill sets. This is because - We are moving towards the so-called "gig" economy in which employment is becoming more contract-based.
- People are making ever more diverse career transitions, such as dental hygienist to graphic designer.
BVS is reimagining adult education, and its vision and mission are both focused on access. While most people will still seek a more traditional route to obtain their first credential, open learning is becoming increasingly important for continuing education. |
To this end, BVS is developing: - Flexible, accessible environments
- Competency-based learning that encompasses technical and people skills
- Scalable assessments and recognition of learning outcomes
While the amount of available content has dramatically increased, assessment metrics have lagged behind. BVC is pioneering the development of scalable assessments, including artificial intelligence tools, and micro-credentialing to make it easier for credentials to transfer with workers. President Gunter concluded her remarks by noting that Bow Valley College is transforming education, and continues to work to extend its "all access" mandate. At the conclusion of Laura Jo Gunter's presentation, Walter Chayka thanked our speakers on behalf of the club and the Adult Literacy Committee. |
