Brainstorming+2007

=Brainstorming Notes - January 2007= (To add ideas to this page: (i) Click on the "Edit this Page" tab (ii) Type in your ideas (iii) Click on the "Save" button) Theme 2007 | Registration 2007 | Opening Event 2007 | Session Ideas 2007 | Session Descriptions 2007 | Tech Cafe 2007 | Closing Event 2007 | Updates 2007
 * Visit the various wiki pages for the 2007 conference**

On Friday January 5th, we had our first conference brainstorming session. It was uplifting and inspiring. Many thanks to all those who were able to attend and who contributed their ideas so far. Thanks also to all of you who have indicated an interest in being involved, but were not able to attend this meeting. Our next meeting will be Wednesday February 28th from 2:00-3:30.
 * January 5th participants included:** Anne Green (H and T), Jeff Walther (Business), Karen Halliday (Faculty Librarian), Jean Warbucks (Opticianry), Sylvia VanderWeg (Health Sciences), Renee Ferguson (Liberal Arts), Esther Griffin (Communications), William McKenzie (Liberal Arts), Trudy Bergere (IUPAS).

I have grouped the ideas from our focus group session under the six general goals for the conference. Hopefully, as a group, we can continue to work at developing these ideas into a great and energizing day.

a) Coffee break chat b) Opportunities to gather in small, informal groups (Opening Event, Sessions, Networking Areas) c) Buzz groups d) Interaction across disciplines, across departments e) Introducing yourself to new faculty (Opening Event) f) One minute intros, which includes one comment re passion for teaching (Opening Event, Sessions) g) Small discussion groups (Sessions) h) Opportunities to meet new people i) Spending time with other departmental folks j) Volunteer (Getting Involved) k) Welcome new faculty l) Exchange ideas and successes (Sessions) m) Determine ways to carry on collegiality (Sessions, Closing Event) n) Sharing research work (i.e. Esther – paper for CMU on resistance to learning) (Sessions)
 * 1. Networking / Collaborating / Sharing Experiences / Developing Collegiality / Connecting / Building Community / Uncovering Hidden Talents**

a) Keynote that touches on the big ideas, philosophical with humour b) Affirmations – hand affirmation (Opening Event) c) Exploring youth culture in a way that is humourous and non-threatening d) Discussions about lack of student engagement, coping with ”minimalist” attitudes, e) Focus on solutions and problem-solving rather than complaining f) Frame the day in a positive way g) Food = Reward h) Idea – something from youth culture to wear as part of opening event
 * 2. Renewing Energy / Rekindling Enthusiasm / Rekindling Passion**

a) Slideshow b) Pictures of ‘teachers in action” c) Highlight experience in the room – years in industry, years in teaching d) Discuss shared experiences e) Public recognition f) Focus on positives g) Pictures – slideshow h) Recognize diversity
 * 3. Honouring Teachers / Celebrating our Profession / Celebrating Teaching / Empowering Teachers**

b) Informal discussions c) Opportunities to ask questions d) Panels on issues – making performance evaluations meaningful, information literacy e) Sharing stuff that can be applied f) Everyone bring one classroom activity that was meaningful g) Opportunities to share successes h) Opportunities to learn about new tools in the tech café i) Chance to network with other faculty who can offer solutions and ideas j) Idea – toolbox metaphor – opening event – dollar store tools k) Tech Café – to acquire more tools; to stimulate brain to explore applications and solutions l) Learning what is available for supports at Georgian m) Learning about information literacy / research skills that assist students, not just discipline content n) Presentation offered about different styles of teaching and learning
 * 4. Exchanging Solutions / Engaging in Dialogue with Peers / Improving Learning**
 * Sharing Resources and Ideas / Bringing Learning to Life / Building our Toolkits**
 * a)** Handouts with strategies and tips

a) Keynote who provides comedy relevant to our work – opportunities to laugh at ourselves and our common experiences b) Energizing group activities (i.e. improve) c) Entertainment – music d) Food e) Opportunities to venture “outside our box” – craft, creative activity f) Idea – something in youth lingo with a translator
 * 5. Having Fun / Laughing**

a) Information that brings insight to the next generation of students – how they learn, why they are here b) Theme – teaching and learning in the new millennium c) Some “blue sky” thinking mixed with practical solutions to problems and concrete ideas for change and renewal d) Recognizing that solutions are a moving target e) Streams – tools, philosophy, technology
 * 6. Addressing Relevant Issues**

From Beccy - That's it??! Nothing more? My goodness you people are a mighty group!! Looks like lots to work with here :).