Well, that “future” came a lot quicker than anticipated – both for our college and for workplaces across the country – as the COVID-19 pandemic spurred a sudden transformation of how all of us live, learn and work
Throughout 2020 we’ve seen just how critical it is to be responsive, resilient and agile, no matter what field you’re in. The world around us is changing faster and more dramatically than anyone could’ve imagined. To succeed, we must all be ready to adapt and pivot, without losing sight of our long-term goals.
At George Brown, this has meant finding innovative ways to support our students, partners and each other while tackling the largest challenge our community has ever faced. We’ve invested in training, technology and resources to support faculty in delivering a high-quality online experience, and developed online learning modules to prepare our students for success while studying remotely. We’ve also launched a broad spectrum of virtual student services – including online tutoring, and video and chat-based counselling – that allow learners to get the support they need in these stressful times.
While these initiatives were born out of necessity, many will enhance how we serve our community for years to come. In fact, in many ways, our response to COVID-19 has helped accelerate our existing plans to enhance digitization at George Brown, while turning a spotlight on next-generation methods of teaching and learning.
For instance, when clinical placements for Nursing students were put on hold due to the pandemic, students used virtual gaming simulations to continue their experiential learning. These educational games – which allow learners to practice making clinical decisions in a safe, virtual environment – incorporate video footage of actors portraying patients and their loved ones, replicating a real-life patient care dynamic
Although much has changed this year, our purpose as a college has not – we’re here to turn learning into opportunity. This work is especially vital right now, as we prepare the next generation of healthcare and community workers, city-builders, business leaders and more – workers who will be essential to Ontario’s economic and social recovery from COVID-19.
To ensure that George Brown remains as responsive and agile as possible in the months ahead, we’re focusing on three major initiatives in the immediate term.
First, program optimization. We’re committed to creating accessible, inclusive and high-quality learning experiences for our students, while also looking at the big picture and evaluating the effectiveness of what and how we teach.
Second, online learning. By enhancing our digital infrastructure and expertise, we’ll strengthen our ability to be there for learners – whether they’re here in the GTA or around the world.
And third, flexible delivery. By offering more flexible delivery of both academic offerings and student services, we’ll be able to provide a more personalized student experience, with improved and expanded choice.
All of these initiatives feed into George Brown’s broader strategic commitments of focusing on future skills, fostering connections and evolving new ways of teaching and learning.
While 2020 has been a particularly turbulent year, we know that the rapid change we’re facing is not limited to the pandemic. Even before COVID-19, we were seeing seismic change in the way people work, live and learn – and the pace of this change is only speeding up. As we look ahead to the future, George Brown will continue to adapt and transform to meet the needs of students and employers, while putting innovation and collaboration at the forefront of everything we do.
