Studio 23: A Recap!

A few of us from CTLI, as well as some really keen JIBC instructors, recently attended the Studio23 conference, hosted by BCcampus. This was a conference dedicated to the practice of facilitation and teaching where we participated in a range of active learning sessions and came away excited and invigorated by the possibilities.

What, you missed it? If you are an educator in BC, you should sign up with BCcampus to learn about all the affordable and highly effective pro-d events on offer, including teaching and learning, educational technology, online teaching, open education, digital literacy, and so much more. Check them out and subscribe to the BCcampus newsletter to find out what’s going on.

P.S. Our very own Dennis Yip was the official photographer for the 2 day event. Want to check out more images from the 2 days? Have a look at the galleries: Studio23 Day 1 | Studio23 Day 2

Special Edition: Voices from Studio23

We asked our JIBC community who attended the 2 day conference:

What was it about?
What did you think?
What was your favourite session?
What did you take away from this conference?

This was a completely new type of event to me, and while I only attended online, I felt that I got a sense of what it could have been like in person, which made me even more interested in attending a future event in person. I was not sure what to expect from Studio 23, and to be honest, I wasn’t sure I was qualified to be considered among the peers of educators I expected would attend. I think had I been there in person, I would have proved these assumptions even more wrong. I see myself as an instructor in a different light now, as part of a larger community than I initially did. I enjoyed many of the guest speaker sessions I watched. The one that stood out the most for me was Carrie- I believe her session was on connection before learning. This reminded me of the importance of building relationships and trust in the classroom before we move into content. Icebreaker activities often feel uncomfortable for many people, but there are so many different ways we can build connection in a learning space. It encouraged me to think more creatively as an instructor to encourage that connection building as part of the curriculum and not a separate entity.

I found [the online sessions] to be valuable and inspiring, confirming that the work we do in classrooms and online is truly important. We often need reminders that although we are facilitating rather scripted training, we are situated in the larger frame of adult education and can take risks with the intention of making the learning experience for our staff (students) experiential and impacting.

I just wanted to follow up about the Studio 23 conference and thank you for not only thinking of us but also sending so many of our team. While we were hit hard by sickness that week and a few had to miss it as a result, Diany and I represented at the in-person! I think it’s safe to say that we were inspired, engaged, and left with many thoughts and ideas to take back to our training and our classes. I thoroughly enjoyed all the interaction, meeting new people, the keynote speakers, and the workshops. So much good stuff! I am so grateful to have been included in this opportunity – much appreciated!

It was truly inspiring and there is so much I am taking into my teaching practice, into probation and life in general.

Studio 23, tailored for educators in the B.C. post-secondary sector, proved to be an engaging and inspiring event. The interaction with fellow professionals offered a platform for meaningful discussions, shared insights, and collaborative opportunities. Serving as an excellent forum, Studio 23 allowed educators to convene, exchange ideas, and stay abreast of the latest developments, ultimately contributing to a more enriched and collaborative educational community in B.C.

Photo Reflections with Dennis Yip

Some of may know that I love connecting quotes with photos – so here’s a quote that goes with these photos.

Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.

Edward Everett Hale

Image of the stage at Studio 23 for day 1's keynote. The presenter, Kathi Camilleri, is joined on stage with three participants.

Two participants hugging during Day 2 of Studio 23.

Shot of the theatre for that hosted the 2 day event for Studio 23.

These three images stand out to me because I love the sense of ‘togetherness’ – being close and supportive with each other, like a strong team cheering each other on.

Interested in joining us at the next Studio conference or other teaching and learning events? Let’s chat!

Studio 23: A Recap!

Special Edition: Voices from Studio23

Photo Reflections with Dennis Yip

About the Authors