For my applied research project, I would like to explore how facilitators and learners create knowledge in digital learning environments and how that is impacted by engagement. Over the course of this pandemic, I have realized that not all facilitators and learners have had successful outcomes regarding their pivot to online and blended learning. Exploring the use of engagement is an area that I am interested in understanding better and more about.
Looking at some places that I would be able to disseminate my research are within my organization the Immigrant Services Society of British Columbia (ISSofBC). I would be able to present my work to the two divisions/schools of my organization. There is the Learning Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC). program which focuses on newcomers to Canada which include instructors who teach immigrants and refugees. There is also the Language and Career College (LCC) division/schools which focus mainly on international students and Canadians who are having trouble in the labor market.
A second place that I would be interested in perhaps publishing and presenting my findings would be the Association of British Columbia Teachers of English as an Additional Language (BC Teal). This organization specializes in supporting English language education by raising awareness, providing professional development, and sharing expertise. BC TEAL, established in 1967, is an organization of educators dedicated to the growth and development of the profession of English language teaching and is required that all ELS teachers be members of by the Private Teaching Branch of the B.C. Government (PICTIA). This organization has many members who I could reach.
Over the next few months, I will be speaking with my colleagues about other such organizations in other provinces in Canada and in other states such as Washington State as to if they have similar organizations in their jurisdictions. I am looking forward to expanding my connections with other organizations such a Kwantlen Polytechnique University and Langara College this year as well. I will try to identify if they have similar programs where engagement may benefit their facilitators and learners.