Educational Studies

2022-2023 - UG - Major Program Modification (Create New Calendar Entry)

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(A) Proposal summary
Next
  • STEP 1 - Complete the proposal summary information
  • Home faculty*
    Choose your faculty from the list of available options.
  • Content type*
    Choose ‘program’, unless you are certain the content you are creating should be a shared core. Contact ciqe@ontariotechu.ca if you require assistance.
  • Summary of proposed changes*
    1. Add a 4-year direct from high school option for the BA in Educational Studies (currently only a 2 year advanced entry program)

    a) Adding 20 more courses (60 credit hours) to create a 4-year program

      1. 2 more Educational Studies Electives at the 4000–level (6 credit hours)
      2. 18 additional courses (54 credit hours)
    2. Add two experiential learning courses as electives for both the 4-year and 2-year programs (6 credit hours)
    Provide a brief point by point summary of the changes included in this proposal.
  • Is a new course associated with this proposal?*
    Select 'yes' only if you are adding a brand new course to the calendar copy in this proposal.

  • If applicable, list new course codes, course titles and include hyperlinks to course proposals in Curriculog in the 'new courses' field below. To hyperlink, open a new window and search for the new course proposal in Curriculog. Copy the url from your web browser, return to this form and select the hyper link icon. Paste the url into the url field and save.

  • New courses

    EDST 4980U - Work Integrated Learning I

    EDST 4981U - Work Integrated Learning II

  • Are you creating a new minor that is not associated with a standalone major?*
  • If you answered yes to the above question, please describe in detail the capacity available to deliver the minor.
  • Calendar start date*
    Choose when the change should first appear in the academic calendar (e.g., Fall 2021).
  • Registration start date*
    Specify the first active term (e.g., Fall 2021).
  • STEP 2 - Attach supporting documents, if applicable

  • Visit the files section of the toolbox on the right-hand side of the form to attach any supporting documentation.

  • Are you attaching any supporting documents*
(B) Program component information and calendar copy
Next
  • STEP 3 - Complete Section B
  • Title of new program component*
    Educational Studies
    Educational Studies
    This will be the title of the program or shared core in the calendar.
  • Program type*
    Select the corresponding program type from the list of options. If you feel an option is missing, please contact ciqe@ontariotechu.ca.
  • Degree type*
    Select the corresponding degree type from the list of options. If you feel an option is missing, please contact ciqe@ontariotechu.ca.
  • Description of new program component*

    The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Educational Studies is an innovative program where students develop the knowledge, competencies, and skills to facilitate teaching and learning in a variety of contexts using technology. Students can complete the program through a combination of online and in- person learning or entirely online with careful planning.

    Educational experts are needed to guide learning in an increasingly complex, diverse and digital world. This hybrid undergraduate degree program prepares graduates to support online learning in both institutions and industry. Ontario Tech’s BA in Educational Studies program combines theoretical and practical study in the fundamentals of learning with technology. Students undertaking this program acquire a broad social understanding of education in different contexts and deepen their critical, reflective capacities. Graduates of the program develop skills, competencies and the critical mindset needed to thrive in the 4th Industrial Revolution and work in a variety of educational environments as learning specialists in corporations, finance, nonprofit and entrepreneurial contexts.

    The online courses in the BA in Educational Studies program follow research and evidence-based practices. Electives from other faculties allow students to choose in-person or online learning while exploring related subjects of interest.

    Students interested in teaching in K-12 education may apply to the OnTechU Concurrent Education program which leads to the 16-month Bachelor of Education program. A Bachelor of Education is required for certification with the Ontario College of Teachers in order to teach in Ontario’s elementary and secondary schools. Ontario Tech’s Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies provides an excellent foundation toward the Bachelor of Education certification.

    The description of the new program component will be included in the Academic Calendar.
  • Admission requirements*

    Admission is competitive. The specific average or standing required for admission will vary from year to year. Students are selected by taking into consideration a wide range of criteria, including school marks, distribution of subjects taken, and performance in subjects relevant to the academic program. Preference will be given to applicants with the best qualifications.

    Current Ontario secondary school students must complete the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with six 4U or 4M credits including English (ENG4U). All other applicants should refer to Admissions for the requirements for their specific category of admission.

    An outline of the requirements for admission to the new program component, including additional requirements or procedures, and recognition of prior learning experience.
  • Program map*
    Use this section to build a program map for the academic calendar that shows courses and/or research components offered each academic year.
  • Program structure*

    Work-Integrated Learning Courses

    A limited number of fourth-year students may participate in a learning experience with a community organization. The Practicum course consists of up to 100 hours of fieldwork, in-class seminars, ongoing assignments and a culminating task (e.g., paper or poster). As part of the pre-practicum process, students will be required to acquire a Vulnerable Sector check. For additional information, please refer to the course description for EDST 4980U.

    Describe any experiential or other applied learning opportunities that are part of the new program component.
  • Program learning outcomes*

    PLO1. Critically examine the impact of technology on learning and development, and the ways in which technology shapes and is shaped by educational practices

    PLO2. Develop learner-centered learning environments that are inclusive and responsive to facilitate the needs of children and lifelong learners in digital and hybrid spaces.

    PLO3. Plan constructivist approaches that focus on problem-based, experiential, and authentic learning activities that promote equity, diversity and inclusion.

    PLO4. Critically analyze the a) cognitive, b) social-emotional, and c) administrative (policy) issues that shape the integration of digital technologies in inclusive learning environments.

    PLO5. Critically analyze and practice assessment that includes metacognition.

    PLO6. Select, read and interpret published academic research and demonstrate an ability to communicate at an academic level.

    PLO7. Critically analyze theories of equity, diversity and inclusion in education, making connections to what is relevant in society, learning and work.

    PLO8. Apply understandings of the roots of oppression and inequality for under-represented Canadian communities in order to address systemic discrimination.

  • If you do not have a recent version of your program’s learning outcomes and alignment with the Degree Level Expectations, or would like to make a modification to them, please contact ciqe@ontariotechu.ca.

(C) Detailed proposal information
Next
  • STEP 4 - Complete Section C
  • Introduction
  • Brief background on existing program*

    The 2-year Advanced Entry version of Adult Education and Digital Technology (AEDT) was implemented in 2012 with modest enrollment. The online program consisted of 20 mandatory courses. In 2015, a second specialization was added: Early Childhood Studies. This new specialization replaced 4 of the 20 mandatory courses with 4 courses focusing on educating young children. Two additional specializations were added in March 2022:

    • Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
    • Digital Technologies

    These specializations were added as part of a major change based on our 2021 self-study, student surveys and external review. The main focus of the revisions to the Advanced Entry option was to add flexibility for students and to update some course offerings.

    A 4- year direct entry version of the BA in Adult Education and Digital Technology (AEDT) was approved in 2011 at the same time as the advanced pathway program but was not implemented. The 4-year program approved at that time mandated 90 out of 120 credits: 24 AEDT courses (75 credits), 2 social science courses (6 credits) and 1 Communication course (3 credits). There were 13 electives. Additionally, the program focused on Adult Education.

    The recruitment office at Ontario Tech advises the Faculty of Education that there is considerable demand for a 4-year BA in Educational Studies that 1) allows for greater choice in electives and 2) allows a range of foci for students.

    This major change proposal provides an option within the current BA Educational Studies to allow direct entry into Ontario Tech from secondary school. This program targets the needs identified by recruitment.

  • Rationale for the new component*

    The revised 2-year advanced entry BA in Educational Studies program has been well-received and the Faculty of Education is looking for ways to increase program enrolment based on earlier success.

    Conversations with secondary students at recruitment events suggest that students are looking for a direct-entry into a 4-year honours BA in Educational Studies. This 4-year BA program will link directly into Ontario Tech’s BEd program for students who maintain a grade point average and complete the required courses. Because of the popularity of concurrent education programs, adding this direct entry Educational Studies program may increase entrance GPAs for Ontario Tech.

    The addition of 2 optional experiential learning courses will allow Education Studies students to connect theory with practice outside the classroom. These courses will allow students to explore educational possibilities outside of K-12 classrooms including business and nonprofit organizations. These courses will provide excellent educational insights especially for Educational Studies students not heading for the BEd program (which has 3 placements).

    The hybrid nature of this program will allow an educational pathway directly from secondary graduation for students seeking a fully-online undergraduate degree in Educational Studies. The optional in-person elements will provide the onsite university experience for students who desire it, without the requirement to live on campus.

    How will this change enhance the program and/or opportunities for students and graduates?
  • Fit with the mission, mandate, strategic plans of the University and broader array of program offerings*

    A four-year BA in Educational Studies provides a desirable new program for students directly from secondary school graduation who are interested in education studies. Students will be able to explore options in other faculties for a broad, general education.

    Description of how the proposed modifications fit into the broader array of program offerings, particularly those areas of teaching and research strengths, and complementary areas of study.
  • Resource requirements
  • Faculty members*

    This proposal requires no additional faculty to begin the program.

    Requests for additional Faculty resources will be managed within the context of enrollment.

    List of core faculty associated with the program, including appointment status, home unit, areas of teaching and research interests, and any new faculty requirements and gaps they would be expected to fill.
  • Additional academic and non-academic human resources*

    This 4-year BA in Educational Studies uses the same courses and delivery methods as the 2-year advanced entry program so no additional sections of Educational Studies courses are needed at present until enrollment numbers require extra sections. The two new courses included in this proposal are electives, meaning that they will only be offered when required based on enrollment and student interest.

    Existing FED faculty will be redistributed to teach the courses within this proposal. The number of 3rd and 4th year elective courses offered each year will depend on enrollment.

    o Requests for additional academic and non-academic resources will be managed within the context of enrolment.

    Note that students in this program will need to successfully complete

    • 3 courses (9 credit hours) outside the Faculty of Education above the 1000 level
    • another 15 courses (45 credit hours) could be taken outside the Faculty of Education

    As enrolment increases in the 4-year Educational Studies program, the electives could require additional sections of courses in other Faculties.

    Details of any administrative requirements, including support staff, adjunct and part-time faculty, supervision of experiential learning opportunities, and any other additional academic and non-academic human resources.
  • Physical resource requirements*

    The BA in Educational Studies program is online, so no physical resources are required for the Educational Studies courses.

    If students choose in-person general or breadth electives, this may require additional sections of courses and additional physical space in other Faculties.

    Details of any physical resource requirements, including library holdings, information technology support and student services, special equipment, and space requirements (classrooms, laboratory, graduate student work/study space, other).
  • Business plan
  • Statement of funding requirements*

    This 4-year BA in Educational Studies uses the same courses and delivery methods as the 2-year advanced entry program so no additional sections are needed unless enrollment numbers require extra sections.

    The two new courses included in this proposal are electives, meaning that they will only be offered when this makes sense based on enrollment and student interest .

    No immediate non-academic additional human resources are needed to implement these changes, but as the program grows, additional support staff will be needed.

    A summary statement of the funding required to support the modification, including projected enrolments, start-up and continuing costs, if applicable.
  • Statement of resource/funding availability*

    The Program Director of the Bachelor of Arts - Educational Studies supports this major program change.

    Requests for additional resources will be managed within the context of enrollment.

    Statements attesting to the adequacy of resources to support the modification from Deans who may have faculty members involved in or are contributing resources, the Registrar or the Dean of Graduate Studies, the Chief Librarian and the Provost.
  • Transition plan
  • Transition plan*

    New students beginning Fall 2023. This 4 year major is a new option for students wanting to take Educational Studies.

    Semester (e.g., Fall 2020) for the implementation of the proposed changes; include a plan for all current students in the program, by year level. If this change impacts students that are not new and/or 1st year students as of the start date, then a transition plan is required.
  • Other
  • Other: additional supporting information, if applicable
    Describe any additional information needed to support the proposal.
(D) Impact and consultation
Next
  • STEP 5 - Complete Section D
  • We have consulted with all impacted areas*
    By selecting 'yes', you agree that you have consulted with all affected areas prior to beginning this proposal. Select 'N/A' only if the change(s) do not involve students, staff and faculty from other programs or courses.
  • Process of consultation*

    This proposed change builds on discussions with the External Reviewers during the cyclical program review for growing the Advanced Entry program (Sept 2021) and discussions with university recruitment team.

    Proposed changes have been discussed and supported in two BA program meetings.

    This plan was reviewed and supported by the Undergraduate Curriculum committee of the Faculty of Education.

    Faculty council had the opportunity to contribute to the development of this plan

    Describe the process of consultation with other units if the change(s) involve(s) students, staff, and/or faculty from other programs or courses.
  • Indigenous Content and Consultation
  • Does this change include any Indigenous content?*

  • For more information on how Indigenous content is defined at Ontario Tech University and how to consult with the Indigenous Education Advisory Circle, please refer to the Protocol for Consultation with the Indigenous Education Advisory Circle.

  • Has the IEAC been contacted?
  • If Yes, when?
    02/02/2022
    02/02/2022
  • What was the advice you received from the IEAC? And, how has it been included in your proposal?

    Advice on the EDI specialization within the major change proposal for the 2 year advanced entry program included:

    • The IEAC suggested the inclusion of Indigenous content throughout the EDI courses, woven into lessons. So for example, when Human Rights are discussed, the course will include UNDRIP, The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) was adopted by the General Assembly on Thursday, 13 September 2007,
    • Adding decolonization to the learning outcomes for the revision of the EDST 4130U - Social Justice Issues in Education

    These changes were made in the March 2022 Major Program Modification and no further changes have been made to implement the 4-year program.

  • Did the IEAC ask you to return the proposal to them for review?
    If Yes, have they completed their review?
(E) Routing
Next
  • STEP 6 - Enter routing information

  • Important note: it is imperative that you choose the correct routing path as it cannot be changed once a proposal has been launched. If you have made a routing error after launching the proposal, the proposal will be cancelled and a new proposal will be required. If you require assistance with routing, please contact ciqe@ontariotechu.ca.

  • Should this proposal be routed to the Program Approval step prior to Curriculum Committee?*
    If your curriculum committee is organized by program, or if program-level approval prior to curriculum committee is not required, select 'no'.
  • Faculty or program-level group*
    Choose your faculty or program-level group from the list of options. If your faculty has program-level committees, choose the corresponding program group from the list. Otherwise, choose the home faculty. You may choose more than one option, but please note that your proposal will go to the committees of all options selected. The proposal will not move on to the next step until all faculties have approved at their respective committees. Note: If you are making a change for a Bachelor of Engineering program in FESNS, you must select both the Faculty of Energy Systems and Nuclear Science, and the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science from the list of options.
  • Is this change for a Bachelor of Engineering program?*
  • Are there departments associated with your faculty?*
(F) End of proposal
Next
  • STEP 7 - Save and ensure all required fields are complete
  • STEP 8 - Validate and launch proposal
  • STEP 9 - Approve proposal

  • As the originator, you must approve the proposal to send it on to the next step. To approve, navigate to the decisions section of the toolbox on the right-hand side of the form.

(G) CIQE use only
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