Adapting Collaborative Strategy In Education

Lori Crosson, Director, Continuing Education And E-Learning, Sault College Of Applied Arts And Technology

Lori Crosson is the director of Continuing Education and E-Learning, specializing in e-learning culinary programs and academic upgrading at Sault College of Applied Arts and Technology. Her role involves overseeing a variety of responsibilities, including conducting meetings with government entities such as the ministry and collaborating with industry partners. She manages corporate training programs and engages in proposal writing for funding opportunities. Additionally, she supports several post-secondary programs, including e-learning development and design, culinary training and academic upgrading. Her duties also encompass scheduling, staff hiring and budget management for various projects, which range from literacy and basic skills programming to pre-apprenticeship initiatives.

With your extensive experience in the higher education sector, how have you observed the industry evolving, particularly with the advent of new technologies and automation? Are there any notable trends or challenges that have emerged recently?

Over my 15-year tenure at Sault College, within the realm of continuing education, the landscape has significantly transformed, propelled by technological advancements. From motorcycle programming to corporate training and even yoga classes, the breadth of offerings has expanded, adapting to the digital age. Notably, the accessibility of educational content has seen a marked change, with platforms like YouTube making learning more accessible than ever before. This shift has undoubtedly altered the traditional educational model, yet the desire for personal interaction and connection with an instructor remains a constant preference among learners.

“The emergence of AI tools for assignments, for instance, poses challenges in ensuring the authenticity of student work. However, these tools also present opportunities for both students and educators to optimize their efficiency and adapt to a changing educational environment “

Another notable change is the proliferation of tools designed to enhance the student experience, albeit with mixed implications. The emergence of AI tools for assignments, for instance, poses challenges in ensuring the authenticity of student work. However, these tools also present opportunities for both students and educators to optimize their efficiency and adapt to a changing educational environment.

From an operational perspective, the integration of technology has introduced complexity in managing various systems and platforms. This multiplicity of digital environments, ranging from student information systems to ministry-specific platforms, can be overwhelming, signaling a shift from a more straightforward administrative process to one that involves navigating through an array of 15 to 20 different systems.

Despite these challenges, the digital evolution has also facilitated greater flexibility and accessibility in how students register for courses and provide feedback. The ability to engage with educational institutions virtually, at any time, represents a significant advancement in making education more accessible.

Could you share an example of a recent project you’ve worked on, particularly focusing on the collaboration process with different stakeholders, the challenges encountered, and how you addressed them?

We teamed up with an Indigenous organization to roll out a compressed early childhood education program. Originally a two-year journey, we packed it into a tighter timeframe, aiming to address the shortage of Registered Early Childhood Educators in Indigenous communities within our area. This was all made possible through federal funding, which our partners secured with a bit of backing from us through a support letter. Once the funds were in place, we hit the ground running to get the program launched.

However, we bumped into a couple of hurdles along the way. The first was the time crunch for student applications. You know how it goes—funding comes through, and there's a rush to get everything moving. But ensuring students could apply, get all their paperwork in order and meet all the necessary criteria? That took a minute, and the quick turnaround expected by the funding bodies added a bit of pressure to the mix.

Then, there was the challenge of the program's intensity. Compressing a two-year curriculum means asking a lot from the students. It's a significant commitment, and without the usual breaks, it's quite the marathon.

But here's the cool part—we’re seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. We're about to celebrate the graduation of students who are stepping into roles that were much needed in their communities. It's more than just filling job openings; it's about changing lives. These students walked in without formal education and are walking out ready to make a difference. And who knows? Maybe they'll pop back in for more learning adventures down the road. It's all about opening doors and keeping them open.

What advice would you offer to your peers and colleagues to enhance organizational strategy?

I firmly believe in the adage that an organization is only as strong as its weakest link. Therefore, fostering collaboration among team members, within our teams in the college sector, and with industry partners is paramount to success. In my experience, working collaboratively has been instrumental in driving growth and innovation.

For instance, I actively engage in collaboration with other colleges in the province to leverage online learning opportunities. Through initiatives like Ontario Learn, a platform offering over 1000 online courses, we can share resources and provide diverse learning opportunities for students at Sue College and beyond. My key advice moving forward is to prioritize teamwork over individual competition. By working together, organizations can achieve greater success and propel themselves further ahead.

Could you expand further on the future outlook of the industry and any additional insights you'd like to share?

I'm optimistic about the trajectory of the education sector. The demand for education remains constant, if not growing, particularly as employers increasingly require specific skill sets from their workforce. Technology continues to reshape the landscape, necessitating individuals with adaptable skills to remain competitive in the job market. In response, we’re moving toward more on-demand training solutions, such as those offered on our website, training.su college.ca. These initiatives align with the needs expressed by employers, who not only seek technical proficiency but also emphasize the importance of soft skills like reliability and communication. Looking ahead, as we anticipate a wave of retirements in various industries, the influx of new talent will bring about shifts in workplace dynamics. It’s imperative that we stay attuned to these changes and ensure our educational offerings remain aligned with evolving industry demands.