Just One Time, I Will Take the NorQuest Passage

     

CEFL Media Lead, Lusine, supports the exam certificate map
with only her thumb.

     This past year, via emails, phone calls, and Adobe Connect, I was introduced to our co-conspirators from NorQuest. In May, the CEFL was hosting the Upgrading Online Conference with NorQuest, and wasn't it perfect that I was meeting the people of NorQuest virtually, instead of in-person? Well, yes, and no. There were names I could not pronounce, and faces designed in my mind, that I later discovered, were completely inaccurate. So last Thursday, when the CEFL curriculum group drove to NorQuest, in a harrowing 7 hour round-trip adventure, we had the chance to meet our colleagues face-to-face. We exchanged ideas, shared our current projects, talked to our plans for the upcoming year, but perhaps most importantly, had a chance to get to know one another.

Lindsay prays for a safe drive back to Calgary.

     There was Les, science instructor during the week, and talented videographer on evenings and weekends; Jason, a math instructor, with the ability to code scheduling programs for his students; Shanna, the Moodle guru, and math instructor, who was just plain nice; Kim, the outspoken ELA and social studies instructor, and curriculum enthusiast; Tracy, group leader, and resident comedian; quiet, but thoughtful, science/math instructor, Jennifer; and, Diane, the administrative assistant for upgrading online, who seemed almost as organized as our own Mark Challoner. Well, so what? I am sharing all of this, because despite our intention to exchange curriculum ideas, which we did, the biggest success for me was learning more about the people we work alongside. They are in the icy north - and I never want to drive to Edmonton in the winter again - but, they are closely tied to us in their desire to educate and lead. Through our partnership with NorQuest we grow our community, build knowledge, and support innovation. 

Questions, comments, or suggestions about our exchange with NorQuest and other potential partner colleges? Please email the curriculum leads: Lusine, Media Lead, bvcmedia2013@gmail.com; Maureen, Exam Lead, mstewart@bowvalleycollege.ca