
“Educational technology represents a cornerstone of modern pedagogy,
and faculty should be supported with the training and resources to use
it effectively in a learning environment.” —Polytechnic Academy Vision
BCIT’s Polytechnic Academy is an integrated program of support, services, and lifelong learning opportunities for faculty. The academy provides a foundation for applied, hands-on polytechnic teaching and learning, supporting BCIT faculty to enhance their skills and expand their practice as exceptional educators.
Academy Features
- Teaching specialization—advanced courses in polytechnic instructional design, available with a tuition waiver for BCIT faculty and staff
- Scholarship of Learning and Teaching—resources and academic services that promote educational research and innovation, including Learning and Teaching Innovation Grants
- E-learning championship—promotion of the latest in educational technology, remote learning, and blended learning
- Open education—promotion of open resources and teaching methods that facilitate collaboration and reduce costs for students
- Professional development events—Annual Learning and Teaching Summit/BCIT Professional Development Day
Polytechnic Academy Instructional Development
BCIT’s new Polytechnic Academy offers a pathway to teaching excellence. We offer the latest in instruction and assessment strategies, education technology, and online learning.
We welcome faculty and staff with all levels of experience, whether you want to enhance your current skills or hope to teach adults in the near future. Courses are rigorous and will include a formal assessment of your new techniques and strategies. The program as a whole is targeted to instructors in a polytechnic setting, but some courses may also be useful for those who create courses or workshops. See individual course outlines for more information.
The program builds on the Instructional Skills Workshop (POLY 1005), which should be completed as the first course in the program by anyone without teaching experience. The following chart shows the structure for the program:

Course | Facilitator/Dates & Times | Registration link |
---|---|---|
Poly 1005 Instructional Skills Workshop (1.5 credits) |
See Instructional Skills Workshop (ISW) registration page |
|
Poly 1010 Instructional Strategies (3 credits) Course description |
Oleg Lungu Feb. 9–March 30, 2023 3 hrs. in-person each week (Thursdays, 5:00–8:00 pm) Plus 2.5 hrs. online each week (A mix of synchronous and asynchronous. See schedule for more details). Class schedule |
REGISTRATION CLOSED |
Poly 1015 Assessment of Learning (3 credits) Course description |
Michele Bridge Jan. 17–March 9, 2023 3 hrs. in-person each week (Tuesdays, 5:00–8:00 pm) Plus 2.5 hrs. online each week (A mix of synchronous and asynchronous. See schedule for more details). Class schedule |
REGISTRATION CLOSED |
Poly 1020 Teaching with Educational Technology (3 credits) Course description |
Jennifer Madigan & Michele Bridge May 6–July 1, 2023 2.5 hrs. in-person each week (Saturdays, 9:00 am–12:00 pm) Plus 3 hrs. online each week (A mix of synchronous and asynchronous. See schedule for more details). Class schedule |
REGISTRATION CLOSED |
Poly 1025 Fostering Learning Online (3 credits) |
TBA | TBA |
Poly 1030 Reflective Professional Practice (3 credits) |
TBA | TBA |
Performance Development System |
TBA | TBA |