I am sharing an update on the Strategic Plan deliverable I’m leading, which falls under our commitment to future-proof applied education, and the initiative for interdisciplinary and integrative learning.
Our Purpose
With new professions emerging at the interface among traditional fields, many students seek to gain knowledge in more than one discipline. Interdisciplinary problem-solving is not new to BCIT, and the applied nature of our programming provides the platform to combine competencies and infuse electives.
Accomplishments
To date, we have launched two pilot programs. The School of Computing and Academic Studies (SoCAS) has collaborated with the School of Energy to develop a diploma in Industrial Network Cybersecurity, and with the School of Business + Media towards a diploma in Full-Stack Web Development. Both pilots are off the ground and provide learners with the opportunity for interdisciplinary student projects (IDSP).
IDSPs are also utilized and expanded by the School of Construction and the Environment (SoCE) and their 2-Day Challenge. The event encourages collaboration between programs within SoCE and now beyond, and provides participants with a real-world problem to solve.
The School of Energy and the Centre for Applied Research and Innovation jointly designed a Master’s credential in Smart Grid Systems and Technology, which combines the fields of electrical power systems, computer science, and information and communications technology.
And in the Industrial Trades, the School of Transportation’s Emission Reduction and Research Test Hub (ERRTH) is a good example how we can bring together instructors, researchers, and experts to forge innovative solutions and, subsequently, new interdisciplinary curriculum.
Next Steps
We are eager to hear from our upcoming graduates on their student experience and get feedback from future employers on our pilot programs. In the meantime, SoCAS has authored a relevant white paper on collaborative best practices and lessons learned. The work will be published shortly and provide the BCIT community with insight into interdisciplinary design.
Our new Master’s program was endorsed by the Board of Governors this week and has now been submitted to the Government for approval.
Resilient Recovery
Complementary to established programming, interdisciplinary design and open credentialing form key components for what has been dubbed “resilient recovery” — the acceleration of the provincial and national economy in a strategic and sustainable way. BCIT continues to be at the forefront of applied learning and strategic workforce development.
Thank you,
Tom Roemer
Vice President, Academic
Commitment: Future-proof applied education
Initiative: Interdisciplinary and integrative learning
Deliverable: Initiation of interdisciplinary learning pilots
Deliverable Lead: Tom Roemer