Irena Knezevic Awarded �Ӱ�ԭ�� University Chair in Teaching Innovation

Published on July 13, 2022

Prof. Irena Knezevic (School of Journalism and Communication) has been named the 2022 �Ӱ�ԭ�� University Chair in Teaching Innovation for her dedication to experimenting with different teaching methods to ensure an accessible and engaging learning environment for her students.

“On behalf of �Ӱ�ԭ�� University, it is my pleasure to congratulate Irena on this outstanding achievement,” says Provost and Vice-President (Academic) Jerry Tomberlin. “The Chair in Teaching Innovation appointment is part of our institutional investment in student success through the scholarship of teaching and learning.”

The Chair in Teaching Innovation appointment recognizes educators who have demonstrated teaching excellence and innovation across their career. Chairs receive a $45,000 grant spanning three years to undertake projects that advance the scholarship of teaching and learning at �Ӱ�ԭ��.

With this grant, Knezevic, along with co-researcher (School of Journalism and Communication), will explore instructors’ resistance to digital technologies, particularly open-access educational resources and multimedia formats.

“I want to explore what I have noticed anecdotally – that some view multimedia materials as trivializing education and see open-access materials as being more difficult to evaluate in terms of rigour and quality,” Knezevic says. “I want to know if these sentiments are common, if they are grounded in knowledge and experience, and if they actually obscure bigger and more serious concerns about current pedagogical developments.”

Following her research on this topic, Knezevic plans to create a catalogue of practical tools, including a website with a curated collection of resources, how-to guides and tip sheets to help instructors make decisions around incorporating digital technology in their course design and delivery.

“Irena’s commitment to experimenting with pedagogical approaches and fostering student success makes her an ideal fit for the Chair in Teaching Innovation position,” says Associate Vice-President (Teaching and Learning) David Hornsby. “We are excited to see how her project will help instructors explore possibilities and experiment with digital technologies.”

Knezevic is the fifth �Ӱ�ԭ�� professor to be awarded the Chair in Teaching Innovation. Learn more about her plans for the appointment.