UOIT a founding partner of the Inclusive Design Institute

The University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) is pleased to join eight post-secondary partners and more than 100 multi-sector collaborators in the founding of the Inclusive Design Institute (IDI) launched at OCAD U in Toronto, Ontario.

IDI is a generative hub of innovative applied research that addresses the timely and critical challenge of digital inclusion for the full range of human diversity. The aim of the institute is prepare Ontario to respond to the increased demand worldwide for inclusive digital systems and practices.

As part of UOIT’s commitment to the IDI, Dr. Francois Desjardins, associate dean, Faculty of Education and Dr. Bill Muirhead, associate provost, Academic and IT, are establishing UOIT’s Educational Informatics Laboratory (EILab), which will be used to examine interactions in a learning relationship when it happens through any form of digital interface. The EILab will allow for multi-faceted observation and recording of these interactions in  real-time and real-life, and through distance, distributed and social online learning environments.

“We are very pleased to be part of this important and timely initiative,” said Bill Muirhead. “This lab complements UOIT’s technology-enriched learning environment. It will not only provide our students with innovative hands-on learning experiences that will prepare them to succeed as 21^st-century educators, it will also give them the tools and resources to teach their students in a rewarding and meaningful way.”

Supported by both the Canada Foundation for Innovation and the Ontario Ministry for Economic Development and Innovation, the IDI will help train highly qualified personnel to fuel ongoing innovation in inclusive design and enable Ontario to take a leadership role globally.

Read OCAD U media release.