OCAD University Teaching Expo 2026

Tuesday, May 26, 2026 | In-Person at OCAD University

The OCAD U Teaching Expo celebrates teaching and learning across the university, providing an opportunity for the community to gather and showcase innovation and research in art and design pedagogy. Through workshops, presentations, facilitated discussions and demonstrations of class activities, this one-day conference brings together faculty, academic support staff and teaching assistants to exchange practices, advance pedagogical scholarship, build relationships and collaborate with peers as we reflect on key questions facing art and design education. 

The 2026 theme, Seeding Learning in Times of Change, invites educators, practitioners and scholars to consider the ways in which we collectively foster emerging approaches and innovations in our pedagogical practices and learning spaces. 

The Teaching Expo will be held in-person at the OCAD U campus from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. The event will feature:

• A keynote presentation, What We Grow Together: Recentering Values in Teaching and Learning, by Dr. Erin Aspenlieder (Director, Office of Teaching and Learning, University of Guelph) followed by a facilitated discussion with Jay Irizawa (Associate Professor, Faculty of Art, OCAD U).
   
• Two dedicated panel discussions: (i) a student panel highlighting student perspectives on engagement technology and change, and (ii) a faculty panel focusing on AI in teaching and learning.
   
• Concurrent presentation sessions highlighting teaching and learning practices across the university
   
• A visual showcase and social lounge space 

9:00-9:30am – Arrival & Coffee
9:30-10:00am – Welcome & Opening Remarks
10:00-11:30am – Keynote Presentation & Facilitated Discussion
11:30-11:45am – Break & Refreshments
11:45am-12:45pm – Session 1: Concurrent Sessions
12:45-1:45pm – Lunch
1:45-2:45pm – Session 2: Concurrent Sessions
2:50-3:50pm – Session 3: Concurrent Sessions
4:00-5:00pm – Session 4: Concurrent Sessions

A detailed agenda and session schedule will be shared closer to the event date.