Name(s): Ryan Walmsley
Role: Faculty – eLearning Curriculum Consultant
College & City: Fanshawe College, London
If someone were to visit your college/city, suggest three “not to miss” sites.
Eat: Mai’s Café & Bistro
Do: The Factory
See: A nature walk is a must in the Forest City. Springbank Park, the Sifton Wetlands, and Meadowlilly Trail are lovely, but so is the entire Thames River basin in London.
How long have you been a member of CDAG and what is one thing you most appreciate about the organization?
My two-year pin should arrive any month now. I appreciate how free the group is: free (as in open) with their time and advice, and free (as in beer) with membership and PD.
If you could design a course on any unusual topic, what would it be?
A gen ed on humour would be a blast to develop. The course description practically writes itself:
You’re probably here at college because you need a job, but has it occurred to you that your jokes need work too? In this course — even if your mom already thinks you’re hilarious — you’ll benefit an improved understanding of the history, psychology, sociology, and real-world applications of humour.
What is the quirkiest or most meaningful piece of feedback you’ve ever received in your career?
I have spades of memorable student feedback from years of teaching intermediate-level EAP (ESL), where backhanded and even grammatically ironic compliments can be the norm. I recently received, “Him classes organized and clear feedback. Effectual with writing, and generous with help yet not grades.”
If curriculum development had a theme song, what would it be and why?
Queen & Bowie’s “Under Pressure.” Some projects seem like they’re going to be a hit right from the start when that hot bassline drops, but suddenly you realize that you’re dealing with “Ice, Ice, Baby.” It’s still technically a hit – but one you’re not sure should’ve been summoned into the universe.
What project are you most proud to be/to have been a part of in your career?
Is it weird to be excited about the newest thing after being involved in so many great ones? (Asking for a friend.) No, really — Asking for a Friend is the name of a new website feature brought to you by the CDAG communications committee. You can ask questions anonymously and rank the (also anonymous) responses to move your development work forward!
The Member Profile is a recurring feature of the CDAG website and newsletter.
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