Afterword

Richard Parker, Supporter Richard Parker Initiative

In reading the articles regarding the multitude of ways in which educational institutions and students had to adapt to online learning, I realized that many other organizations must have faced similar situations. One such organization is The Kerby Centre in Calgary (referred to as Kerby hereafter), a very large seniors centre that I am associated with.

Prior to March 2020 Kerby primarily offered a wide range of educational and recreational programs for seniors as in-class activities. With no notice Kerby had to shut its doors on 17 March 2020 and did not know when it would reopen.

One of the things that Kerby prides itself on is providing activities that support vulnerable seniors, many of whom feel isolated, particularly if they live alone. Staff immediately realized that these feelings of isolation would be greatly increased due to the COVID lockdown.

In March 2020 Kerby did not even have a Zoom account, let alone experience of offering classes online. Within three days of closing, they offered their first online course and within weeks were offering a range of programs including Yoga, Zumba, Feldenkrais, Storytelling, Expressive Arts, Tai Chi, Spanish, Men’s Shed, Fitness, Indigenous Studies, and Zoom Pals.

From March to September 2020, Kerby offered 280 individual classes for free and had over 600 participants, many of whom took multiple classes. The number of participants and courses has continued to increase since September 2020 and other initiatives Kerby has undertaken include offering lectures on health and personal finance, which have often attracted as many as 200 participants, something that could not have been handled in the building. Kerby has received financial support from companies to enable these to be offered free, plus the programs were recorded and put up on YouTube leading to even more viewers.

The success of these efforts is shown by the following comments from participants:

I never expected online Art Classes to have such a positive impact on a day-to-day basis. From her themes expressed through art it made me realize how much I enjoy hiking in nature (which I am now doing). I have started baking again which I am thoroughly enjoying just to name a few activities that have inspired me from her classes! When people are sharing their drawings at the end of class it is so interesting to see the theme expressed from others as to their perspective. I always feel inspired and joyful at the end of class! You offer so many interesting classes with such well-qualified instructors. I can honestly say classes such as Tai Chi, Core Strength and Balance, and Feldenkrais (to name a few) have made such a difference in my life! I feel very fortunate and grateful that I have had the opportunity to participate in these activities. LB

Thank you to the Kerby Centre for the innovation you have undertaken in this time of isolation. The use of Zoom to bring us activities such as exercise classes and storytelling is keeping us healthy in mind and body. Prior to March 2020 we came to Kerby every Wednesday morning and did a range of things. The at home Zoom classes now take the place of our Wednesdays at Kerby—though sadly we miss the tasty breakfast and lunch. We look forward to the classes. Our Mom is enjoying them. At 96 she is to learning Tai Chi and chair Yoga. As shopping is curtailed for her and activities are limited to going for a walk or pottering in a garden these classes/events are very important. (A 96-year-old mother and her daughters, 71 and 68)

As Kerby starts to open up the Centre again it is proposing to continue offering both in-class and online programs and is even rethinking its name because it is no longer just a seniors centre but is now providing services to seniors both in the building and wherever they live and have access to the web. This change would have probably occurred gradually over the next five years but COVID caused it to occur literally in days.

In conclusion I would like to acknowledge the efforts TALON, the Teaching and Learning Online Network, which undertook to facilitate the discussion about online learning. These efforts have led to the creation of an international network that helps to advance and enhance the digital classroom. The voices of some of those at the forefront of this new virtual practice have been included in this book, which is a record of the start of a process. I look forward to watching how the lessons learned and ideas shared continue to spread and help in our new hybrid and HyFlex future.

About

Richard Parker is a Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Planners with over fifty years of experience in Land Use Planning in the United Kingdom and Canada. Richard retired from the City of Calgary in October 2003 following a 29-year career that included 15 years as Head of the Planning Department.

During his time with the City, Richard was involved with a wide range of planning issues, including Calgary’s overall Land Use and Transportation Plans, Downtown Planning, and innovative projects such as Garrison Woods and Mackenzie Town.

Since retiring from the City, Richard has provided consulting services to Municipalities and non-profit groups in Alberta on a range of planning topics. In addition, as a partner in The Real Estate Development Institute, he has designed and delivered education programs related to real estate and planning to numerous groups, including the University of Calgary Real Estate Certificate Program.

Richard has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Kerby Centre in Calgary since 2015 and is currently Chair of the Board.

An adjunct professor in SAPL, he enjoys participating in courses and student projects and mentoring young planners.