Webinar Date and Time: June 8, 2023 10:00 – 11:30 C.S.T.
First Presentation: Recognizing Prior Learning (RPL) is a capacity building tool for communities and organizations
RPL often focuses on an individual’s learning and its recognition leading to an accreditation or is applied in the Human Resources sector as a means of employment entrance or advancement. The Rural Development Institute (RDI) has developed accreditation on a project level which included awards and badges and is now looking to use RPL and accreditation across its research team as well as applying it to RDI as an organization. This webinar describes how RDI is expanding the role of RPL for accreditation of its research team and is exploring the use of RPL at an organizational level both for community serving organizations and communities themselves. The presentation will provide concrete examples of using RPL within RDI and will examine how RPL can be applied in the context of communities and organizations. We compare RPL’s self- assessment process with community asset-mapping. This mapping can reveal an aggregate assessment of who knows what, applies what skills and aptitudes, and at what level of competence, and identify gaps in knowledge and practical applications. The presentation will explore the aggregated assessment vs separate organizational/community level assessment approaches. The webinar closes with an outline of the challenges and opportunities of this approach to community and organization development.
Presenters: Wayne Kelly and Garry McNeely
Wayne Kelly, PhD
A: Brandon University, 270 – 18th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 6A9
E: kellyw@brandonu.ca W: https://www.brandonu.ca/rdi/ T: 1-204-872-0269
Dr. Kelly is the Interim Director of the Rural Development Institute (RDI) at Brandon University, leading a team focused on securing and delivering rural research and development projects. His research expertise encompasses participatory-based applied research, rural development theory, and community engagement across Manitoba and Canada. Dr. Kelly has lived and worked across Manitoba, growing in both rural and northern Manitoba and doing research and community development work across the province. Additionally, he has worked and studied internationally as well and he received his Ph.D. in Political Science and Sociology from the National University of Ireland, Galway. With two decades of experience as a Research Manager in private sector R&D and as Director, Coordinator and Researcher at RDI, Dr. Kelly excels in developing and leading innovative rural and community development projects, spanning multiple areas such as ICT, economic development, capacity building, and community data collection.
Gary McNeely, PhD
A: Brandon University, 270 – 18th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 6A9
E: mcneelyg@brandonu.ca W: https://www.brandonu.ca/future-students/apply/plar/
T: 1-204-727-7300
Gary McNeely serves the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition Coordinator at Brandon University and was involved in development and implementation of the PLAR Policy and Procedures in 2000. He has been a CAPLA member and a Manitoba Prior Learning Assessment Network (MPLAN) a board member since 2000. As PLAR Coordinator, he facilitates the assessment of prior learning attained by BU students, while working closely with faculty members serving as assessors. Since 2010, he has included the assessment of non-formal learning (certificates, coursework, and professional training) for academic credit. He is also a Project Team Member, Editor and Grant Writer for the Rural Development Institute at Brandon University. In this capacity, he is exploring the intersection of PLAR and rural community and economic development, rural immigration, and rural policy.
Second Presentation: Supporting RPL Implementation in Kenya
Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) is part of a Canadian consortium working to support the Young Africa Works – Kenya: Youth Employability Through TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) TVET – 02 Project focused on Recognition of Prior Learning. This project is a partnership of Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), the Mastercard Foundation, the Kenyan Ministry of Education and the private sector.
This presentation will introduce the TVET- 02 project and will describe RRC Polytech’s role in supporting RPL implementation in Kenya. An overview of TVET – 02 project activities and milestones will be shared.
Presenter: Lauren Waples
Lauren Waples is the Manager of Academic Quality & RPL at Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech).
Lauren has been involved in recognition of prior learning for more than 20 years. She has experience in advising, assessing and recognizing RPL candidates’ skills and competencies to meet educational and licensing requirements. Lauren has experience leading the development and implementation of RRC Polytech’s RPL system which includes the RPL Strategic Plan, RPL Policy and RPL education and training.
Lauren has an RPL Practitioner Certificate. She is a former Chairperson for Manitoba Prior Learning Assessment Network (MPLAN) and former Board member for Canadian Association of Prior Learning Assessment (CAPLA).
Third Presentation: Updates from The International Indigenous RPL Collective 31st Annual RPL Conference by Colin Russell (Chair, MPLAN Board) and Gary McNeely
Registration is now open. Please click link to register:
RPL for Empowerment and Inclusion
A zoom link for the event will be shared to registrants a few days prior to the event.