Visit the Learning Innovation: The Teaching and Learning Podcast for this episode Tuesday March 17, 2026.

Jill Burrows (psychology professor), Dean Kolebaba (instructor and Program Chair for the School of Justice Studies), and Lyle Ruggles (e-learning specialist) chat about the innovative teaching and learning pathways virtual reality (VR) is creating at Lethbridge Polytechnic.

This trio discuss how they have integrated narrative-driven VR into their classrooms, including what's worked, what hasn't, and what new developments they'll continue to adopt in the future.

Jill, Dean, and Lyle share how VR technology is helping students practice public speaking and interpersonal communication skills in a safe environment, and how it’s helping to nurture greater empathy, compassion, and understanding for individuals struggling with mental health challenges (like autism and schizophrenia).

During the show, guests and Donna (host) mention:

• General Arts and Science - Psychology and Sociology Diploma
• Therapeutic Recreation - Gerontology
• Criminal Justice Studies
• Justice Studies
• Justice and Human Services Programs
• Wind Turbine Technician
• Massage Therapy program
• Ovation VR
• Chris Milk TED Talk: How virtual reality can create the ultimate empathy machine
• Sharecare
• MetaQuest

Bachelor of Ecosystem Management (ECM.BACH) student Logan Olsen recently delivered a competitive oral presentation at the Alberta Wildlife Federation 2026 Conservation Conference in Calgary.

The annual conference brought together approximately 150 wildlife professionals, conservation practitioners and policy stakeholders from across Alberta. Logan presented his senior project research, “Eyes in the Mountains: Trail Cameras and the Future of Bighorn Sheep Conservation.”

Using camera trap data provided by Parks Canada, Logan analyzed seasonal changes in lamb proportions to infer overwinter survival in mountain sheep populations. Understanding lamb recruitment and survival is central to evaluating population trends and informing management decisions for this iconic species.

Under the supervision of faculty advisor Dr. Everett Hanna, the project reflects the applied, research-driven approach of the ECM program. Students are encouraged not only to conduct rigorous field- and data-based research, but also to communicate findings to professional audiences. Presenting at a provincial conference represents a significant professional milestone and demonstrates the strength of experiential learning within the ECM program.

Congratulations to Logan on representing both the program and Lethbridge Polytechnic so effectively!

Two students with the BUS 2285 Advanced Small Business Management class presented their work at the City Scholars Student Symposium on December 11, at the University of Lethbridge. This event highlights the collaborative efforts between Lethbridge Polytechnic, University of Lethbridge, the City of Lethbridge and the Prentice Institute. Students in the City Scholars program tackle real-world challenges, partnering with various city departments to make a difference through work-integrated learning.

Polytechnic students Gianna Campisi and Maria Mfinanga researched the feasibility of a possible student ambassador program at Lethbridge Polytechnic for the City of Lethbridge. Each student focused on an existing program benchmark; Gianna built her research around the Downtown BRZ, Downtown Ambassador Program while Maria looked at the Calgary Transit Ambassador Program. Both students created a poster with their results and participated in the symposium which featured other projects from university students.

“They were poised and professional, answering questions from faculty, City representatives and other students,” says Dr. Natalie Barfuss, School of Business instructor. “It was a proud teacher moment.”

The Learning Innovation: The Teaching and Learning Podcast dropped a new episode Tuesday December 2, 2025.

Dr. Olga Klymenko, General Arts and Science instructor, discusses how she’s grappling with addressing the over-reliance on AI writing in her classroom in the latest episode. A recent study from MIT shows that an over-reliance on language learning models for writing accumulates a cognitive debt (weaker brain connectivity and less ownership over the finished product). However, Olga doesn’t believe in banning or even policing the use of AI. Instead, she believes the answer lies in choosing to engage – that is, aiming to be collaborators in the process of knowledge building.

Tune in now to: E73: AI literacy and Critical Awareness — Helping Students Stay Human on their Learning Journey

The Wildlife Analytics Lab (WAL) has officially transitioned to the Centre for Business, Arts and Sciences (CBAS), realigning its business with the School of Environmental Sciences and enhancing opportunities for student training, applied research and industry partnerships. The move comes at a perfect time, with tooth samples already arriving from across the country as the fall season gets underway.

WAL is also pleased to welcome Kyle Bates as the lab’s new lead lab technician. Kyle is a 2025 graduate of the Bachelor of Ecosystem Management program and brings a range of experience spanning veterinary practice, customer service and hands-on work with clients. He has already made exceptional progress learning the operational, business and technical sides of the lab.

“With the WAL now situated in CBAS and Kyle stepping into his new role, we’re entering a fresh period of momentum,” says Dr. Everett Hanna, faculty lead in WAL. “The volume and diversity of samples arriving this fall show just how valuable this service is for partners across Canada and how unique it is for students to gain this kind of experience in a polytechnic setting.”

With the transition complete, WAL has resumed full operations and is actively processing tooth submissions for cementum-based age analysis from provincial, territorial and federal agencies, along with researchers, consultants and licensed hunters. These analyses support wildlife management, species-at-risk conservation, long-term monitoring programs and forensic investigations while also contributing to rich student learning opportunities throughout the year.

“1 evening, 4 courses, no final exam”. That was the slogan for the second annual Accounting Advantage Dinner put on by the Business Administration program Thursday, November 13.

The event hosted 45 second-year accounting students and 18 industry professionals along with the faculty and staff of the School of Business. The industry accountants, almost all of whom are Lethbridge Polytechnic alumni, represented a wide range of careers and education and experience paths. The intent of the evening was to provide students an opportunity to network with professional accountants to gain insight and wisdom as to the many and varied career opportunities that will be open to them with a Lethbridge Polytechnic Business Administration Accounting diploma.

The evening was a progressive supper with 2 industry professionals per table and 5 students. For each course of the delicious Sandman Signature Lethbridge Lodge four-course meal, industry professionals stayed at their respective table and the 5 students gathered their water glass and napkin and moved to a new table to gain more and different insights and answers to their questions.

Guest speaker Sarah Phillips, CPA (Business Administration alumni 2017, now Controller at Southland Trailers) provided an inspiring message to the students to open the evening and set the tone for a very interactive and informative event. Sarah resonated with everyone attending. “My time at the Polytechnic was transformative - it taught me that if I could do scary things, and do them with all my heart, it would set me apart and help me build a career I would be proud of.” She also spoke to the effect that artificial intelligence is having on accounting.

This comment by Sarah Silkin, Business Administration Accounting student, sums up the student experience. “Thank you so much for the accounting dinner. Not only were the professionals eager to answer all of our questions, I learned an incredible wealth of knowledge about the accounting profession, their personal experiences and career advice. It made me confident I will find my way. Thanks again!”.

This event was made possible through a grant from the CPA Education Foundation of Alberta awarded to the Business Administration program in Spring, 2024.

A Lethbridge Polytechnic instructor is making an international impact by helping students and educators navigate academic writing in the age of artificial intelligence (AI).

In May 2025, Dr. Olga Klymenko, General Arts and Science instructor, led a virtual seminar for the University of Seychelles on challenges in teaching post-secondary academic writing, implicated by the increasing use of AI.

Olga holds a master’s degree in teaching English as a second language and a doctorate in comparative linguistics from two Ukrainian universities. She spent nearly ten years teaching English and conducting language research at the University of Seychelles, located in the Indian Ocean east of Africa, where she also served as the founding director of its Education and Socio-Economic Research Institute.

“Presenting to a Seychellois audience was a professional homecoming for me as they are people I’ve worked with before,” says Olga. “Despite being a small island state, they face many of the same issues we face in North America, including an overreliance on AI, which is often compounded by limited resources and the lack of relevant policies.

“Having lecturers, academic administrators, representatives from the Seychelles Ministry of Education and researchers in one room added depth to what became an insightful cross-sectional discussion.”

Olga explains one of the issues she faces as an academic isn’t just the rapid integration of AI, it’s the need for instructors to adapt quickly.

“An instructor’s job is to respond to the needs of students, and we’re seeing our students rapidly adopting this new technology.”

According to a recent KPMG report, the number of students using AI for academic work rose to 59 per cent in 2024, up from 52 per cent in 2023.

Check out her presentation, Redefining Post-Secondary Academic Writing in the age of Artificial Intelligence, where Olga discusses the realities of using AI for writing.

The School of Business is very proud of Business Administration – Accounting students: Elijah Renaud, Hasti Haria, Sebastian Gagne and Therese Clair Cablinda.  These 4 students, along with their coaches James Reimer, Chair School of Business and Nicole Freeman, accounting instructor, participated in the 2nd Annual Western Canada Accounting Case Competition held at Bow Valley College March 28 and 29, 2025. It was exciting to be competing against schools/teams from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

The team gave a strong performance receiving accolades for one of the strongest presentations and analysis of the 18 page case study covering everything from tariffs to supplier choice to expanding to the European Union.  The competition was as intense as it gets in the accounting world. Unfortunately, they did not win but still say the entire experience was amazing.

All 6 rode an emotional roller coaster over the 2 days.  From the tour of Bow Valley College’s new E-Sports Business program to an excellent keynote speaker to the numerous nerve racking times waiting for the next part or announcement to the extreme pressure of an 18 page case requiring significant technical accounting and analysis.

We are so proud of how our team handled the pressure of being first to present.  They were one of the strongest with answering questions from the judges.

The students had the following to say:

Therese says “It was a fun and great learning experience that really pushed me out of my comfort zone. I loved working with the team and having James and Nicole as our mentors. They have been very supportive all the way, through thick and thin.”

Hasti had this to say “It was a rollercoaster of emotions, from excitement to nervousness to disappointment, but all in all, it was one of the best experiences I have ever had.”

Sebastian adds “Being given the opportunity to be involved in this case competition is an experience I will never forget.”

Elijah had these reflections “I was honored to have the experience to participate in the case competition. It really showed me how the skills I learn in class are used in real life. It gave me a new desire to apply myself. It was very satisfying to be faced with a challenging situation and come out at the other end feeling like we did something great whether we won or not.”

Elijah, Hasti, Sebastian and Therese all represented themselves, the School of Business accounting program and Lethbridge Polytechnic with professionalism, grace, integrity and excellence. Lethbridge Polytechnic is very proud of this team.

The Business Administration program is currently accepting applications for the Fall, 2025 term.  More information can be found here.

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Faculty Association and Lethbridge Polytechnic Students’ Association are pleased to announce the winners of this year’s Teaching Excellence Awards. Nichole Fox, Environmental Science instructor, was given the Teaching Excellence Award while Rylan Spenrath, General Arts and Science instructor, was awarded Rookie of the Year. There were 198 nominations submitted by students this year, a significant increase from 113 last year.

Rylan completed both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English at the University of Lethbridge. Although his family was involved in education, he says this was initially a deterrent to a career in teaching until he began coaching badminton and began to see past the workload of his parents and found a passion for teaching in general. Rylan continued coaching badminton while working toward a position teaching English at the post-secondary level. He began working in the Learning Café at Lethbridge Polytechnic in 2012 before leaving to complete his master’s. Rylan returned to the Learning Café in 2017 and, after several years working with students one-on-one, Rylan was able to move into the classroom where he teaches English Composition. By leveraging his experiences from coaching and working with students, Rylan tries to meet students where they are at and provide practical, hands-on education with an emphasis on application and critical thinking.

The Wildlife Analytics Lab (WAL) and the Bachelor of Ecosystem Management (ECM) program recently made a significant impact at the Alberta Chapter of The Wildlife Society Conference and annual general meeting in Drumheller March 7 to 9. The event, attended by more than 200 wildlife professionals from across and beyond Alberta, provided a valuable platform to showcase the outstanding research being conducted by our students and the growing expertise of the lab.

Part-time WAL student lab techs and fourth-year ECM students, Cory Tufts and Justin Leavitt, presented their senior projects alongside graduate students from universities across western North America. Cory’s research on fencepost designs related to raptor perching behaviour in the critical habitat of the endangered greater sage-grouse, and Justin’s work on moth biomass in the Lethbridge river valley, relating to the forage base for bats and other insectivorous species, were well-received and sparked important discussions among attendees.

In addition to the student presentations, WAL ran two interactive workshops on aging techniques, engaging 23 participants who were eager to learn about the lab’s cutting-edge methods. The lab also showcased its upcoming collaborative machine learning project through a booth, poster and oral presentation, generating significant interest from wildlife researchers and managers. These discussions highlighted the growing recognition of both the lab’s capabilities and the academic strength of the ECM program.

The conference served as a prime example of how the ECM program’s students, through their senior projects, are making valuable contributions to wildlife research, placing them alongside graduate-level peers in terms of research quality and impact. Moreover, the visibility gained by both the ECM program and WAL at the event will contribute to the broader institutional mandate of fostering innovation and applied research. These connections are poised to create more opportunities for research collaborations, partnerships and revenue-generating initiatives that align with the institution’s strategic goals.

This event was a testament to the collective effort of all involved, demonstrating the growing impact of both the ECM program and WAL within the wildlife research community and beyond. Well done to our students!

Last week Dr. Everett Hanna, Environmental Sciences instructor and scientific lead of the Wildlife Analytics Lab, participated in the Professional Designations in Environmental Sciences event at the University of Lethbridge. Hosted by the Geography and Environment Outdoors Club in collaboration with Career Bridge, the event highlighted the value of registered professional designations in environmental science, geography, biology and agriculture.

Everett shared his experience obtaining his Professional Biologist, Registered Professional Biologist, and Certified Wildlife Biologist® designations, emphasizing their role in fostering professional growth, career opportunities and a commitment to ethical practice.

“It was an incredible opportunity to connect with students and discuss how professional designations can enhance their careers in environmental science and conservation,” Everett said.

The event also featured a keynote speaker, additional presentations from other registered professionals and a networking session with regional employers. Students from Lethbridge Polytechnic were also invited to attend and join the conversation about pursuing professional credentials. Attendees enjoyed light refreshments and a silent auction during the networking session, fostering conversations between students, professionals and employers about the pathways and benefits of professional certification.

This engagement reflects Lethbridge Polytechnic’s commitment to professional development and collaboration within the southern Alberta post-secondary community.

The Lethbridge College Business Administration program is once again excited to share it has maintained recognition with the Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA).

The annual CPA reporting and evaluation process is significant.  Our result is always good news for a number of reasons including the reassurance that our Business program, in particular Accounting, is doing what it should be doing, including preparing our students for success and further education including pursuing Canada’s only accounting designation – CPA.

Courses that receive transfer recognition with CPA: Acc1170, Acc1175, Acc2250, Acc2251, Acc2271, Acc2273, Bus1166, Bus2292, Ecn1180, Ecn2253, Sts2250, and Tax2251. With these courses our Business grads are well positioned to pursue the CPA designation.