Laurie Harrison
As Director, Digital Learning Innovation, Laurie provides advice and guidance regarding digital learning initiatives and capacity development across all three University of Toronto campuses. She brings a wealth of experience across all facets of innovation management including: project planning; design and implementation; change management, professional development; strategy and policy.
Laurie’s achievements in the University IT community include advocacy in the area of accessible and inclusive design; oversight of externally eCampusOntario funded open content projects; as well as microcredential strategy andn infrastrucgture development. In 2020-21 she served as chair of the Learning Analytics Strategy Table and in 2023 pioneered early work in AI strategy for teaching and learning. She now holds a leadership role as part of the University of Toronto AI Kitchen team, with a focus on AI literacy and capacity building among both academic and administrative staff.
Laurie has had extensive leadership experience in the field, with insights garnered from a range of leadership roles within the university over the past 30 years. The Digital Learning Innovation and Engagement portfolio is part of Information Technology Services and reports to the Chief Information Officer. Her strategic and tactical leadership is strengthened through close working relationships with the Associate Vice-President and Vice-Provost, Digital Strategies, the Vice-Provost Academic Programs, and the Centre for Teaching Support and Innovation,
Laurie holds a PhD from the Higher Education program at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, having focused her research on eLearning policy and strategy leadership. She is a member of the Board of Directors for eCampusOntario and is the past chair of the Ontario University Council on eLearning Stewardship Committee.
Will Heikoop
As Coordinator, Will Heikoop works with the Digital Learning Innovation and Engagement portfolio on University of Toronto initiatives including the Flexible Learning Initiative, eCampusOntario Virtual Learning Strategy projects and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). Most recently he has been leading intiatives for our new AI Kitchen, including literacy and metrics-related project work. He brings expertise in digital course (re)design and works closely with teams on learning resource development and course production. In addition, he offers training and support with digital technologies and eLearning authoring environments. Will has experience working in various learning platforms such as Canvas Learning Management System and MOOC platforms edX and Coursera. Will is a graduate of McMaster University and York University’s Master of Education program with a focus on teaching and learning with technology. He has been working with Digital Learning Innovation since 2013.
Digital Learning Innovation and Engagement Team Members:
- Jane Waldner, Communications Coordinator – Professional Development and Events Programming
- Jovana Jankovic, Senior Communication Strategist – Strategic Initiatives
- Aline Pruvot, Services Engagement Coordinator – Digital Learning Innovation and Engagement
Aline is currently leading the Thrive Together initiative, a culture-building program designed to strengthen connection and engagement across the ITS community.