Forensic Science Education in the COVID Era: Challenges, Victories and A Novel Pedagogical Approach for the Future

In this session, a review of the impact of COVID-19 on the Forensic Science Program at the University of Toronto will be explored.  Challenges for both undergraduate and graduate education will be discussed within the context of general forensic programming at the University/College level. Looking to the future, solutions-based ideas will be presented with an opportunity for participant reflection and participation as it relates to institutional-specific approaches to forensic pedagogy and academic research.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand unique agency/institutional challenges in pedagogy and research for forensic science programs

2. Discover how UTM has pivoted to increase virtual/remote learning in an innovative and interactive way in order to compensate for lack of on-campus experiences

3. Explore next steps and future directions for valuable educational approaches as the undergraduate and graduate levels for forensic science education and research