Support for faculty and students

We need more support for faculty and students – consultation, training, classroom visits, funding. [...]Read More...

Administrative support

We need top down support both financially and in the form of policy. [...]Read More...

Accessibility and Universal Design for Learning

In his post, “Our schools aren’t broken, they’re hard,” Dave Comier (2017) shares his ongoing efforts to create sustainable technology-supported education. He addresses issues pertaining to sustainability and stewardship (for technology and projects) in K-12 settings by offering four pearls of wisdom that support lasting positive change for students and teachers. They include: Building trust [...]Read More...

Balancing Transparency, Privacy, and Pedagogy

In his reflection on designing the audio/visual (AV) systems for the Taylor Institute (TI) at the University of Calgary, D’Arcy Norman highlighted the most important design principles followed throughout the build: transparency and flexibility. The studio spaces in the TI needed to embrace and complement the grand, light-filled open areas while enabling inspiring, adaptable, collaborative, [...]Read More...

Beyond Compliance: Using Data to Make Better EdTech Decisions in Education

Balancing Security and Usability: How Data Can Help In my earlier post, I shared my experience with my former school district’s attempt to introduce a new digital platform. The platform met data privacy laws by keeping student information in Canada, but it encountered resistance from teachers, students, and parents. A better platform was available, but [...]Read More...

Critically Engaging with AI in Education: A Balanced Perspective

In my reflection, I explore the gap between AI’s marketed potential in education and its real-world impact, drawing on Selwyn’s (2022) critique of “AI theatre.” If AI-driven tools are often more about branding than true machine learning, what should educators consider when integrating these technologies? How can we evaluate claims of personalization to ensure they [...]Read More...

Data & Sports Coaching

In my last post, I explored how Cormier’s work enacting change at an educational organization in PEI involved social cognition and momentum theory. This week’s post asks us to discuss the impact of data analytics to support change and moderate associated risks of big data. Switching gears to my line of work of developing cycling [...]Read More...

Digital Citizenship in K-12 Education

On his blog,  Dave Cormier shares his experience of helping K-12 teachers use sustainable technology to support learning in their classrooms. He addresses the concern around digital citizenship and the dilemma many educators face around using new innovative technologies while managing the hidden upsells of these new technologies. As a K-12 educator, I examined the [...]Read More...

Digital Literacy and learning technology developers

After reading the blog post, Why we need learning technology developers by Anne-Marie Scott, I found one of the main issues that unexpectedly resonated me was digital literacy; as it relates to the role of learning technologists as well as faculty and students. I found myself agreeing to Scott’s inclusion of digital literacy as a [...]Read More...

Elephants Abound

Let’s call out a few elephants in the room by acknowledging some common issues and tensions in the world of online learning. There is merit to each of these, yet also potential conflict between them. Open educational philosophy Corporate, privatized philosophy Limitation of resources Needs Autonomy Efficiency Technological fluency This list could undoubtedly be expanded, [...]Read More...

Evaluating sustainability

As a follow-up to my post on Scott’s sustainability and the role learning technologists can play in the adoption of smart digital practices, the literature provided some thinking to consider.  But first, sustainability and educational technologies is a topic that is not yet specifically explored (Selwyn, 2021).  There is existing data available in the greater [...]Read More...

Issues – Reflection and Indigenous Knowledge

Team 5 and I did a presentation on Podcasts with the theme that everyone has a story and one of the listeners brought forward a very critical question in relation to the documentation and preservation of Indigenous knowledge, from a viewpoint that I may not always consider the importance of. Corie Houldsworth (2022) comment on [...]Read More...

Keep going… it’s working.

Cormier’s 2017 post, our schools aren’t broken, they’re hard he explores how changes to grade school learning experiences in PEI are adopting to the technology age and brings awareness to the thread of one-size-fixes-everything solutions. Instead, he exemplifies activities change leaders can implement to build momentum, tackle a project with adequate resources, and achieve continued [...]Read More...

Safe Environment

D’arcy Norman in their blog post presents an initiative at the Taylor Insitute of Technology, where a dedicated learning space was developed architecturally to be open and flexible for learning and integrate high quality AV equipment in order to promote high quality education. Success was reported, Norman, in their second paragraph, states, “It’s been a [...]Read More...

Some strategies for the OHS project – Issues

Lalonde’s goal was to create the ability to offer open licensed systems for educators to utilize for courses, with wide adoptability and adaptability within the BC post-secondary system and beyond. I wouldn’t necessarily call these barriers, but they will have added more work: reviewing all of the areas that required different platforms, and then narrowing [...]Read More...

Sustainability and learning technology developers

From an issue perspective, Anne-Marie Scott presented in her post sustainability as an opportunity for change.  This is a topic that I am deeply passionate about and therefore, I would explore the environmental impact of the learning technologies and the role learning technologists can play in the adoption of climate smart digital practices?  Macgilchrist et [...]Read More...

Transitioning Learning Technologies from a “Catch All” workplace solution, to a part of a learning ecosystem

In her blog, Ann-Marie Scott speaks on many issues related to learning technologists (or more aptly – the lack thereof), and one revelation that she speaks of is the need to look at how we are using digital technologies currently and investigate how we may be able to take their usage further, moving away from [...]Read More...

Unit 3 Activity 1 Gathering Data – Revisiting Managing Change in Digital Learning

  Considering How I understand Data Admittedly, my first response to this assignment and this unit at the mere mention of wading through data via analytics was a wholehearted no way, much like the companies Zettelmeyer mentions. “But many business leaders, overwhelmed by this constant blizzard of metrics, are hesitant to get involved in what [...]Read More...

What is it worth if we don’t complete it?

Hodges (2008) defines academic self-efficacy as “one’s confidence to perform successfully in academic endeavors” (p8).  Self-efficacy in learning falls under cognitive constructivism learning theory, which views student motivation as an intrinsic process where students motivate themselves to learn and set their own learning goals (Hodges, 2008). This is highly relevant to MOOCs which are designed [...]Read More...

When Compliance Hinders Innovation: A Reflection on Technology in Schools

In his blog post Our Schools Aren’t Broken, They’re Hard (2017), Dave Cormier explores the complexities of integrating technology in education. One of the key challenges he raises is the tension between adopting innovative tools and navigating institutional policies, particularly when it comes to managing student data and privacy. This reminds me of my own [...]Read More...

Open source app

As Technologist, we try to push for creating/using open source applications [...]Read More...

Tiny Island

My institute has OEP, but I found myself on an recursive island in my home department.   [...]Read More...

A Different Perspective on Open Homework Systems

In his post, Some Strategies for the Open Homework Systems Project, Clint Lalonde described his efforts as project lead, preparing for the 2-year timeline. Along with months of research, information gathering, and networking within the post-secondary sector, he established an advisory committee and created a working definition of an Open Online Homework System. In alignment [...]Read More...

All for one or one for all?

In my previous post, I explored the role perspective of the student in D’Arcy’s post about implementing a new AV system at their institution. A few of the questions I mentioned included the impact of a new AV system on learning and socioeconomic barriers, access to technology at home, and personal device compatibility with the [...]Read More...

AV system design

Image Source In his blog post, D’Arcy Norman shares his perception of some of the challenges of designing the Audio Visual (AV) systems at the Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning’s new building. He also shares his admiration for the architectural and technological design throughout the building which was mainly inspired by the design principles [...]Read More...

AV Systems Design

D’arcy’s post Lessons learned: AV systems design in the Taylor Institute highlighted for me some of the things that my organisation needs to do. Although our Welcome House Centre was built in 2012 by renowned architect Henrique and Partners who sought to design a building that would be a socially responsible community development and could [...]Read More...

Big Data Collection in Education From a Students Perspective

In his blog on big data in education, Williamson (2016) critically examines how big data is being used by posing and answering several critical questions on big data. Williamson (2016) looks at how the claim of using big data to ‘optimize learning’ is underpinned in cognitive neuroscience and behaviorist theories, remarking on the limitations of [...]Read More...

Change from the Perspective of Administration in HE

In her post Anne-Marie discusses how open source and higher education collaborations can be part of the solution to encourage innovations in HE and become less reliant on market based services. From the perspective of academic upper management questions I would consider are about cost, time, meeting the goals of the strategic plan and reputation. [...]Read More...

Context Is Key

Context is key, and much of the work is front-loaded in leading change. Diversity of role perspectives is a major contextual factor that must be explored and considered prior to instigating change, then throughout change processes, and even in ongoing maintenance and support. Dave Cormier notes the complexity of this in his blog post, Our [...]Read More...

Designer, Leader, Change-Maker: What K-12 Public Education Can Learn From Innovative Doers

In his blog post, Some strategies for the Open Homework Systems project, Clint Lalonde begins by acknowledging that the process of developing a list of strategies for Open Homework Systems (OHS) project required collaboration from various groups. Lalonde offers thanks to these groups and shares that they were included within his gathering of knowledge and [...]Read More...

Differences within a shared context: roles, goals, values, and tools

Williamson and Hogan (2020) discussed the growth of edtech, spurred by the need for remote and online learning during the pandemic, and resulting in the increased privatization and commercialization of education. They explored the roles of private, governmental, and commercial organizations in the integration of technical solutions for learning. They highlighted the overarching message of [...]Read More...

Gathering Data from Different Perspectives

I appreciate the indication from Marsh, Pane, and Hamilton’s research (2006) that anecdotal or quasi-qualitative data such as observations from “learning walks” and interviews may provide valuable information alongside quantitative data such as summative testing. I believe that gathering feedback from stakeholders throughout a change process is the key to initial planning plus iterations of [...]Read More...

How Data Could be Used to Influence Change in K-12 Education

After exploring data-driven decision-making literature, I have re-examined Dave Cormier’s blog post Our Schools aren’t broken, they are hard. When I read through the article, I challenged myself to look at it through the perspectives of roles and how data could influence change through each of the various roles. Teacher – How can data support [...]Read More...

Learning Technologist – focusing on learning

Cottom (2019) discussed some of the successes and challenges I encounter working as a Learning Technologist.  In my job title, learning is front and center with technology being the secondary modality in which I primarily support learning. A common question we frequently ask within my team is “how will this impact our learners?” Technology use [...]Read More...

Learning Technologist – Using data to drive design, upgrades and support

From my perspective as a Learning Technologist, my primary focus for data driven decisions is focused on maintaining, supporting, upgrading, and exploring digital learning tools. This perspective is highlighted by Sclater et al. (2016) explaining the inclusion of support staff benefits in ensuring technical and organizational systems to create a cohesive data strategy. Of course [...]Read More...

Mirroring the Learning Experience from School

D’Arcy’s post about designing a transparent and flexible AV system in the new learning space speaks about sustainability and stewardship for technologies and programs. Although not directly mentioned, the open access for students and instructors to use the collaborative technology freely also promotes digital literacy and the ability to increase diversity in both the technological [...]Read More...

Role of learning technologies with diversity

In her post, Anne-Marie Scott discussed commitment, skills, and digital resources as change enablers of a learning technology ecosystem.  She viewed diversity as a prime commitment with the inclusion of various voices in a learning community of an ecosystem.  She further believed in an expanded role for learning technologists. And she cautioned decision-making based only [...]Read More...

Thoughts on AV systems and Healthcare

D’arcy Norman posts about the successes and challenges with the AV systems design at the Taylor Institute with transparency and flexibility as the key design principles guiding the design. If I were in a healthcare setting considering the sustainability and stewardship of implementing this type of system for virtual healthcare appointments, I would want to [...]Read More...

Using data to build a case for Virtual Healthcare

In my previous post, I examined different stakeholder’s perspectives on the implementation of an AV systems design for virtual healthcare appointments.  I suggested that Senior leadership would question whether it was necessary to implement an AV system across all health units or only to a select few.  In order to answer that question, it would [...]Read More...

A new lens for LMS in general

One of the challenges in developing learning management systems is that we are still looking at it as a system, a tangible environment that we can develop, control, augment, and arrange to facilitate learning from an insitution. And yet, we can barely agree on what type of environment is best suited for learning; one might [...]Read More...

Adjusting Our Lenses

In her blog post, Anne-Marie Scott delves into the intricacies of establishing an effective learning technology landscape. She underscores the indispensable role of learning technology developers in navigating these challenges, making them feel valued and integral to the process. Scott begins by highlighting the rapid evolution of educational technology and the increasing demand for personalized, [...]Read More...

AI and change readiness – a modern Pandora’s box

Neil Selwyn’s article on the future of education in AI provides a high-level critique of the potential unrestrained application of AI technology in education and society. One particular issue that Selwyn briefly touches on is the accessibility of AI technology in a global educational context. This topic alone merits thorough consideration and ongoing monitoring. As [...]Read More...

Avoiding Pan-Indigeneity while Indigenizing Education

Caldwell (2022) highlights that Indigenous epistemologies are multifaceted, spanning geographical boundaries with intricacies specific to people, land, and place. For this reason, it is imperative that pedagogical work is done to avoid a pan-Indigenous lens. In my experience and context, Indigeneity is often discussed as a one-size-fits-all concept, problematizing its conceptualization and by extension its [...]Read More...

But what about the rich, white, male student?

Now that I have your attention, I can say that I am thankful that he appears to no longer be a driving factor in higher education. I am the parent of a white, male (but not rich) student who will shortly be entering some sort of post-secondary education. The exact form of the rest of [...]Read More...

Democratic Implications of the Privatization of Education

Williamson and Hogan’s (2020) examination of the pandemic-related explosion of the edtech industry is both enlightening and alarming. As a K-12 teacher, I can personally attest to the immediate and rapid increase in the use of numerous digital technologies because of the pandemic’s emergent shift to online learning and many shifts from online to in-person [...]Read More...

Indigenous Epistemologies and Pedagogies Informing Transdisciplinary Approaches in Post-Secondary Film and Television Studies

After reading Indigenization Guide: Indigenous Epistemologies and Pedagogies (Caldwell 2022) I found the Indigenous epistemologies around personal and holistic and experiential reflective of how I wish to practice in my context as a professor in television and film, broadcast journalism and radio broadcasting. One of the academic submission papers I am working on examines learning [...]Read More...

Learning Analytics & Open Homework Systems (OHS)

As I reflect on what I have learned about learning analytics, my thoughts return to my original post about Clint Lalonde’s work on Open Homework Systems (OHS) (Donahue, 2022). As argued, OHS may be beneficial for students transitioning from K-12 into higher education by addressing skill weaknesses or deficits. Learning analytics, understood as “the measurement, [...]Read More...

Some strategies for the OHS project – Seeing through the lens of need

Lalond’s OHS system planning began during a time of distress, confusion, and concern for many BC citizens, and the world. A world that required near immediate change to how it was run. To Ash’s point in their post, Ash references COVID-19 as a low tide, exposing “neglect of issues related to inequalities in access and [...]Read More...

The potential of Open Homework Systems (OHS) to bridge the gap between K-12 and higher ed

Clint Lalonde discussed his work on developing Open Homework Systems (OHS). This project dealt primarily with the issue of open source publishing and academic digital tools. In identifying a need to develop OHS, Lalonde (2019a) referenced the work of Dave Wiley, who looked at student use of educational technologies to practice skills, primarily in courses [...]Read More...

Challenges for Change in Corporate Learning Settings

Dave Cormier (2017) writes about his experience with a long-term large-scale technology change initiative in the PEI school system. Cormier explains his pragmatic approach to the introduction of new technologies in the school system through a long-term plan that allows space for trial and error and acknowledges the importance of celebrating the small wins along [...]Read More...

Data Use in Corporate Learning Settings

When implementing a digital learning initiative in a corporate setting collecting and analyzing the digital footprints of users could answer several questions to inform future design and development decisions. In my original post, I looked at David Cormier’s experience with change in an education setting and considered the validity of his recommendations in a corporate [...]Read More...

EdTech in Corporate Learning Settings

Cottom (2019) challenges us to think about some of the issues facing EdTech and provides hopeful aspirations for how we might move forward to create better outcomes and opportunities for students. In my context of corporate learning and development, I feel that we too should be thinking more about how we are and will continue [...]Read More...

Exploring the Need for Learning Technology Developers from a Provicial Credit Union’s Perspective

In her post, Anne-Marie Scott highlights the need to be thoughtful and deliberate about learning technology choices, recognizing that the market cannot always provide and explore the capability to innovate as a sector for specific needs. Anne-Marie recognizes the challenges like budget and resources associated with investing in learning technology development and proposes interesting options [...]Read More...

Finding meanings, not just apps

As a learning and development (L&D) and HR professional, I have felt into the trap of looking for technological tools or apps to meet a specific need or to engage a group.  I researched tool apps (i.e., Kahoot, Mentimeter, Powtoon) over the past couple of years, especially since the start of the pandemic, to engage [...]Read More...

Not Just a School, But Also a Workplace

In Cormier’s post, his main topic is Sustainability and Stewardship, specifically of a digital strategy project in a K-12 system. He focused on his perspective as a digital strategist for K-12 education in Canada and talked about the points of view of teachers and school divisions, as well as strategists like himself. He also talked [...]Read More...

Reflecting on Organizational Change: Lessons from a Failure

Instead of choosing one of the provided blog posts, I reflected on a personal experience of organizational change. None of the posts captured the complexity of the challenges I faced when my former manager, Leon, attempted to merge instructional designers in Canada and Poland at a large international telecommunications company. This situation demonstrated how poorly [...]Read More...

UDL and ongoing feedback towards further change for Taylor Institute

The article by D’arcy Norman from the U of C was quite interesting. Norman, D. (2017, March 11). The idea of collaboration carts piqued my interest even more. At KPU, we have some systems that are coming to the end of their life. The smartboards at each group table and the smartboard at the top [...]Read More...

Was this overdone?

In his blog post, D’Arcy Norman reflects on his work with the Sextant Group to provide audio-visual technology solutions for the University of Calgary’s Taylor Institute (TI) for Teaching and Learning. Integrating hardware into an environment designed for open, well-lit learning spaces posed challenges, as most walls were glass, featured high ceilings, or had retractable [...]Read More...