ShiftED Podcast
Check out the ShiftED podcast and get inspired by some amazing educators!
2024
Bo, a seasoned educator with a background in design, architecture, and technology, has dedicated over 15 years to exploring the intersection of play and education. His journey into Lego Education was inspired by a deep-rooted belief in the power of play to foster creativity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning. https://education.lego.com
2024
In this podcast episode, we engages with Bonnie Schmidt, CEO from “Let’s Talk Science” to discuss the significance of STEM education. Bonnie shares her journey into science education, inspired by a passionate high school biology teacher, and the founding of “Let’s Talk Science.” They highlight the organization’s mission to provide free STEM resources and programming for educators and students, emphasizing the importance of teacher-student relationships and real-world learning applications. The episode also touches on challenges within the Canadian education system and initiatives like Canada 2067 aimed at shaping the future of STEM education.
https://www.cmec.ca/docs/pcap/pcap201… https://www.weforum.org/projects/cana…
2024
In a recent episode of the ShiftED Podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Debbie Pushor, a distinguished educator, researcher, and professor at the University of Saskatchewan.** Dr. Pushor shared her insightful research on fostering positive relationships between schools and families through the concept of family engagement. Dr. Pushor characterizes her work as a “strategic and progressive approach” designed to develop “evidence-based methods and practices that hold significant potential for educational impact.” Her research delves into the critical notion of “parents and educators collaborating as partners in the learning and development of children and youth.” Dr. Pushor’s passion lies in cultivating strong relationships between schools and families, the two most influential environments in a child’s life. This approach prioritizes the development of a caring and supportive partnership between these institutions. It is important to clarify that Dr. Pushor’s vision does not advocate for large-scale, systemic change. Instead, she emphasizes a “deliberate and incremental approach,” akin to building a foundation “one step at a time” or “bird by bird.” Through these thoughtful and focused actions, schools and families can effectively collaborate to empower students and maximize their potential. As educators embark on a new school year, Dr. Pushor suggests prioritizing getting to know their students and their personal backgrounds. This initial step fosters a strong foundation for building positive and productive relationships. I encourage you to explore Dr. Pushor’s extensive resources and research on her website: [https://www.debbiepushor.ca/]
Additionally, Dr. Pushor will be collaborating with CLC schools this year to implement her strategies for cultivating stronger school-family partnerships.
2024
On episode 31, I welcomed Lee Crockett for insight into starting off a new school year. We delved into various topics related to education and personal growth, exploring the importance of mindfulness and its connection to effective teaching. Lee shares his personal journey and the cultural emphasis on mindfulness in Japan, contrasting it with the challenges faced in Western education. Our conversation then shifts towards the concept of impermanence and its role in fostering a more adaptable and enjoyable work environment. Highlighting the need for a learner-centered approach, we discussed the core principles of excellence in learning, which Lee highlights in his book Future-Focused Learning. Finally I asked Lee about the potential of AI in education, while acknowledging the irreplaceable role of human connection in the classroom. The episode concludes with Lee emphasizing the importance of teachers in the lives of our students, with relationships being key along all learning journeys. To find out more about Lee’s support and books: https://leecrockett.net/books
2024
On this episode of ShiftED Podcast I was joined by Edtech pioneer Peter Skillen, as his LinkedIn descriptor expresses, “I am a learner & I am a teacher. Simple. The two, for me, are inseparable and part of the whole.” The conversation explores Peter’s path from educator to technology integration leader. https://www.codetolearn.ca/en
https://www.canadalearningcode.ca
2024
Welcome back to the ShiftED Podcast, where we explore the transformative power of education through insightful conversations and innovative ideas. Today, we delve into the captivating mindset of George Couros, an educator, author, and advocate for change in the field of education. George Couros is not just a name; it’s a beacon of innovation, a symbol of forward-thinking in education circles worldwide. His mindset isn’t just about shaking up the status quo; it’s about shattering it entirely and rebuilding a system that empowers every learner, every educator, and every community. George Couros doesn’t just think outside the box; it’s about seeing potential where others see problems, finding opportunities where others see obstacles, and leading a revolution where others see resistance.
2024
Nick Maturo, interim CEO of ELAN, the English Language Artists Network, joined me for a wonderful conversation about their steadfast commitment to fostering linguistic and cultural diversity through the medium of English. ELAN provides a vibrant community for artists to connect, grow, and showcase their talents. Through its innovative educational programs and initiatives, ELAN empowers artists to break boundaries, challenge conventions, and weave intricate narratives that resonate across Quebec. United by a shared passion for language and the arts, members of ELAN forge meaningful connections, spark inspiration, and cultivate a rich tapestry of artistic expression. In the ever-evolving landscape of the arts, ELAN continues to serve as a driving force, nurturing a community where creativity flourishes and voices are heard. Educator check out the workshop that artists offer for classrooms and schools. https://www.quebec-elan.org/
2023
Welcome to ShiftED, the podcast where we embark on a journey through the ever-evolving landscape of education technology. On this episode, we have the privilege of navigating the EdTech frontier and beyond with our esteemed guest, Robert Martellacci, CEO of MindShare Learning and C21 Canada. As a seasoned expert in the intersection of education and technology, Robert shares his insights on the transformative power of EdTech, exploring its current trends, challenges, and future possibilities. Join us as we delve into the dynamic world of educational innovation, discovering how technology is reshaping the way we learn and teach.
2023
World renowned author, psychologist and ventriloquist Susan Linn joined ShiftED podcasts to talk about screen-time’s effects on our youngest learners. We discussed the impacts that marketing has on our children and how to curb kids away from screens and back into creative play. An eye opening conversation for everyone interested in the health and well-being of our future generations. Susan’s website: https://www.consumingkids.com/
2023
Scott DeJong is a PhD student in Communication studies at Concordia University examining serious play, web literacy and digital cultures. I recently caught up with Scott to discuss the difference between gamification and game-based learning, the power of gaming in education, social justice games and how to get started with making classrooms more engaging through playing games. Not only does Scott make awesome games for students, but his games help expose online disinformation and social justice issues, highly relevant topic for todays’ student population. Checkout the games we discussed.
2023
Educational strategist Ron Canuel joined ShiftED podcasts for an intriguing conversation on technology integration into school systems. Ron’s 44 year perspective is rich in experiences, practices and strategies to better engage students throughout their learning journey. With insight into many edtech initiatives, Ron’s words ring true today as much as they did 40 years ago; technology as a tool for learning is imperative for all. His emphasis on courage to make innovative changes in the face of barriers is a reminder that without courage change is much harder in the educational system, as Ron reminds us…
“Remember that change NEVER EVER HAPPENS WITHOUT COURAGE!! I paid a personal and professional price for doing what was right for children and teachers. There is no REAL educational leadership program that doesn’t emphasize COURAGE!! Sorry but it has to be said.”
2023
On the latest instalment of ShiftED Podcasts we had the great fortune to talk with Eric Rosenbaum, director from the Scratch Lab. A Lifelong Kindergarten alumni, Eric has been with Scratch from the get go, developing creative tools for learning. Not only is Eric a lifelong tinkerer, he worked with Jay Silver on perhaps one of the most inventive tools in education today, the Makey Makey. As Eric joyfully explained, Makey Makey + Scratch is like peanut butter and jelly! It’s a great conversation about Eric’s creative journey, with a look to the future of creative computing. Be sure to read Eric’s latest blog post on Inside Scratch Lab: AI Image Generation, and check out the Scratch block “Face Sensing” a glimpse into A.I. for all our learners.
2023
Lance Eaton, a writer, educator, instructional designer, educational and social media consultant in Providence, Rhode Island. Lance joined ShiftED to discuss A.I. as a tipping point in education. We hope you enjoy our conversation about education and the future with A.I.
2023
I throughly enjoyed talking with one of my great educational mentors; author, educator, maker, programmer, musician Gary Stager. I have been following Gary for well over two decades, so it is such a treat to talk with him again and have the ability to ask him anything. We chatted about tennis, music, integration of technology, his early memories of programming logo to name only a few. Plus all the amazing educators he brings to his summer conference Constructing Modern Knowledge, webinars he’s hosted, and the abundance of workshops he has brought to the world. Gary speaks his mind, never afraid of stepping on toes to get his ultimate point across, learning is everything. His passion for students success, however that might look to each learner, is his joie de vivre, you’ll hear it in almost all we talked about. A wonderfully passionate conversation with a powerhouse in education!
If you are looking for some life changing professional development over the summer and a wail of a good time go to CMK 2023. It will inspire change in your practice regardless of the age or subject you teach.
CMK 2023 https://constructingmodernknowledge.com
Gary’s publishing house https://cmkpress.com
Gary’s Blog https://stager.tv
2023
Welcome to podcast number 20… How time flies when they’re good conversations are to be had. On this episode, I was joined by two of Digital Moments educators/facilitators, Mike “life debugger” Deutsch & Matthew Griffin. Digital Moment, which oversees Kids Code Jeunesse, is a non-profit organization founded in 2013 to help support programming in education. They offer a wide range of workshops, professional development and camps that get students and educators digital game on! It was great to chat with these two, as we explored many different ideas about programming in a school context and it’s importance for an unknown future. If you are interested in getting them to come to your class or join an online webinar check them out at https://kidscodejeunesse.org/ or https://digitalmoment.org/
2023
At the Leadership Committee for English Education in Québec (LCEEQ) conference 2023, we had the great pleasure of listening to Dwyane Matthews, Chief Innovation Evangelist, and Future of Education Strategist.
His talk was so compelling, and dare I say timely, when he asked the poignant question, “Are we preparing students for 2019 or 2030?”
This question about the education system relates to a long list of factors including, but not limited to, the impacts of the pandemic, new breakthroughs in AI research, a challenging job market, and climate change catastrophes. Do our students in our classes today have the capacity to adapt to a vastly unknown future? Do our students have the skills to navigate a fluidly changing landscape?
In this podcast we explore these ideas, it’s fascinating, to say the least! Enjoy.
2023
In between professional development sessions with Quebec educators, Peter Liljedahl carved out some time to chat about his amazing book “Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics”. A thoughtful conversation about how to engage more learners into really thinking about math 🧮 Our conversation journeyed back in time to some of Peter’s earliest memories about school and learning math (spoiler alert- he was really good in math) and how competent he was at thinking like a mathematician from the get go. We also dove into summative and formative evaluation, how to facilitate a thinking classroom, with a few fun stories woven in. It was a pleasure talking with Peter and a solid listen. Hope to inspire you!
2023
Just before the holidays I had the great privilege of sitting down with educator, author and outdoor learning expert Juliet Robertson for a wonderful chat about her journey into outdoor learning and play. We discussed her own experiences as a teacher, along with activities designed to get children involved in hands-on learning. We also covered topics such as the importance of play and the outdoors for our youngest learners, the applicability of her amazing books “Messy Maths” and “Dirty Teaching.” Her light-hearted approach to learning and the outdoors made this podcast particularly enjoyable. Juliet’s hands-on, experiential method of teaching utilizes the outdoors as a dynamic classroom that creates endless learning opportunities for children. She has developed her strategies around the idea that both independence and collaboration are essential for effective learning, allowing children to develop on multiple levels while having a great time outside. It was such an honour to chat with Juliet, a highlight of 2022. To learn more about Juliet checkout her website Creative STAR Learning
2022
We invited early childhood expert Cindy Hovington to come and chat with us about what makes good toys to help develop our preschoolers. It was an enlightened chat about how the simplest toys make the greatest impact on childhood development. Often times, it is not the fancy, glowing buttons, noise makers that are of interest, rather the box that it came in! Open-ended toys cultivate imagination and creativity, two things all humans must develop in an ever changing world. Key take away, keep it simple and cheap.
2022
This episode of ShiftED podcast welcomes Ian Shanahan, Editor-in-Chief of Green Teacher. This Canadian charity is “dedicated to helping educators, both inside and outside of schools, enhance environmental literacy among young learners.” During my conversation with Ian, we discuss leveraging OutdoorEd, inquiry-based learning, and student agency. As Quebec schools continue to explore the possibilities of outdoor learning, this is an opportunity to reflect on key moments in outdoor experiences and how this might be applicable to your own practices. Green Teacher is chalked full of amazing resources, podcasts, and a magazine to support your outdoor journey.
2022
LEARN had the great opportunity to talk with Eva de Gosztonyi & Catherine Korah from the Center of Excellence for behaviour Management about how our youngest learners crucial brain development. This childhood development is paramount in their growth into fully realized adults. We discussed the ideal conditions for such growth to occur, as well as key neurological milestones along this journey and the importance of free-play in early childhood. A must listen for parents and teachers interested in knowing how our children’s brains develop. I wanted to also thank Eva for her service to our Anglo community on the eve of her retirement, she will be missed, but has left an extraordinary legacy that Catherine will continue though the Centre of Excellence.
2022
ShiftED had a rich conversation with Katherine Divolis about the newly revised Preschool Cycle Program that launched in the last school year and is currently being implemented across the province.
2021
LEARN had the privilege of talking with Brian Silverman and Artemis Papert recently, about programming in our Quebec schools. Being the first episode of this school year, so I wanted to have a casual conversation about how education is shifting more and more towards computation and programming/coding.
Catch-up with Dr. Sheryl Smith-Gilman of McGill University’s education department to touch base on how our future educators were dealing with their pre-service schooling during a pandemic.
How has teaching Math changed since the pandemic? What are some challenges? How have consultants managed to stay connected to the classroom? Collaboration and Communication across School Boards has improved.
Today I had a great conversation with Chris Morgan the principal of Butler Elementary of the Eastern Townships School Board. We talked about how principals have been dealing with health and safety issues surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as Butler’s reopening experience.
In this episode we talk with a grade 4/5 teacher from Lester B. Pearson School Board from Edgewater Elementary, Daphne Amster. We caught up on her transition from F2F to online…
Today I interviewed Jennifer Oner of Westmount Park Elementary school of the English Montreal School Board. We discussed transitioning from F2F teaching to Online.
Listen to Jennifer’s responses to the following questions. What are some challenges? What does ‘a day in the life’ look like in your virtual classroom? How do you pace your lessons? What kind of support are you getting from the School Board? What physical tools do you have in the set-up for your class? What is your online set-up? What kind of digital management system are you using to communicate with young learners and their parents? What advice do you have for teachers who are just starting to take their class online?
2020
Conversation with Stephanie and Alexi, team-teaching in cycle 1 elementary. Differentiation and diversity for learners with learning disabilities.
2020
A conversation with Eastern Shores School Board’s Math and Science consultant Zak Likely to discuss how our most eastern English school board is coping with the ever-changing reality of a Covid-19 world. Evolving educational practices and engaging online learners.
Adapting to our new “normal.” Tom’s wonderful reflections are both inspiring and reassuring, that our future educational system is chalked full of creativity and humanity, as Tom eloquently puts it, this “is educations finest moment.”
LEARN caught up with Russell Dennis, a Cycle 3 Elementary teacher at Dr. Wilbert Keon School, in Chapeau, part of the Western Quebec School Board. He shared his experiences teaching his small school, which houses both elementary and secondary students in northern Quebec, and how it has fared during the pandemic. We discussed the challenges of online teaching, how to engage students virtually and what the future holds for education come August 31st, 2020. Great chat!
A Conversation with Jeremy Wouda, teacher at Philemon Wright HS, WQSB. This discussion includes the transition from Face-to-face, to online teaching.
LEARN reached out to a couple of pedagogical consultants, Tim Foreman and Ron Turchyniak whose dossiers are to get teachers and staff at Sir Wilfred Laurier School Board (SWLSB) comfortable with integrating educational technologies into their classrooms. All this changed in March. Their jobs became all the more crucial as teachers shifted from classroom to online teaching amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. It is safe to say that Tim and Ron’s time was essential in getting educators online, and comfortable with using tech tools that would facilitate this shift in practice. Countless professional development sessions later, LEARN caught up with these two rock stars to chat about this transformational shift and how they we faring in this new “normal.”
