Join us for a Virtual Showcase — a series of 4 Zoom sessions showcasing how innovative programs and instructors use digital tools and approaches to connect and work with learners remotely.
Each session will feature guest presenters who’ll share their approaches, strategies and tips on how they connect with learners and build a virtual community using online tools and resources. Participants will have a chance to discuss and share their own experiences in breakout rooms. Afterwards, we’ll have a Tech Q&A to explore some of the digital tools mentioned during the session.
ASL interpretation services will be provided.
SESSIONS
June 22, 2021, 1:30 to 4 p.m.
July 20, 2021, 1:30 to 4 p.m.
August 17, 2021, 1:30 to 4 p.m.
September 14, 2021, 1:30 to 4 p.m.
To learn more and register, visit the showcase website at http://virtualshowcase.alphaplus.ca
Follow us on social media using #LBSshow and @alphapluscentre.
WHY ARE WE HOSTING THESE VIRTUAL SESSIONS?
While connecting with instructors and coordinators through our coaching, research and support services, we’re often asked about best practices, examples and tips for connecting with learners and building a virtual community — especially now, during COVID-19. In fact, the most common question we get asked is “What are other programs and instructors doing?” We’re very excited to organize the showcase and hope to have the guest presenters help us answer some of these questions in a virtual setting.
Since March of this year, LBS programs around the province have been innovating and reorganizing their program technology and tools as the COVID-19 pandemic has progressed. Many LBS programs continue to reflect on the changes the pandemic will place on how they do their work in the future. Our technology coaching services are here, as ever, to support teams and learners navigating the remote learning and working landscape.
Expedited, short-term coaching still available
Teams that require support to make rapid changes to their program delivery and communication methods are invited to reach out to access short-term technology coaching sessions. Our coaches can help teams quickly identify technologies and tools that suit their unique needs and can help programs improve administrative processes while keeping in touch with learners.
To learn more or sign up for short-term coaching, contact Alan Cherwinski, Executive Director.
It’s been six months since COVID-19 arrived in Ontario. While programs continue to adapt to this ever-changing “new normal,” the AlphaPlus team is continuing to bring you training, information and resources to support learners and program staff through the transition.
On August 27, we were invited to present at the Pop Up PD for Literacy Educators webinar, organized and hosted by a committee of the Learning Networks of Ontario, E-Channel and the Provincial Support Organizations for Literacy.
During this session, we reviewed how programs have shifted and adapted to remote teaching and learning, and detailed the tools and resources used to support these transitions. This session is designed to keep LBS program teams connected and informed of each other’s successes and challenges and to share knowledge.
If you missed the session, you can view the slides and access the recording on this website.
Learn more about the Pop Up PD for Literacy Educators at https://learningnetworks.ca/resources-publications/popuppd/
For additional questions or to sign up for technology coaching or training sessions to improve your remote learning and work, email Alan Cherwinski, Executive Director.
To help us all navigate the challenges of COVID-19, we have started LBS and COVID-19 a Google Site where we hope to share information and resources that will help the LBS community connect and learn together as we navigate this unfamiliar landscape.
The website includes:
This site is an ongoing work in progress and we invite you to contribute your wisdom, information and resources to help us build and expand it.
Maria received the CUPE National Literacy Award in 2017.
Our dear colleague Maria Moriarty, longtime AlphaPlus technology coach and librarian, will be moving on to other endeavours following her retirement this March. Throughout her more than 20 years with AlphaPlus, Maria worked with dedication to support the work of literacy practitioners.
She was first hired to help create the library collection and develop our library services and has gone on to work on projects to support and encourage a research culture within the LBS field. With the increased presence of technology, Maria helped us better understand digital technology’s place in adult education and, visionary as she is, helped us reflect on its impact and the opportunities it offered. Today, each AlphaPlus team member is sharing a personal message of appreciation to Maria.
I was at the beginning of my career as a librarian when I started to work with Maria. She warmly welcomed me, encouraged every step I took and helped me think outside the box. I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor! I wish you lots of fun ahead, Maria. I will miss your great sense of humour.
—Guylaine
A kind and supportive colleague, a fantastic mentor, Maria has been there with us through it all and we will really, really miss her! Thank you, Maria, for your ongoing encouragement and guidance over the years! Happy retirement!
—Monika
I first met Maria in St. John’s, Newfoundland, at the launch of the heady research-in-practice days. We laughed and raged together all week and have continued to do so in almost all the weeks since then. As Maria says, “Learning is becoming,” and what we all learn from Maria helps us become stronger, smarter and more empathetic. She reminds us that seeking knowledge and seeking justice are essentially intertwined in this work that we love. She is our role model and we can’t wait to see what is next for our beloved colleague and collaborator.
—Tracey
As the newest member of the AlphaPlus team, I truly regret not having the chance to work with Maria longer. During any conversation, she always makes me laugh and think deeper. You are an inspiration!
—Christine
In the previous century, with the forced merger of our separate employers, my early encounters with Maria were like those in an awkwardly blended family of stepchildren. She had to first knock off some of my sharp corners, blockhead that I was, to build trust. I quickly could not have wished for a stronger colleague. Maria led by example and her insights shaped my values and perspectives on social justice and the labour movement. Maria is a gifted librarian with an insatiable curiosity and critical eye for the examination of new ideas. These talents will be sorely missed and impossible to replace at AlphaPlus. You can be no luckier than to have such an extraordinary and kind librarian as a friend and co-worker.
—Alan
The AlphaPlus team, management and the board of directors sincerely thank Maria for her work, contributions and commitment, and wish her great success in her future endeavours.
AlphaPlus invites you to participate in a new cycle of technology coaching starting in April 2020.
Our technology consultants work with LBS programs to create learning strategies, deliver workshops and implement technology solutions that meet the needs of instructors and co-ordinators.
Our team can help you:
To learn more or talk about how we can help your organization, contact Executive Director Alan Cherwinski by email at acherwinski@alphaplus.ca
Chromium OS is the open-source development version of Chrome OS, a Google operating system (OS) that Chromebooks use. An entirely free OS, Chromium converts PC computers and laptops into state-of-the-art CloudReady devices that work much like Chromebooks. That means outdated computer systems can be retooled with Chromium OS, including powerful Google Apps and tools.
Accompanied by a full suite of free Google Apps for Education, it gives learners, teachers and program administrators access to inexpensive and sustainable cloud-based digital tools and software without the added cost of new hardware. Chromium OS is an easy-to-navigate operating system that avails of Google Apps like Google Drive, Google Docs, Gmail and Hangouts with a one-time simple login.
Due to overwhelming response to our Chromium OS Conversion Pilot Project, only a few spots remain for adult education service providers to participate.
Get on the waiting list
For those wishing to participate at a later time, please contact Alan Cherwinski, Executive Director, at acherwinski@alphaplus.ca to be added to the waiting list.
To learn more, click here
For more information or to sign up, contact Alan Cherwinski at acherwinski@alphaplus.ca