In this client coaching story, we’re talking with Lisa McArthur, program manager of The Literacy Group (TLG) of Waterloo Region, about how they used Google Sites to create an online resource for learners and linked it to their website’s home page. Learn about how the portal is helping learners continue to work remotely and keeping […]

For this client coaching story, we spoke with Branne Plitnikas at Niagara College about working with a technology coach to implement Google Drive and Google Keep. How did you work with your coach to assess your program’s digital literacy level? Our associate dean is very supportive of professional development (PD) for her staff. Monika at AlphaPlus supported me in […]

The Discover Online Integrated Information Technology (DOI2T) program is a solution by Sioux Hudson Literacy Council created to meet the growing need for exciting and quick digital literacy learning opportunities for adults.  DOI2T practitioners apply creativity-based digital technologies to teach learners everyday life skills as well as the practical skills needed for contemporary jobs.  Learners […]

In this month’s technology coaching feature, we’re talking with Pathways to Possibility (PTP) Adult Learning and Employment Programs, whose team recently worked with AlphaPlus coaches to modernize their programs with iPads in the classroom.   Why did you reach out to AlphaPlus to bring iPads into the classroom?The Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) […]

Prince Edward Learning Centre (PELC) uses Google Slides to help students develop multiple skills independently. Lori Farrington, a veteran classroom instructor at PELC, shares her experience using Google Slides with her learners. Single tool, multiple skills After struggling with PowerPoint, Lori switched to Google Slides as a presentation and collaborative learning tool. To get students […]

Charlotte Parliament is the Literacy and Essential Skills Program Coordinator at Simcoe County District School Board. Responsible for the MAESD learning programs, she is on the move around the county, supporting six learning centres delivering a range of programs. As someone in constant contact with individual instructors and coordinators, Charlotte decided to use AlphaPlus technology […]

AlphaPlus technology coaches can give your old laptops new life with a Chromebooks makeover (part of the Chromium OS Conversion Pilot Project). Check out our conversation with The Literacy Group’s Program Manager, Chris Prosser, about how the Waterloo-based organization is building a Chromebooks laptop lending library for their clients. Q: Why did you decide to engage […]

Ever wonder what our technology coaching services are really like? Check out our Q&A with Jessa Reitsma, Learning Coordinator at Alexandra Park Neighbourhood Learning Centre, discussing her organization’s experience with AlphaPlus Consultant and Technology Coach, Monika Jankowska-Pacyna. Q: How did having a technology coach help your organization achieve its digital learning goals? A: Monika was […]

Have you ever wondered how you could use Evernote with your learners? Explore the videos below to learn how literacy learners from Dixon Hall LBS program in Toronto feel about using Evernote and how Maxine, the LBS instructor from Dixon Hall, set up and is using Evernote in her multi-level class. Maxine also shared her […]

Pinterest has been the new buzzword in the community and at large as the newest star of social media.  The more familiar forms of social media, e.g Facebook and Twitter have had limited potential for application as an educational tool. We have watched discussions about Pinterest shift from its use as a way to collect images and manifest creative brainstorms to its potential use in the educational field. We have seen a similar evolution of its use within our organization.

A staff member was using Pinterest socially for herself, after a friend had turned her on to it. When we began discussing how to get our clients talking about their goals and dreams for the future, the conversation naturally turned to using visuals to help identify their aspirations. Alongside this, we’ve been having an ongoing dialogue about how to integrate the new OALCF curriculum into the classroom. Pinterest seemed to be a perfect opportunity to meld several competencies into a single activity that would be fun and engaging.