26 September 2022
Teaching in the “new normal”: What support do you need?
As you grapple with the challenges of the “new normal,” remember that AlphaPlus is here to help.
Leadership Letters
Educator Makerspace 2024 starts October 15
Are you a teacher who enjoys exploring and experimenting with how digital technology can enhance learning in creative ways?
Would you like to conduct your experiments with the support of AlphaPlus facilitators (Tracey and Guylaine) and cohort of colleagues?
Join us at the Alphaplus Educator Makerspace starting October 15, 2024 and exercise your creativity in a facilitated, collaborative environment.
What is happening at the 2024 AlphaPlus Educator Makerspace?
Empowering learners with choice
Our theme for this year’s Makerspace is Empowering Learners with Choice and our technology is the apps from Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 many instructors are using everyday. We will create interactive activities from your favourite resources and lesson plans. Our goal is to develop activities that best fit the different needs of the learners you work with.
Working together
You will attend six Zoom workshops (90 minutes, once a month). The exact day and time will be decided collaboratively by the group.
Our plan is to hold the first workshop on October 15 between 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. but we will check in with the people who register to make sure this time works for everyone.
In the workshops, you will:
- engage with peers in rich conversations about the practice of teaching
- explore examples of activities that empower learners with choice
- extend the use of Docs, Slides and Forms (Google or Office 365) for learning
Working independently
In between Zoom workshops, you will work on your creations, share them with the makerspace group and test them out with learners you work with.
Getting support
You will have access to the workshop facilitators for one-to-one or small group support as you create your lessons and activities.
Learn more about makerspaces at AlphaPlus here: The AlphaPlus Educator Makerspace or contact Tracey or Guylaine.
Join us starting October 15 between 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to exercise your creativity in a facilitated, collaborative environment. If you cannot meet at noon on October 15, the form will allow you to tell us alternative times you can meet. You will also find a link to a letter template so you can inform program coordinators about your professional learning plans.
Here is what participants are saying about the Educator Makerspace
What worked well: The stimulation of being in a group of curious, congenial educators/lifelong learners; the access to an excellently curated bank of resources and expert coaching thanks to Guylaine and Tracey; the flexibility of project direction, pacing and final product deadline, which in my case likely made the difference between not finishing and creating something I was happy to share.
It is a wholistic way to learn how to use software to create digital learning tools. It is a fantastic and realistic example of adult learning principles in action! As the learner we need to sort out how we will learn, try new things and take risks, learn from mistakes and messing around; and, the AlphaPlus team provide clear information, instructions, demonstrations, pace, tone and facilitation.
I’m really grateful for the chance to participate in this program. It has definitely helped me feel less isolated as an educator, and more aware and a part of the professional literacy network across Ontario. Also, viewing this experience as an adult learner, this was one of the few times I have felt fully supported and accommodated in a learning project, based on my own needs, preferences, and life situation, which is hilariously ironic but a big factor in my enjoyment and the quality of my outcomes.
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