Best Moocs Podcasts (2025)

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ShiftED Podcast #77 • In Conversation with Anne-Marie Cech: Building stronger, healthier communities together 28:44

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8d ago28:44

28:44

The early years fly by, and they shape more than we often realize. In this episode, we talk about what actually makes a difference in the first five years of life—reading together every day, leaving room for real play, and creating simple, safe spaces for kids to grow. Anne-Marie from CHSSN joins us to connect the research on brain development and …

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ShiftED Podcast #76 Navigating the AI Shift in Education: A Conversation with Nelson CEO Steve Brown 27:55

22d ago27:55

27:55

What if a 110-year-old textbook company decided it wasn’t in the textbook business anymore? We sit down with Steve Brown, CEO of Nelson Education, to talk about how a legacy brand chose to blow itself up—on purpose. From a “great bowl of vanilla” to a bold new flavour, Steve walks us through Nelson’s reinvention and the birth of Edwin, a curriculum…

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ShiftED Podcast #75 In Conversation with Indra Kubicek • If AI Is The Bus, Let’s At Least Hand Out Seatbelts 31:35

1M ago31:35

31:35

Imagine a classroom where students don’t just use AI—they question it, improve it, and build with it. That’s the world we explore with Indra Kubicek, CEO of Digital Moment, a national charity bringing digital literacy, coding education, and social innovation labs to young people across Canada. We talk frankly about what it takes to raise confident …

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ShiftED Podcast #74 Rooted in Relationships: Debbie Horrocks and the Growth of Québec’s Community Schools 32:30

1M ago32:30

32:30

What if a school was more than a school—what if it was the beating heart of its community? We sit down with longtime CLC leader Debbie Horrocks to trace how Quebec’s Community Learning Centers grew from a bold idea into a 90-school network that strengthens English education while weaving families, services, and culture into daily learning. From the…

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ShiftED Podcast #73 In Conversation with Dr Laura Tuohilampi: Seriously Fun Math for Humans 29:34

2M ago29:34

29:34

Most people quietly believe they’re “not a math person,” yet they plan trips, compare prices, rearrange furniture, and decode ads with sharp logic every week. We pull that thread with Dr. Laura Tuohilampi from The University of New South Wales to ask why everyday confidence evaporates at the classroom door—and how to stitch it back together. We tal…

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ShiftED Podcast #72 In Conversation with Mitch Weisburgh: Your Mindset Defines your Reality 28:01

2M ago28:01

28:01

A single moment on a New York train set Mitch on a path from early Apple II hacks to a lifelong mission: teach people how to think in ways that unlock action. ShiftED sit down with Mitch Weisburgh, creator of Mind Shifting with Mitch, to explore how small, repeatable techniques can move us from the brain’s fast, fearful survival mode into a calmer,…

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ShiftED Podcast #71 In Conversation with Sabba Quidwai: Redesigning School For The Age Of AI 30:41

2M ago30:41

30:41

The ground is shifting under education, and pretending otherwise won’t help. We sit down with Dr. Sabba Quidwai to map a path that begins with people, not platforms: clarifying strengths, building agency, and using AI as a true teammate with defined responsibilities. Saba shares how a rocky start to her teaching career during the recession led to a…

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ShiftED Podcast #70 • In Conversation with Hannah Beach Reclaiming Childhood: Inside the Play Crisis and What Schools Can DO 37:50

2M ago37:50

37:50

Action Now: A Developmental Reset for Anxious Classrooms The state of our schools demands urgent action. We are seeing students who are consistently anxious, aggressive, or shut down. This is a developmental crisis, and our focus must be on the child’s reality, not our wish list. That is the powerful throughline from our conversation with educator …

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ShiftED Podcast #69 From MOOCs to Mindsets: Stephen Downes on Connection, Openness, and the Future of Scalable Learning 43:00

3M ago43:00

43:00

Rethinking Education: Is Connection the New Content? The traditional classroom model, built on the transmission of content from expert to learner, is facing a profound challenge. What if the heart of learning isn't content at all—but connection? This question has fueled a quiet revolution in educational technology, one that emphasizes distributed n…

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ShiftED Podcast #68 From iPads to AI: Mark Anderson on Shifting Mindsets in Education 30:32

3M ago30:32

30:32

Ever wonder why some schools thrive with new tech while others drown in apps? We sit down with Mark Anderson—educator, author, and longtime edtech leader—to unpack what actually moves the needle: student voice, ethical AI literacy, and clear frameworks that save time without sacrificing judgment. From a 1:1 iPad rollout that focused on pedagogy and…

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ShiftED Podcast #67 • In Conversation with Dr. Gordon Neufeld: The Power of Playfulness 30:18

3M ago30:18

30:18

Have we been approaching education all wrong? In this mind-shifting conversation with renowned developmental psychologist Dr. Gordon Neufeld, we explore the invisible but essential foundation of all learning: relationship. As another school year begins, Dr. Neufeld challenges educators to recognize their primary role as "attachment agents" rather t…

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ShiftED Podcast #66 In Conversation with Dr Angela Burke: The UDL-Equity Connection 21:56

3M ago21:56

21:56

What if creating truly inclusive classrooms wasn't about mastering every student's culture, but about designing learning environments where everyone belongs? Dr. Burke offers a refreshing perspective on how Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and equity work combine to transform education for all students. Drawing from her personal journey that beg…

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ShiftED Podcast #65 In Conversation with Joe Ortona: How Quebec's English Education System Is Under Pressure 26:03

4M ago26:03

26:03

The evolving story of English education rights in Quebec takes center stage as Joe Ortona, Chair of the English Montreal School Board and President of the Quebec English School Board Association, shares his journey and insights. What began as a chance opportunity in 2014 has grown into a commitment to preserving the cultural identity and educationa…

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ShiftED Podcast #64 with Christine Truesdale • Behind the Network: A Conversation with LEARN's New CEO 23:09

4M ago23:09

23:09

What happens when educational vision meets community resilience? Meet Christine Truesdale, the newly appointed CEO of LEARN (Leading English Education Resource Network), who brings decades of experience and a profound connection to Quebec's English education landscape. Christine takes us on a journey through LEARN's fascinating evolution, beginning…

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ShiftED Podcast #63 • In Conversation with Dan Fitzpatrick: The A.l Educator reimagines the Future of Schools and Leadership 33:13

7M ago33:13

33:13

Remember the hesitation many felt when the internet first entered our homes? Dan Fitzpatrick, "The AI Educator," draws fascinating parallels between that pivotal moment and our current relationship with artificial intelligence in education. This conversation cuts through misconceptions to reveal how AI can transform teaching without diminishing hum…

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ShiftED Podcast #62 In Conversation with Peter Gray: Why Play is the Most Powerful Teacher 30:54

7M ago30:54

30:54

What would happen if we completely reimagined education? Dr. Peter Gray takes us on a provocative journey through the hidden history and troubling foundations of our modern school system. Gray's path to becoming an educational revolutionary began with his own son's rebellion. "School is prison," his fourth-grader declared, triggering a family crisi…

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ShiftED Podcast #61 In Conversation with Steve A. Bollar - Stand Tall To Think Differently And Lead Successfully 29:09

7M ago29:09

29:09

What can being 6'7" tall teach us about effective leadership? As it turns out, quite a lot. Steve Bowler—known professionally as "Stand Tall Steve"—joins us to share how his physical height became the foundation for a powerful leadership philosophy that's transforming school cultures across the country. Steve reveals three profound parallels betwee…

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ShiftED Podcast #60 In Conversation with Katherine Johnson Martinko: Practical Advice to Get Kids Off Screens and Find Balance 24:15

7M ago24:15

24:15

Are our children spending too much time in the digital world and missing out on real-life experiences? What happens when we prioritize screens over face-to-face connections? These are the questions at the heart of my conversation with Katherine Martinko, author of "Childhood Unplugged: Practical Advice to Get Kids Off Screens and Find Balance.” Kat…

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ShiftED Podcast #59 In Conversation with Ken Kahn: In Conversation with Ken Kahn: Infusing Creativity & Curiosity into Al Chatbots 31:09

8M ago31:09

31:09

Ken Kahn takes us on a fascinating journey through the evolution of artificial intelligence in education—from his early days at MIT's AI Laboratory in the 1970s to today's revolutionary chatbot capabilities. As the author of "The Learner's Apprentice: AI and the Amplification of Human Creativity," Ken shares a vision where AI serves not as a replac…

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ShiftED Podcast #58 In Conversation with Devon Warnock & Jennifer Mercer: Building Inclusive Schools 32:47

8M ago32:47

32:47

What if we stopped seeing some students as "difficult to teach" and started designing our classrooms for everyone from the beginning? That's the transformative question at the heart of my conversation with Devon Warnock and Jennifer Mercer, Consultants for Inclusive Education at Lester B Pearson School Board. Both educators began their careers in c…

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ShiftED Podcast #57 In Conversations with Kate Arthur: Redefining Literacy in the Age of AI 30:49

8M ago30:49

30:49

Kate Arthur's journey from English literature graduate to AI education pioneer offers a refreshing perspective on our technological future. Her newly released book "Am I Literate?" poses a crucial question about what literacy means in an age where machines can read, write, and create alongside us. Arthur shares the pivotal moments that shaped her c…

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ShiftED Podcast #56 • In Conversation with Shannon Merenstein of The Creativity Project 29:09

8M ago29:09

29:09

Shannon Merenstein takes us on a fascinating journey through the transformative power of creativity and play in childhood education. Drawing from her rich background as an artist, educator, founder of Hatch Partners in Play, and co-author of "Collage Workshop for Kids," Shannon dismantles the myth that creativity is an innate gift rather than a mus…

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ShiftED Podcast #55 In Conversation with Gabriel Rshaid : The Potential of AI to Revolutionize Learning 29:48

9M ago29:48

29:48

Gabriel Rshaid takes us on a compelling journey through the evolving landscape of education in the age of artificial intelligence. As the director and co-founder of both the Learner Space and the Global School in Argentina, Gabriel brings a unique perspective on how we might harness AI's potential while safeguarding the essential human elements of …

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ShiftED Podcast #54 In Conversation with Valéry Psyché 33:48

9M ago33:48

33:48

Valéry Psyché takes us on a fascinating journey from her physics studies in France to becoming a pioneering researcher and educator in AI education at TELUS University in Quebec. This conversation reveals the complex layers of distance learning design, where teams of experts collaborate to create engaging online learning environments that keep stud…

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ShiftED Podcast #53 In Conversation with Michelle Cummings Ready…Set…Teach! The First-Year Teacher’s Survival Guide 36:00

9M ago36:00

36:00

What makes a first-year teacher not just survive, but truly thrive? Michelle Cummins, author of "The First Year Teacher Survival Guide: Fifth Edition" and education advisor at Brisk Teaching, brings decades of wisdom to this question while exploring the evolving landscape of education. Michelle's remarkable journey from childhood teacher (complete …

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ShiftED Podcast #52 In Conversation with Emily Cherkin: Replace Judgement with Curiosity 27:20

9M ago27:20

27:20

What if our children's screen time challenges aren't actually about them at all? When Emily Cherkin noticed her 7th-grade students increasingly absorbed by social media, they quickly pointed out an uncomfortable truth: "My parents are texting while driving, playing Candy Crush, always on Facebook." This pivotal realization—that screen addiction is …

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ShiftED Podcast #51 In Conversation with JD Williams: The Human Touch in a Digital Classroom 21:03

10M ago21:03

21:03

What does it mean to be a "techno-Victorian" in today's rapidly evolving educational landscape? JD Williams embodies this fascinating philosophy, prioritizing human autonomy while thoughtfully embracing technological augmentation. Our conversation explores this delicate balance at a time when screens increasingly separate us from authentic connecti…

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ShiftED Podcast #50 In Conversation with Lenore Skenazy Free-Range Kids: How Parents and Teachers Can Let Go and Let Grow 33:20

10M ago33:20

33:20

By Lenore Skenazy

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ShiftED Podcast #49 In Conversation with Alfie Kohn: Transforming Education Through Cooperation and Empathy 28:51

11M ago28:51

28:51

Can “traditional" education methods be doing more harm than good? Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with renowned author and lecturer Alfie Kohn, as he challenges the status quo of grading and memorization, advocating for a shift towards fostering cooperation, altruism, and empathy in our schools. Alfie reflects on his own unremarkable s…

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ShiftED Podcast #48 In Conversation with Jenna Jasek: Let The Land Be Our Classroom 28:31

11M ago28:31

28:31

Unlock the secrets of nature-based education with our incredible guest, Jenna Jasek from the Outdoor Learning School/Store. Jenna, with her roots deep in the natural landscapes of rural British Columbia, brings a unique perspective on integrating outdoor experiences into modern educational practices. Listen as she recounts childhood adventures like…

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ShiftED Podcast #47 In Conversation with John Hattie: The stories data can tell us from his book Visible Learning 30:33

11M ago30:33

30:33

What if nearly everything we do in education actually makes a difference? In this episode, we welcome the brilliant John Hattie, a pioneering figure in educational research, to unravel the mysteries behind effective teaching practices. John takes us on a fascinating journey through his career, from his early days in psychometrics and statistics to …

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ShiftED Podcast #46 In Conversation with Dr. Tina Montreuil: Emotional Regulation to the Rescue in Schools & Homes 40:29

11M ago40:29

40:29

Imagine unlocking the secrets to nurturing mental well-being in our schools and communities—this is precisely what Dr. Tina Montreuil, a distinguished figure in counselling psychology at McGill University, helps us explore. Her journey from a passion for teaching to spearheading the Childhood Anxiety and Regulation of Emotions Laboratory (CARE) off…

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ShiftED Podcast #45 In Conversation with Shannon Bell from QUESCREN of Concordia University: Understanding English-speaking communities in Québec 33:10

11M ago33:10

33:10

Shannon Bell is our guest, and she's got quite the story to tell! From her beginnings as a journalist in the United States to becoming a leading voice for the English-speaking community in Quebec, Shannon's journey is filled with fascinating turns. She shares how embracing Francophone culture and learning French, all with the help of her Francophon…

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ShiftED Podcast #44 in Conversation with Melinda Clifford & Kathleen Murray: Year 1 of Summer Literacy Symposium 34:47

12M ago34:47

34:47

Unlock the innovation of English Language Arts (ELA) program in Quebec’s Anglophone schools as we sit down with passionate educators Kathleen Murray (LBPSB) and Melinda Clifford (MEQ). Ever wondered how ELA differs from its French counterpart? Discover the unique, literacy-based approach in classrooms across Quebec, rooted in constructivist learnin…

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ShiftED Podcast #43 In Conversation with Dean Shareski: Infusing more Play, Joy & Love into Education 31:48

1y ago31:48

31:48

What happens when you blend education with joy and curiosity? Dean Shareski, a seasoned educator and our special guest, paints a vivid picture of the transformative power of play-based learning. Despite not having a familial legacy in teaching, Dean discovered his calling amongst the laughter and boundless energy of primary grade classrooms. Listen…

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ShiftED Podcast #42: In Conversation with Kevin Dykema on Rethinking Math Education 29:15

1y ago29:15

29:15

Join us for an engaging discussion with Kevin Dykema, past president of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, as he sheds light on the evolving landscape of math education. Kevin shares his transformation from excelling in rote memorization to prioritizing a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. We explore the challenges educato…

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ShiftED Podcast #41 In Conversation with Ainsley Rose: Developing People, Cultivating Success 36:02

1y ago36:02

36:02

Embark on an inspiring journey with author, consultant, and President of Thistle Educational Development Ainsley Rose, whose career path defied convention and expectation. Starting as a physical education teacher, Ainsley's story is one of serendipity and leadership recognized by others, leading him to a fulfilling 52-year career in teaching and ad…

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ShiftED Podcast #40: In Conversation with Garfield Gini-Newman: The Thinking Classroom 31:02

1y ago31:02

31:02

Education enthusiasts and educators alike will find inspiration in our engaging conversation with Garfield Gini-Newman, a veteran educational expert with an illustrious 40-year career. This episode promises to transform your perspective on critical thinking within the classroom. Learn how Garfield, alongside Dr. Roland Case at the Critical Thinking…

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ShiftED Podcast #39: In Conversation with Megan Webster of Expertise by Design 32:55

1y ago32:55

32:55

Ever wondered how to truly transform educational practices and outcomes? In our latest episode, we promise you'll uncover groundbreaking insights from Megan Webster, a renowned educational expert from Quebec. Discover how her childhood passion for teaching has evolved into a career defined by innovation in professional development. With a focus on …

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ShiftED Podcast #38: In Conversation with Dr. John Spencer on AI and Transformative Learning in Education 26:20

1y ago26:20

26:20

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. John Spencer, a visionary in the realm of educational technology and project-based learning. Discover how Dr. Spencer transitioned from a middle school classroom to becoming a thought leader in educational practices, with a focus not on technology itself but on the passion for learning it can ignite. W…

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ShiftED Podcast #37 In Conversation with Eric Curts on Balancing EdTech and Digital Well-Being 37:43

1y ago37:43

37:43

What happens when a middle school math teacher with a knack for tech becomes a leading voice in education technology? Join us as Eric Curts takes us through his fascinating journey from classroom to tech integration specialist. Eric's story is one of passion and innovation, where hands-on learning meets digital transformation. With engaging anecdot…

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ShiftED Podcast #36: In Conversation with Matt Miller on Embracing EdTech and AI 28:47

1y ago28:47

28:47

Curious about how you can transform your classroom with technology? This week, we feature Matt Miller, a former high school Spanish teacher who has become a prominent voice in the world of educational technology. Broadcasting from his peaceful Indiana home, Matt shares his fascinating journey from teacher to EdTech thought leader. He warmly recount…

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ShiftED Podcast #35: The Tinkering Workshop: Shop Talk with Ryan Jenkins 32:40

1y ago32:40

32:40

What happens when you combine the whimsy of a child's imagination with the rigor of science? Ryan Jenkins, co-founder of the Wonderful Idea Company and an influential personality at the Exploratorium in San Francisco, shares his unexpected journey from working with children to becoming a pioneer in the fusion of art and science. Inspired by mentors…

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ShiftEd Podcast #34: The Power of Play: In Conversation with Head of Education Impact for Lego Education Bo Stern Thomsen 27:39

1y ago27:39

27:39

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…

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ShiftED Podcast #33: In a conversation with Bonnie Schmidt of Let’s Talk Science 34:36

1+ y ago34:36

34:36

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 resourc…

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ShiftEd Podcast 32: In Conversation with Dr. Debbie Pushor 29:58

1+ y ago29:58

29:58

In this 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 character…

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ShiftED Podcast #31 – In Conversation with Lee Crockett 36:56

1+ y ago36:56

36:56

Welcome back to another school year and the start of a new episode of ShiftED podcast. 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 person…

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ShiftEd Podcast #30: In Conversation with Peter Skillen 41:29

1+ y ago41:29

41:29

The conversation explores Peter's path from educator to technology integration leader. He details his early teaching experiences, his passion for computers, and his introduction of Logo programming to students in the 1980s. Peter emphasizes the importance of play in learning, highlighting "tinkering" and "inquiry" as crucial for developing intrinsi…

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ShiftEd Podcast #29: In Conversation with George Couros 25:58

2y ago25:58

25:58

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 sym…

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ShiftEd Podcast #28: In Conversation with Nick Maturo of ELAN 24:48

2y ago24:48

24:48

Nick Maturo, interim CEO of ELAN, the English Language Artists Network, joined Chris Colley, consultant from LEARN and RÉCIT Provincial Service for the Anglophone, 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 …