Community+Leaders

Dr. Alec Couros
couros@gmail.com Skype: aleccouros Twitter: [] Blog: []

Welcome PLP'ers! My name is Alec Couros and I'm a professor of educational technology and media at the Faculty of Education, [|University of Regina]. I am very much looking forward to this coming year working and learning with all of you, and I am delighted to be part of the team headed by Sheryl & Will. I believe this will be an extraordinary opportunity for all involved and I am excited to be here.

In my role at the U of R, I work with preservice and current teachers in helping them understand new media and emerging technologies as these apply in learning environments. I feel like I have one of the best jobs in the world. Seriously. I get to play with the latest gadgets and toys. I work with aspiring and passionate educators. And most of all, I connect my students with some of the most amazing educators from around the world. I teach and learn in this age of connectedness, and I am incredibly excited to share the new possibilities for teaching and learning with all of you.

Do not hesitate to introduce yourself through any of the information provided above (e.g., email, skype, Twitter, etc.). Lets connect soon!

shareski@gmail.comSkype: dean_shareski Twitter: [] Blog: [|Ideas And Thoughts]
 * Dean Shareski**

I'm in year two working with Sheryl and Will and while I've learned lots, I'm not done yet. If all goes well, I'll never be done. That's the lens and perspective I bring to this and pretty much life in general.

I've been very fortunate to work in a progressive school district in Saskatchewan Canada that has rarely said no to any of the wild ideas I've had. Not that all of them work perfectly but they've been crucial in understanding what works, what doesn't and where we need to go to help kids learn better. In addition, I teach pre-service teachers at the University of Regina. Lest you think that generation is receiving an updated education that is preparing them for the challenges of the 21st century, think again. As I remind them often, they are the winners; school worked well for them so the impetus for change is sometimes hard to muster.

If there's one thing I've noticed in my work with teachers is that they are not selfish enough. (Will has written about this often too.) As they strive to meet the diverse and enormous needs of their students, they often neglect their own learning. Given the continued complexities and challenges facing today's classrooms, this is of great concern.

PLP is a tremendous opportunity to take some time for your own learning. We need models of learners for our students. The transparency and openness afforded to us by technology gives us a great way for us to share and model learning. That's what I hope we'll do together. I feel privileged to work with Will, Sheryl, John and all of you. My own selfish goals is to add a few dozen great educators to my personal learning network.

Just a heads up, I discovered that my name contains the word "share" in it and I share lots. You may get to know me better than you'd like. I've given you fair warning