Best Literacy Quebec Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 83 - Julia Norcross - Preventing the Summer Slide 17:54

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10d ago17:54

17:54

Join our host, Dan Laxer, as he welcomes Julia Norcross, Programs Manager at ABC Life Literacy Canada. They dive into the "Summer Slide"—the challenge of students losing some academic gains over summer break. Julia shares practical tips and creative strategies to help families keep their literacy skills sharp while enjoying all those summer adventu…

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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

10d ago33:13

33:13

Send us a text 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 …

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

18d ago30:54

30:54

Send us a text 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…

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

25d ago29:09

29:09

Send us a text 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 p…

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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

1M ago24:15

24:15

Send us a text 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 Fin…

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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

2M ago31:09

31:09

Send us a text 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 …

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

2M ago32:47

32:47

Send us a text 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 the…

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

2M ago30:49

30:49

Send us a text 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 th…

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

2M ago29:09

29:09

Send us a text 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 ra…

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

2M ago29:48

29:48

Send us a text 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 hum…

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

3M ago33:48

33:48

Send us a text 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…

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

3M ago36:00

36:00

Send us a text 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 tea…

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Episode 82 - Alix Adrien - Quebec Board of Black Educators, Diversity and Inclusivity in the Education System, and More 34:43

3M ago34:43

34:43

In this episode, Dan chats with Alix Adrien, a lifelong educator and President of the Quebec Board of Black Educators (QBBE), a nonprofit education and research institution committed to raising awareness on educational bias, as well as providing academic support and opportunities to communities of colour. Dan chats with Alix about his journey and e…

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

3M ago27:20

27:20

Send us a text 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 scree…

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

3M ago21:03

21:03

Send us a text 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 aut…

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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

4M ago33:20

33:20

Send us a textBy Lenore Skenazy

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

4M ago28:51

28:51

Send us a text 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…

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

5M ago28:31

28:31

Send us a text 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 …

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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

5M ago30:33

30:33

Send us a text 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…

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

5M ago40:29

40:29

Send us a text 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 Labora…

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Episode 81 - Barbara Reid - Family Literacy Day 19:43

5M ago19:43

19:43

Join Dan Laxer and award-winning author and illustrator Barbara Reid in a special Family Literacy episode of the What’s Literacy? podcast. Together, they discuss the importance of learning together as a family, how to foster a love of reading in young children, and so much more. Tune in today and unlock the power of family literacy! Barbara's websi…

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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

5M ago33:10

33:10

Send us a text 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…

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

5M ago34:47

34:47

Send us a text 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 constru…

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

6M ago31:48

31:48

Send us a text 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 cla…

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

6M ago29:15

29:15

Send us a text 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 cha…

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

7M ago36:02

36:02

Send us a text 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 …

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

7M ago31:02

31:02

Send us a text 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 Cr…

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

7M ago32:55

32:55

Send us a text 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. W…

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Episode 80 - Elizabeth Robinson from ABC Life Literacy Canada - Financial Literacy Month 18:32

7M ago18:32

18:32

In the latest episode of What’s Literacy?, we have a new podcast host taking the mic! Dan Laxer is a writer with several years' experience in broadcast media and print journalism. He currently covers the west end for The Suburban, and teaches media and podcasting to elementary school students. Dan interviews Elizabeth Robinson from ABC Life Literac…

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

8M ago26:20

26:20

Send us a text 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 i…

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

8M ago37:43

37:43

Send us a text 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 e…

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

8M ago28:47

28:47

Send us a text 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…

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

8M ago32:40

32:40

Send us a text 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. Insp…

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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

9M ago27:39

27:39

Send us a text 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:/…

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

9M ago34:36

34:36

Send us a text 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 fr…

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

9M ago29:58

29:58

Send us a text 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. P…

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Episode 79 - Brigid Hayes - International Literacy Day 46:10

10M ago46:10

46:10

Today's episode is dedicated to International Literacy Day, which is observed annually on September 8th around the world. This day serves as a reminder for policymakers, practitioners, and the public about the crucial significance of literacy in building a more just, peaceful, and sustainable society. In this episode, Wendy Seys, president of LQ’s …

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

10M ago36:56

36:56

Send us a text 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 sh…

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

1y ago41:29

41:29

Send us a text 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 deve…

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Episode 78 - Enza Ciampanelli, Mie Cook, and Malena Maguiña from The Learning Exchange- Working with Adult Learners 22:12

1y ago22:12

22:12

Welcome to Episode 1 of season 12! Today’s episode is in honour of Adult Learners’ Week, which takes place every year during the first week of April. Adult Learners' Week recognizes the perseverance and achievements of adult learners who may be returning to school or learning a new skill, while juggling other commitments. To celebrate, Jessica spea…

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

1+ y ago25:58

25:58

Send us a text 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 in…

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

1+ y ago24:48

24:48

Send us a text 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 communi…

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Episode 77 - Greg Birkett - Black Canadian History - Black History Month 30:34

1+ y ago30:34

30:34

Greg Birkett is an Ontario-based educational consultant, award-winning educator, author, playwright and slam poet. He is the co-presenter and co-developer of See Us, Learn Us: Teaching the Black Canadian Experience, a nationwide webinar for educators and education stakeholders in partnership with Nelson Education. He has appeared on City TV News an…

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Episode 76 - Kristin Dmytriw - Centre for Family Literacy 20:14

1+ y ago20:14

20:14

Kristin Dmytriw is the Director of Programs and Training at Centre for Family Literacy in Edmonton, Alberta, where she facilitates and adapts programs to meet the needs of families, and helps build capacity in communities by offering training and resources. In this episode, Laura speaks with Kristin to learn more about what the Centre for Family Li…

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Episode 75 - Cyndi Owen - Boundaries and Self-Care 37:37

1+ y ago37:37

37:37

Cyndi Owen is a social worker, and has worked in the Public Health and Social Services field for about 15 years. Throughout her career, she has garnered comprehensive knowledge on the topic of boundaries and self-care. In this episode, Jessica speaks with Cyndi about why boundaries and self-care are important in maintaining better mental health, as…

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ShiftEd Podcast #27: In Conversation with Robert Martellacci 27:25

1+ y ago27:25

27:25

Send us a text Welcome to ShiftED, the podcast where we embark on a journey through the ever-evolving landscape of education technology. On this episode, we have the privilege of navigating the EdTech frontier and beyond with our esteemed guest, Robert Martellacci, CEO of MindShare Learning and C21 Canada. As a seasoned expert in the intersection o…

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Episode 74 - Nadia L. Hohn - Windows, Mirrors, and Sliding Glass Doors 32:27

1+ y ago32:27

32:27

Nadia L. Hohn is an award-winning author, children’s educator, and activist. In this episode, Jessica chats with Nadia about the importance of representation, diversity, and inclusion in children’s literature. Nadia’s website: https://www.nadialhohn.com/ Nadia’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@nadialhohnauthor Orca Books (independently-ow…

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ShiftED Podcast #26: in Conversation with Author Susan Linn 26:38

1+ y ago26:38

26:38

Send us a text World renowned author, psychologist and ventriloquist Susan Linn joined ShiftED podcasts to talk about screen-time’s effects on our youngest learners. We discussed the impacts that marketing has on our children and how to curb kids away from screens and back into creative play. An eye opening conversation for everyone interested in t…

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ShiftED Podcast #25: In Conversation with Scott DeJong: Gamifying Education 29:15

1+ y ago29:15

29:15

Send us a text Scott DeJong is a PhD student in Communication studies at Concordia University examining serious play, web literacy and digital cultures. I recently caught up with Scott to discuss the difference between gamification and game-based learning, the power of gaming in education, social justice games and how to get started with making cla…

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Episode 73 - Matthew Johnson - Media Literacy 37:14

1+ y ago37:14

37:14

Matthew Johnson Director of Education from Media Smarts joins Niamh to talk about Media Literacy Week. Media Literacy Week - October 23rd - 27th "Media Literacy Week is an annual event promoting digital media literacy across Canada, taking place each October. Schools, libraries, museums and community groups organize events and activities throughout…