Canadian Educators Recognized for iNACOL Innovation Awards
Four outstanding programs and educators were recognized by the Canadian eLearning Network (CANeLearn) as nominees for one of four innovation awards presented by iNACOL (International Association for K-12 Online Learning http://www.inacol.org/members/awards/). The iNACOL Innovator Awards recognize learning practices, new research and individual achievements in the field blended and online learning.
CANeLearn nominees were:
- Blended and Online Learning Teacher of the Year
- Josh Gray, eLearning and Blended Teacher at A. B. Lucas Secondary School with Thames Valley District School Board, London ON (Ontario – http://www.tvdsb.ca/webpages/grayj1/)
- Innovative Blended and Online Learning Practice Award
- The Navigate Program of the North Island Distance Education School, Courtenay BC (British Columbia – http://www.navigatenides.com/ contact is Jeff Stewart, District Principal)
- Research Award
- Michael Barbour for his work on virtual schooling in Canada and the State of the Nation: K-12 Online Learning in Canada reports and research (https://virtualschool.wikispaces.com/canada)
- Outstanding Individual Contribution to K-12 Blended and Online Learning Award
- Maurice Barry (retired) for his work with the Centre for Distance Learning and Innovation, St. John NL (Newfoundland/Labrador – https://www.cdli.ca/)
The nominees are deserving of their recognition:
- Michael Barbour has been a tireless support for the development of CANeLearn and advocate for the advancement of Canadian-based research about the increasing online and blended learning occurring in Canada. Since 2008 the annual State of the Nation: K-12 Online Learning in Canada report has been central in shining a light on innovative practice across Canada and Michael has been principal researcher and manager of the project (CANeLearn has stepped in to help sponsor this research and support its expansion). Click here to download more information.
- Maurice Barry has been a pioneer in online learning for decades at the Newfoundland and Labrador’s Centre for Distance Learning and Innovation where he authored or co-authored over forty books and guides. For years Maurice was the voice of CDLI’s innovative practices that have been replicated by other online programs. He has garnered recognition with a public service award of excellence and administrator of the year awards. Click here to download more information.
- Josh Gray has mentored teachers from the Thames Valley District in online learning for years and is a recognized leader and presenter, followed by many. Teachers in Ontario have incorporated his unique ideas and incorporated his practices to the benefit of their students. Click here to download more information.
- The Navigate Program offers diverse innovative programs that Navigate has developed these past years including its ENTER program, Fine Arts eCademy, iClass K-12, Leadership Program, VEX Robotics and our Independent Learning Centres in the three secondary schools. Their blended programs are a result of the creative capacity and hard work of staff along with support from the entire community. Click here to download more information.
In 2012 Peggy Drolet and Audrey McGoldrick from LEARN (http://learnquebec.ca/) were recognized for an innovation award and in 2013 our own Verena Roberts, CANeLearn Chief Innovation Officer, was a co-recipient of the Innovative Blended and Online Learning Practice Award in recognition of her work in creating The Open Classroom while at the Alberta Distance Learning Centre (http://www.adlc.ca/).