PAST SESSIONS

2022 Session 4:
App-palooza! Expanding learning and accessibility with mobile devices and apps

Delivered on November 15, 2022, 1:30 to 4:00 pm

"I found that the speakers had great tools to use and that the sharing of those tools was great! There is a vast amount of knowledge out there and to be able to listen to how people are using the various apps/tools was very informative. Knowing the different organizations that are working with this kind of education to help individuals and having the ability to connect with them is great!"


"This has motivated us to use the different apps and learn how useful it will be for our learners."


"So many apps for so many clients! Awesome! Will research accessibility apps for sure!"

ZOOM SESSION RECORDING

SESSION RESOURCES

SLIDES

QUICK LINKS

AP Virtual Showcase 2022 - Session 4
Jennifer's slides.pptx
January's slides
Rick's slides.pptx
Ryan's slides

SESSION DESCRIPTION

Using tablets and mobile devices in literacy settings opens up many stimulating opportunities but finding and choosing apps, with so many to choose from, can be a daunting challenge. How many apps do we really need to use? What apps are learners actually using and asking for? 


Join us for a discussion with guest presenters and Tech Q&A to share and explore what and how instructors use mobile devices and apps in their practice. We will share and explore together examples of interesting approaches and apps that you might want to add to your tech toolbox as well. 


GUEST PRESENTERS 

Organizations/presenters from various sectors will be represented during the discussion component of the event.

Jennifer Ellis

Executive Director at Gateway Centre for Learning 

For over 12 years, Jennifer Ellis has actively promoted awareness of literacy issues and provided learning opportunities for adults in the Midland community who may not qualify for other educational programs. Jennifer began volunteering with the Midland Area Reading Council (MARC) in 2004. The following year she was hired full time as a Small Group Instructor and also became Student Tutor Coordinator. In 2006 she was promoted to Adult Program Coordinator. Several years ago MARC became Gateway Centre for Learning, and Jennifer is the Executive Director.

January Fraser

Program Coordinator at Orillia and District Literacy Council (ODLC)

January began as a learner looking for employment, where she took a soft skills class at the Orillia and District Literacy Council in early 2017. She was looking for work to support herself and her son Dylann at the time. She then got invited to be a volunteer for the computer class, and a few months later was asked if she wanted to become a tutor. She said yes, but had no experience. With the support and encouragement from the Executive Director Cathy, she took a training course in Barrie. Soon after, she took on a temporary role of the Program Coordinator. It's been more than 5 years since January came to ODLC and she is still learning her role as a Program Coordinator. 

Rick Doelle

Small Group instructor at the Hamilton Literacy Council

Rick is a part-time Small Group instructor at the Hamilton Literacy Council. He teaches introductory computer classes, introductory iPad classes and basic budgeting. He started there as a volunteer tutor in 2011. Rick is working with the Program Developer & Project Lead, Carol Risidore, to secure grants and deliver digital technology training to seniors in the Hamilton area. 

Ryan Pike

Basic Skills Instructor at the Labour Education Centre

Ryan Pike began volunteering in the adult literacy field in 2012 at Frontier College and the Davenport Perth Neighbourhood and Community Health Centre in Toronto. Since 2014 he has worked at the Labour Education Centre as an adult literacy instructor specializing in basic digital skills, where he has designed and implemented a variety of digital literacy courses for adults learning to use smartphones, tablets, laptop and desktop computers. He also currently works as the digital technology specialist for Metro Toronto Movement for Literacy’s (1-year) project, Smartphones and Employment Skills.