BC TEAL is proud to present our 2025 Annual Conference: Disruptive Educational Practices: Strategies for Transformation.
Educators shine in times of change to face unexpected challenges. This is when creativity flourishes by combining proven practices with fresh and innovative ideas. These times call for transformation which can be rooted in tradition or experience, or it can arise through unexplored approaches. The synthesis of old and new ideas drives meaningful progress. Join other insightful and creative educators as we flourish within the power of our community.
The session will delve into the challenges educators face in integrating technology, such as limited access, training gaps, and resistance to change. It will also explore the barriers posed by current policies and funding structures, as well as shifting priorities among funders that impact technology implementation in language training programs.
We will then describe a tool for instructors and leaders: technology standards and their importance in guiding change. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of Avenue Technology-enhanced Language Learning (TELL) Standards and their importance in guiding effective integration of technology into settlement language training. Participants will gain insight into the rapidly evolving landscape of learning technologies, identifying both opportunities and obstacles to their adoption.
Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the critical need for technology standards and a clear perspective on how these standards can empower educators to adapt and thrive in a changing settlement landscape. This session is designed for language educators, program administrators, and decision-makers interested in leveraging technology to enhance teaching practices and student outcomes.
Through engaging discussions, participants will reflect on their own experiences and identify strategies to overcome obstacles while embracing opportunities for innovation. The session sets the foundation for practical, hands-on exploration in the second part of the workshop.
Deborah is a teacher educator, the 2019-2020 President of TESOL International Association, and a contributor to TESOL and Avenue Technology Standards publications.
Lead Evaluator and Researcher, New Language Solutions
Matthias Sturm has been researcher and evaluator for the Avenue-LearnIT2teach Project since 2010. Matthias is also working on a PhD in digital inclusion and equity.
