Thinking and teaching for the digital world

Posted: June 1, 2016 6:00 a.m.

Dr. Alec Couros is Associate Professor of Educational Technology & Media in the Faculty of Education. Photo - U of R Photography

Known as a gifted and dedicated instructor and a strong leader, Alec Couros has been inspiring students in the Faculty of Education and beyond through his innovative approaches to learning and his engaging subject matter.

Couros, an avid Tweeter and blogger, uses the classroom as a space to fuse his interest in digital culture with his love for teaching.

Several years ago, Couros created and delivered a “Massive Open On-Line” class focussed on technology and education. Describing himself as an “open educator,” Couros takes teacher education online and makes it available around the world.

In recognition of these types of virtual pedagogical approaches, Couros was awarded the University of Regina Teaching Award for Excellence for Innovation in Teaching in 2015.

According to Faculty of Education Dean Dr. Jennifer Tupper, “He gives tirelessly of his time to support others, and this is part of what makes him an outstanding educator. He is a reflective teacher, visionary and leader seeking to continually improve his practice, his knowledge, and the experiences he creates for undergraduate and graduate students.”

On average, Couros delivers over 40 keynote sessions per year to other universities and faculties of education, the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education, and school divisions around the world.

So respected is Couros’ expertise that the Ministry invited Couros to create digital citizenship guidelines to be used throughout the province in support of teachers’ and students’ use of technology and social media. In this way, Couros is a true visionary leader in his field.

The University of Regina Alumni Association Award for Teaching Excellence recognizes sustained excellence in leadership and innovation for undergraduate teaching and learning at the University of Regina.