June 2012
Celebration of Excellence
Spotlight on Australia
Issue 5, Volume 5
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Exclusive Podcast Interview with Susan Mann on Australia's Digital Transformation in Education Susan Mann, CEO, Education Services Australia, recently sat down for a MindShare Learning moment with Robert Martellacci at the Content in Context International Summit in Washington D.C.
Dear Thought Leader, It's one of my favourite and most memorable times of the year in education. I reflect back on high school graduation, university convocation and observing our kids progress through the grades, learning, growing and achieving.
Hence, our special Celebration of Excellence issue honours: students, education, and industry leaders who excelled through the past school year.
I think of our National Classroom Video Challenge contest winners where teachers engaged their students using technology to share their awesome learning. We're looking forward to honouring our winners at our 4th Annual Can/Am Partnering Celebration at ISTE12 in San Diego later this month. More to celebrate: There are the Prime Minister Awards, Premier Awards and of course for industry, the CODIE Awards--special congratulations to our clients: Adaptive Curriculum, Discovery Education and Pearson, worthy recipients ofthe prestigious awards for excellence in education software solutions.
This is an excellent segue to our inaugural Canadian EdTech Blogger of the Year Awards launching this month to recognize education leaders who go well beyond the call of duty to create and share resources. Check out the link to learn more about how you can nominate a blogger.
This report is in honour of all the excellent work you do in education. Our team is inspired each month to share the vast and growing news stories of Canadian education leaders leveraging technology to support student success.
Speaking of excellence, you don't want to miss Tim Gard's review of Dr. Michael Fullan's new book Stratosphere. A must read for education and industry leaders who are immersed in transforming digital learning in the 21st century. Dr. Fullan's timing on this book is excellent as I have just returned from the Content in Context International Summit in D.C. A read of Fullan's book has helped reinforce and crystallize how technology needs to integrate tightly with pedagogy. We're hoping to have Dr. Fullan keynote at our Fall EdTech Summit! Stay Tuned!
With that, I thank you, our loyal thought leadersfor nurturing and supporting our growth over the past five years. Finally, I want to especially thank our team; staff, sponsors and advisory board members,whose passion to transform learning in the 21st century is reflected in everything we do.
Until next time, keep the learning curve steep! Cheers, R.
 P. S. It's not too late to complete our national EdTech teacher survey! Qualify to WIN an iPad!

Follow us on Twitter @mindsharelearn
Robert Martellacci
M.A. EdTech
Publisher & Managing Editor, The MindShare Learning Report™
President, MindShare Learning™-- Connecting Education & Business to Support Student Success
 Before printing think about the Environment. Avant l' impression, il faut penser � l'Environnement
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Advisory Board Members
The MindShare Report is grateful of the guidance and support provided by our esteemed advisory board. Members include:
Laurent Burman, M.B.A., Vice President of Sales and Business Development, GlobalScholar
Chip Fesko, Sr. Director of Advertising & Strategic Alliances, George Lucas Educational Foundation, Edutopia Magazine
Timothy Gard, Educator - Media Literacy & Technology, Toronto District School Board Dr. Eric Hamilton, Associate Dean of Education, Pepperdine University, Graduate School of Education and Psychology Marty Keast, President, Pearson Learning K-12 Canada Gary Kern, Principal, Technology & Innovation, West Vancouver School District Dr. Greg Malszecki, Professor, Department of Kinesiology & Health Sciences, York University David Marsi, AVP, Learning & Development, Invesco Jamie McNamara, Superintendent of Schools, St. Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic Schools, Leduc, Alberta Dr. Ron Owston, Director, Institute for Research on Learning Technology, York University Cheryl Paige, Principal, Joyce Public School, Toronto District School Board
Dr. Camille Rutherford, Associate Professor, Education at Brock University Ron Sedran, MD, Equity Capital Markets, Canaccord Adams Joni Turville, B.Ed, M. Ed (Instructional Technology), Educator, AISI Coordinator, St. Albert Protestant Schools
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Title sponsor

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Quotes of the Month
"The Government of Canada's investment in CANARIE is a clear indication of the importance of this vital infrastructure for world-leading research and innovation in Canada" -Jim Roche, President and CEO of CANARIE. Click here for full story
"While the change is radical it will not be as hard as it may seem if we can organize technology, the new pedagogy, and change knowledge to guide the transformation"
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 Hail to the Victors! First World Robotics Championships
Governor Simcoe's FIRST Robotics team was awarded the highest honour a team can achieve at the 2012 FIRST World Championships. Team 1114, Simbotics, St. Catharines, Ontario. DSBN students along with lead teacher Greg Phillips proudly display their Robotic Creations at the ConnectEd12 recently in Niagara Falls. |

The Capital Educators' Awards recognize the achievements of outstanding educators and celebrates public education in our community - across the entire spectrum from kindergarten to PhD. Award recipients are announced at a gala dinner and ceremony each spring, aptly called EduGala. |
A MindShare Learning moment with soon to retire award winning,TDSB Principal, Cheryl Paige, who shares her secrets to success
A tribute to Principal Paige: It's been an immense honour and privilege to have collaborated with Principal Paige while conducting my Master's thesis research at Joyce Public School. Since that time, I've come to appreciate and value the excellent care and leadership that Ms. Paige displayed for her teachers and students. Her ability to empower, nurture and support her team with the essential tools helped engage and raise the bar for all students at Joyce Public School. She always emphasized the importance of strong pedagogy and linkage to curriculum with any technology deployment.
About Principal Cheryl Paige: She was honoured with the Claude Watson outstanding teaching award for innovation, The Learning Partnership Principal Award, Ontario Reading Association Award, her teachers have won prime minister and premier teaching awards; Joyce Public School has won two national technology awards and two TDSB awards for excellence during her tenure.
Through 41 years of dedication and vision, and with ferocious spirit, Cheryl has worked towards enhancing education for children. She has mentored and motivated teachers. She has explored innovative new technologies to help improve how students learn and how teachers teach.
Thank you for your friendship, mentorship and inspiration. Best wishes, R.M.
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Quick Facts on Australia's Digital Revolution 
 The Digital Education Revolution (DER) aims to contribute sustainable and meaningful change to teaching and learning in Australian schools that will prepare students for further education, training and to live and work in a digital world.
- Australian government is investing over $2.4 billion to support the effective integration of ICT in Australian schools
- This Spring the Australian government announced a four-year $27.2 million program to support the development of online and interactive education and training projects
- The Australian government is working to increase connectivity with the National Broadband Network which will deliver high speed broadband connections to individual school
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Atlantic Innovation Fund Invests $12 Million in Canadian Companies Developing Cool Technology 29/05/12, TechVibes Federal government announced that $12 million from the Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF) would be going to six of the most innovative technology companies in the province. Read more
Minister of State Gary Goodyear Announces Three New National Centres of Excellence 30/05/12, CDMN News The Honourable Gary Goodyear, PC, MP Minister of State (Science and Technology) was in Montreal yesterday to announce three new National Centres of Excellence (NCEs). |

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Canada at CIC12 in D.C.: Brittany Collinge of Webcom, a Canadian based publisher shows off a national award captured recently during the publisher showcase. Congrats!
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Where there is chaos, there is opportunity especially given the digital revolution that we currently find ourselves in education. Exciting times for sure. There are some key conferences not to be missed in the digital learning space. The Content in Context International Summit in D.C. proved to be just that. Below is a blog I wrote while immersed in the conference.
As I write this piece, I'm in D.C at the Content in Context Summit, where I'm attending the International Market Forum where education publishers from print and digital have gathered to explore the future of content delivery. The good news is that a number of Canadian publishers were represented. What is clear, "content is no longer king." Emerging delivery models present exciting possibilities for education. Case in point, my podcast interview with Susan Mann, CEO, Learning Resources Australia. Ms. Mann led the establishment of a national digital learning portal for the country. If you tune into the podcast you'll get a few golden nuggets of how they established themselves as global leaders in the delivery of digital learning resources.
 Mindshare will be hosting an upcoming Digital Publishing Webinar in July. We'll keep you posted! Check out the twitter hashtag for conference highlights #CIC12. Watch for us at ISTE12! We're looking for interested companies attending ISTE looking to forge partnership at our Can/AM Partnering Celebration June 25th. Please drop me a note if you're interested in attending. Cheers, R.M. |
 | Pictured above: (L-R) Robert Martellacci, MindShare Learning; Kevin Maves, DSBN Board Chair; Mayor Diodati; |
 | Meeting of the MindShare Minds--Annual Advisory Board meeting |
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Interview with Niagara Falls Mayor Diodati & Kevin Maves, DSBN Board Chair at the Ultimate Game Challenge Niagara
The interview highlights the impact of gaming on education and the digital innovation hub that is emerging in the Niagara region led by partnerships with the City of Niagara Falls, DSBN, Brock University and local area Colleges.
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  Learn the Olympic Values, Live the Olympic Legacy 05/29/12, CoedComm As we head into the final 80 days to the London 2012 Olympic Games, the Canadian Olympic Team will launch a dynamic new brand campaign celebrating Canada's outstanding Olympic hopefuls as they prepare to compete for Canada in London 2012. Follow their journey online at www.olympic.ca
What America Can Learn From Ontario's Education Success 04/04/12, The Atlantic In the last decade, the Canadian province dramatically improved its education system to become one of the best in the world. Its innovative strategy can provide a blueprint for U.S. reform. Read more
How to Provoke Innovation in Your School - A Teacher's Blueprint Many educators and parents have posed a similar question about our trailblazing work. It is often phrased as, "How were you able to get away with this? Read more
Alberta's exceptional educators honoured with prestigious awards 18/05/12, Government of Alberta A select group of Alberta's kindergarten to Grade 12 teachers and principals will be recognized in Calgary on May 26 as recipients of the province's Excellence in Teaching Awards. The award recipients were nominated by students, parents, colleagues and communities. Read more
ePals' In2Books� Program Wins SIIA CODiE Award for Best Reading/English Instructional Solution In2Books Program Earns Prestigious Industry Recognition 21/05/12, ePals ePals, an education media company and leading safe social learning network, today announced that the In2Books program won an SIIA CODiE Award for Best Reading/English Instructional Solution. Read more
Summer Rejuvenation Guide Ten Teacher Tips For Getting The Most Out Of Your Summer It's time for you! Time to relax, reflect, and recharge. Download Edutopia's Summer Rejuvenation Guide!
Microsoft Canada announces student winners of Imagine Cup 2012 05/10/12, Microsoft Canada, Showcasing some of the country's brightest young minds, Microsoft Canada is proud to announce the winners of the 2012 Imagine Cup Canada, a design competition that encourages students to change the world through the innovative use of the latest technology tools. Read more
Flipped Classroom: Beyond the Videos "The Problem with TED ed." The flipped classroom model and how it is being defined. Read more |
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Join us at ASI 2012 and hear our keynote speaker Nora Young talk about Making Meaning from Information in the Coming Data Boom.
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Book Review: Stratosphere by Dr. Michael Fullan By Timothy Gard, Educator, Toronto District School Board Twitter @MindShareK12

No one would argue that Michael Fullan is committed and devoted to system change in education. His reputation as an expert in education, especially in change management and leadership, speaks for itself. His books, articles and counsel have been much sought after in a world looking for leadership when what we have known - the past imperative - has come face-to-face with the present imperative - change or die. Michael Fullan in his new book entitled, Stratosphere, writes that there are three big ideas that have needed each other for four decades. Over the course of these 40 years this triad of ideas have come to place where they can engage each other in meaningful relationship, if you like. Fullan calls the marriage of pedagogy with change knowledge and technology the Stratosphere. Read more |
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Why We Need Teacher-Innovators (Part 2) By Timothy Gard, Educator, Toronto District School Board Twitter @MindShareK12 If you read part 1 of this piece you will have noticed that there is so very much more to say about innovation and teachers and how teachers need to become more innovative in general, but more specifically using technology as the powerful enhancer in teaching and learning.
More Research Oriented Classrooms Driven by Teacher-Innovators
We cannot continue to rest on our laurels as high achievers in the OECD ranking in public education. We are not alone; many if not most of the countries that are ranked in the top twenty OECD rankings are making every effort to invest in change in education, including but not limited to creating innovative approaches to teaching and learning using technology. I don't believe that simply 'throwing' technology at an education system will produce change or create an innovative environment. I do believe however that if we give teachers the tools to explore, and challenge their old pedagogical paradigms we will see innovation happen and an educational system that can meet the needs that students have now and in the future. Read more |
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A Plan for Technology Integration School 02/05/12, CIO I've been working on our school's technology budget for next year, so I'm looking at our "needs" and "wants" closely, knowing items in both categories will be cut due to dwindling budgets that I'm sure most districts are well acquainted with. Read more
Adobe study reveals tablet traffic has grown 10 times faster than smartphone traffic 05/15/12, Enhanced Online News The report found that tablet devices will generate more Web traffic than smartphones by early 2013 and that CoSN Updates Value of Technology Investments ToolsEdNet Insight 14/05/12 The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN), as part of its K-12 Value of Investment (VOI) Initiative, is now offering refreshed Value of Investment (VOI) Methodology and Tools. Read more
Raspberry Pi arrives in the classroom 30/05/12, Wired UK The single-board computer, which was developed in the UK by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, has attracted much attention for the potential it could hold in teaching kids the basics of computer science Read more |

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MindShare Learning's Publisher Robert Martellacci recently had an opportunity to connect with John Ruffolo, CEO, OMERS Ventures. We're pleased to spotlight OmersVentures as one of the most exciting start-up venture firms based in Toronto.
OMERS Ventures is the venture capital arm of OMERS, one of Canada's largest pension funds with over $55 billion in net assets.
Focus: We invest in and partner with the best and brightest entrepreneurs in the technology, media and telecommunications industry to build a prosperous future and a vibrant and successful knowledge economy.
One of the most notable investments they recently made is in one of Canada's hottest social media companies Award Winning Hootsuite.
Canadian startups struggle to attract talent 15/05/12, Financial Post Unlike previous years where growing revenues and finding funding weighed more heavily on Canadian startups, last year it was finding warm bodies that was the biggest challenge. Read more |
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 Dr.Gary Stager shares his insights around emerging trends in classroom instruction using technology in preparation for his Constructing Modern Knowledge Summer Institute  Dr. Stager, an internationally recognized educator and consultant, has spent twenty-eight years helping teachers on six continents make sense of their roles in the age of personal computing and schools more constructive places for children. He is an expert in at-risk education and school reform.
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Recognizing Innovation: New award will acknowledge "amazing and powerful" approaches to teaching and learning Presented by Canada's Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE) the Desire2Learn Innovation Award will recognize nominees who are using new and powerful teaching methods that promote student engagement and improve students' ability to apply what they learn. Read more
 International Education Strategy a roadmap for B.C.'s future 28/05/12, B.C. Government B.C. has a new International Education Strategy that supports the two-way flow of students, giving local students new opportunities to study abroad, and welcoming those arriving from overseas. Read more
College Students Boost Digital Adoption, According to CourseSmart Survey 23/05/12, MarketWatch Research shows that majority of students are more likely to bring a laptop than a print textbook to class with 53% of device owners reading eTextbooks frequently. Read more |
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CANHEIT: Building the Digital University | June 10 - 13, 2012 | Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
2012 International E-Learning Awards - Business Division is Now Open for Submissions
CeLEA 04/12/11
Read more
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Focus on Canadian Excellence in Web 2.0 
Revolutionize the way you get feedback, qidiq allows you to ask feedback questions that can be answered with a single click.
Vidyard is an online video platform - it's the simplest way to add professional video to a website.
HighScore House is an online game that is powered by the real-world.
 Top Hat Monocle is a web based classroom response system that has revolutionized clickers. |
I spent the past week delivering my resumes in person to various principals (or their school secretaries) in one of the GTA regions. My resume was well received as it clearly showed that I am an advocate for technology in the classroom. However, as I (anxiously) wait for the callback, I thought I would share some tips for communicating your passion for digital pedagogy. Read more
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Green Mountain Energy Company donates $30,000 to Waco's Live Oak Classical School for Solar Installation 05/22/2012, PRWeb Green Mountain Energy Company proudly presented a donation in the amount of $30,000 to Live Oak Classical School (500 Clay Ave.) for a solar installation on the school. Students, faculty and community members were present at the ceremony which recognized students for their scholastic accomplishments and announced the solar donation from Green Mountain. Read more
 New $23M school models sustainability, supports community 24/05/12, B.C. Ministry of Education Students celebrated the official opening of the new North Saanich Middle school today by highlighting the environmentally friendly features of the new school in a presentation to Education Minister George Abbott, MLA Murray Coell and Saanich school district officials. Read more YouTube Video |
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Re-imagining the educational experience through games By Aislinn Malszecki, Digital Media Specialist, MindShare Learning @MindShareYouth 
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The Epson 2012 Brighter Futures Catalogue is now Available! Find everything you need to turn your classroom into an engaging, 21st century learning environment in the Epson 2012 education catalogue. Browse through the selection of new products, helpful information, and a wide selection of the products you know and rely on. Browse now
Dell to provide hardware, services to Ontario schools 31/05/12, ComputerWorld Canada Dell will provide desktops, laptops, tablets and netbooks to publicly funded schools, colleges and universities across the province. An Ontario public sector procurement corporation says deal could lead to tens of millions in purchasesDell Inc. has won a bid to provide Ontario schools with computer hardware and services over the next few years.
SMART Notebook app for iPad brings software to students04/05/12, SMART SMART Technologies Inc. announces the upcoming release of the SMART Notebook app for iPad, which allows students to use SMART Notebook collaborative learning software on their personal or school-owned iPad.Read more
Tech4Learning releases Pixie Home Edition05/08/12, Tech4LearningTech4Learning has released the Pixie Home Edition, a trimmed-down version of the award-winning Pixie software, that provides an affordable ($19.95 on Amazon) way to continue the learning at home.Read more
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Each month MindShare Learning, in partnership with Education Canada Network, features 3 employment opportunities from education employers from around the country. For more information on each feature opportunity click on the following links. If you would like to search for further opportunities we encourage you to visit Education Canada Network at educationcanada.com
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Registered Apprenticeship/Work Experience Summer Coordinator Grande Prairie and District Catholic Schools There is a plan to offer RAP and Work Experience to students during the summer of July and August 2012. Although the students will be enrolled and placed for the summer, the successful applicant may be required to place students and will be responsible for on-site monitoring, data collection, and evaluation of students. Learn more and apply
Student Support/Inclusive Schooling Consultant Beaufort - Delta Education Council Learning Consultant, Early Childhood, permanent, full time (1 FTE) to commence August 27, 2012. Candidates will have a background in As a key member of a dedicated educational leadership team responsible for providing consultative and collaborative support to BDEC schools. Learn more and apply
Coordinator of New Teachers & Student Advisories Fort McMurray Public Schools No. 2833
Fort McMurray Public Schools No. 2833 is currently seeking qualified applicants for the position of Coordinator of New Teachers & Student Advisories. Learn more and apply
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If you are an employer and would like to have your job featured in our next issue email mindshare@educationcanada.com |
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The Connectors, Leaders, and People on the Move


What a treat to get the pic below from national MindShare Learning Video Challenge contest winner, Heidi Siwak, showing off her technology prize package that arrived, hence, Christmas in May. We look forward to honouring all of our winners at the Can/Am Partnering Celebration @ ISTE12 June 25th.
I've been spending a fair bit of time in Niagara region lately as we're looking to partner with DSBN and Brock University to host a national technology conference next May. If you're interested in joining in, please drop me a note.
Speaking of conferences, it was great to see a number of Canadian companies at ContentinContext 2012 in D.C.: ePals , GoVenture, Webcom, SMART Technologies, to name a few, albeit Canada was not fully represented. It leads me to ponder whether Canada is truly at the forefront of the digital revolution in education? This is perhaps a wake-up call and an opportunity to make digital publishing a focus at our November 13 EdTech Summit at York University. Drop me a note if you have thoughts on presentation topics.
Here's an interesting stat I picked up from the CIC Summit. Did you know the U.S. accounts for 28% of the global education budget? This is staggering when you consider we're talking trillions of dollars.
It's always great to connect with Dr. Nelson Heller. Congrats to him and Michael Jay of Educational Systemics for pulling together an excellent inaugural CIC International Forum. It's always great to meet new thought leaders in Beth Martin, Director of Education Development. They are very much at the forefront of digital publishing distribution. Checkout their website: http://txtr.com/de/
Overall, the CIC12 Summit was a strategic professional learning forum for industry leaders immersed in the digital learning space. We're planning a Canadian webinar around this topic as I see it being one of the most critical challenges that will impede Canada's ability to innovate if we are not leading in the digital delivery of learning to prepare our future leaders.
It was great to catch-up with SMART's Michael Ward at the York U Alumni golf tourney yesterday in support of athletic bursaries. A perfect day and a good amount of funds were raised. It was cool to chat with Dr. Dave Chambers, former NHL coach and York University professor emeritus, about digitizing some of his renowned hockey books. Can you imagine bringing some of those drills to life?
Do you agree with this headline? Is Canada lagging behind in online education? Read the articleand let's have a dialogue.
Here's a cool link for teachers and parents with kids in elementary - good search engaging for schools.
Interesting to note this recent article, "What America can learn from Ontario's education success". Sometimes as Canadians we tend to be more humble about our successes. It's nice to see foreign journalists validating the good things happening in Canada. Checkout the following link.
I'm looking forward to attending ERAC's Tech conference next week in Vancouver. I'm also looking forward to the upcoming strategy meeting with C21Canada secretariat. Be sure to checkout c21canada.org to review and comment on the 2.0 version of the Shifting Minds document.
One final note, I love this infographic on Old School vs New School from Colorado Technical University
Until next time, walk the digital talk! Cheers, R.M.
Christmas in May!
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Two prizes from our MindShare Learning award came today. It's Christmas in May. Thank you Pearson for the books And Smart Technologies for all those boxes, writes Heidi Siwak recently in her twitter feed.
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Be sure to check out our featured suppliers in our Buyer's Guide on the MindShare Learning website. 
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About Us
The MindShare Learning Report team is made up of the following individuals:
Robert Martellacci, M.A. Ed Tech., Publisher and Managing Editor, contact: robert@mindsharelearning.com
Timothy Gard, M.A., B.Ed K-12 Editor, contact: tim.gard@gmail.com
Aislinn Malszecki, B.A. Hons., Digital Media Specialist, contact: aislinn@mindsharelearning.com
Valerie Rusnov, B.A. Hons., B.Ed., Editor
Terri-Jo Fennell, B.A., B.Ed, Jr. Digital Education Consultant
About The MindShare Learning Report™ -- Canada's Leading, Learning & Technology eMagazine.
Our mission is to transform education by sharing knowledge of 21st Century innovative best practices and success stories in the Canadian education market space and beyond. We harness the power of Web 2.0 technologies to feature engaging Vodcasts, podcasts, polling, Canadian educational technology news headlines & upcoming strategic industry events in the K-12, Higher Ed and corporate eLearning market segments. Other elements of the MSL Report eMagazine include: successful practices, ask an educator, ask a professor, research & tech tools, GreenIT and career listings, to support educators and educational technology providers in maintaining a pulse for emerging trends in Canada. mindsharelearning.com/report
Editorial content for the monthly issue is due the third week of each month.
Please forward your news releases as web links to
info @ mindsharelearning.com
Advertising opportunities are available, please contact,
info @ mindsharelearning.com
Annual subscriptions to the MindShare Learning Report can be purchased at $99 CDN
About MindShare Learning
MindShare Learning is a privately held company based in the Greater Toronto Area, Canada. Its hallmark is providing strategic marketing solutions to learning & technology solution providers in the K-12, HED and corporate learning markets, to support new market expansion and revenue growth. MindShare Learning's partial client list includes: Adobe (Macromedia), Blackboard Inc., EPSON, GlobalScholar, Learning.com, RM PLC UK, Softease Ltd. UK, netTrekker, IMSI (ClipArt.com), CERC (Canadian Education Resources Council), Tech4Learning, Xoolon, NECTAR Foundation and ERDI Canada.
mindsharelearning.com
Inquire about our EdTech Strategy Consulting Services.
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