About

Dean Shareski (that would be me) is a Digital Learning Consultant with the Prairie South School Division in Moose Jaw, SK, Canada. I specialize in the use of technology in the classroom. I hold a Masters of Education in Communications and Technology through the University of Saskatchewan. I also am a sessional lecturer for the University of Regina.

As of January 2012, I'll be working for Discovery Education as the Community Manager of the Canadian DEN or Discovery Educators Network.

Since late 2004 I've been immersed in understanding what the Read/Write Web is all about and how the new shape of knowledge changes how we all learn. I believe teachers and students ought to use technology to connect ideas and learners in safe, relevant, authentic ways to answer questions, share ideas and develop community. Learning can be, and should be, fun and personal. I was fortunate to be awarded the 2010 ISTE Award for Outstanding Leadership in Technology and Education. This honor is mostly a reflection of the great people I work with both within my school division and beyond. My greatest asset is that I know smart people and how to find them.

I've been fortunate to work along side Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach and Will Richardson in varying roles for the Powerful Learning Practice. This company offers a unique professional learning experience for educators around the world. It has been a great learning experience for me as I help create community and learning in virtual spaces and help teachers change practice to improve learning for students. 

I mostly blog here but occasionally for Tech and Learning Magazine and the Huffington Post. 

More important than any of that is my family. I've been married for 26 years to my lovely wife Paula. She's a teacher-librarian and part time quilter. We have 4 children ages 24,21,19 and 12. They are all very different and yet all amazing. Thank goodness for their mother. I developed a strong interest in videography. I run a small business on the side that includes developing video for businesses and personal requests as well such as weddings and funerals and special projects. I've also designed and manage a number of websites.  Other than technology, my passions include golf, music, travel and my faith. I write out of a strong belief that school and learning must be different. My personal growth as a learner has been exponential as a result of my exploration of technology and connectivity to some of the best and brightest in education today. I'm discovering that great minds and ideas exist locally and also through personal, virtual connections.

 

Disclaimer: This weblog contains the opinions and ideas of Dean Shareski. While there may be references to my work and content which relates directly to my work, the ideas are mine alone and are not necessarily shared by my employer. This is my space, I pay for it and attempt to share ideas and thoughts (hence the blog title) in a respectful, appropriate manner. Learning is conversation.