About

I like About pages. In fact, the first time I visit a new site whether it’s a personal blog or business, I check this page out. It provides context around what I just read or am about to read. So with that, here’s what you might want to know.

Someone recently described me by saying, “If you want to learn from Dean, don’t follow him on Twitter but read his blog instead” I thought that was a fair statement. This is the place where I’m pretty serious, or at least focused on my passion for learning and how to make better schools for our kids. Twitter? That’s a different story.

I’m an Educational Consultant for Advanced Learning Partnerships working with schools, districts and governments across North America. I worked as Community Manager for Discovery Education Canada from 2012-2019. From 2002-2012, I worked as a Digital Learning Consultant with the Prairie South School Division in Moose Jaw, SK, Canada. Previous to that I taught grades K-8 for 14 years. 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 Wilkes University.

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 with 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.

In 2016, I published a book called “Embracing Cultures of Joy” which details and summarizes my work and belief around a topic that best describes my beliefs around learning and community. In 2017 I co-authored “Different Schools for a Different World” with Dr. Scott McLeod

More important than any of that is my family. My wife is an educator and my children teach me every day.  I became a grandfather in 2018 and that’s currently how I identify myself. I can’t believe I didn’t do become one sooner. 😉

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.