What Can Educators Learn from Woodworkers in a Pub?

Dean talks with  ed tech consultant Andy McKiel as an example of innovative professional learning that happens outside traditional workshops and even outside education, then they recall first meeting at the 2007 Manitoba Ed Blogger Con focused on early social media and virtual connections. Andy describes moving from a Grade 4 teacher to a district-level digital learning coach role supporting K–12 teachers, and reflects on how classroom technology use has shifted from learning tools to bigger pedagogical purposes, including supporting increasingly diverse and high-needs learners. They discuss critiques that technology hasn’t changed schools, the value of inquiry learning, and how COVID-19 required rapidly training hundreds of teachers on Microsoft Teams and new communication systems. The conversation centers on building community through social, network-driven PD like Ignite events, challenges to in-person participation post-pandemic, and advice for aspiring coaches00:00 Learning Beyond the Bubble02:42 Meeting Andy in 200705:02 From Classroom to Coach07:04 How Teacher Tech Use Evolved09:19 Has Tech Really Changed Schools12:49 Rethinking Professional Learning 18:41 Post Pandemic PD Challenges25:18 Collaboration Culture in Schools28:41 Pandemic Leadership Test31:06 Live Event Momentum31:57 Post Pandemic Tool Hangover32:47 Sharing Culture in Teaching34:09 Advice for Aspiring Coaches 37:34 Curiosity and Vulnerability39:10 Gratitude for Ryan Miller42:20 ISTE Award Backstory44:53 What Im Reading and Watching48:39 Winnipeg Hidden Gems