Faculty Spotlight


Shirley Anne Swelchalot Hardman, doctoral candidate

    • Instructor, Master of Educational Technology Program

     


    MET Courses

    ETEC 521

    Twitter

    @Swelchalot


    Fun Facts

    I never wanted to be a teacher, I got here by accident. I was late to the digital age…preferring instead to hold fast to the moniker of “steadfast luddite”. In my undergrad I Major’d in English and Minor’d in Drama. At one time in my life I carried two cell phones and pager all at the same time.

    Sum up your area of research/interest in a tweet (i.e., maximum 280 characters)!

    If you are not an Indigenizer, you are a Colonizer. Changing practices, validating Indigenous knowledges, undoing colonialism… #Indigenizers will Indigenize the Academy. #Indigenize

    What is your approach to teaching?

    I enter the class “room” knowing that every student will enrich my life. I allow myself to remember the words of my mentor, “how can you bring out the best in a another if what you do first is look for what they need to learn?” I encourage students in 521 to do what is useful to them. I believe students will give their best if I allow them to do their best. Finally, I encourage us all to “listen” – it is simply how we learn.

    What have you learned from teaching in the MET program?

    I am just honoured to have been placed on the path of students in ETEC 521. I learn from every student; I am conscious of the need to open my mind and my heart to what it is they have come to teach me. Students teach us about ourselves; about our craft; about their unique place in the world; and, students teach us about the content and myriad of voices we set about to learn from together.
    I would also say that MET students have taught me exciting ways to look at the world, and to understand the world more deeply. Over the years students have come to 521 from around the globe…the discussion boards allow all students to bring in their lived experiences, their unique (and not so unique) place in the world and to share the richness of the global village that is the students from whom we teach and learn.

    What advice would you give to a current or prospective MET student?

    MET is an International program that one can do in place. Place is important because it contributes to our understanding of the world. MET provides us leadership opportunities through the underpinnings of digital learning technologies, collaboration, and cultural inclusivity. Take time to chat informally with MET instructors…

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