Helen DeWaard

Helen Bitmoji


Helen DeWaard, MEd, MET

Learning Designer
helen.dewaard@ubc.ca | 604.822.6333


What are your “Big Picture” responsibilities at ETS?

I navigate through educational technology programs while considering their application to teaching and learning, I analyze affordances of ed tech for ease of use in a variety of educational contexts, I synthesize information from course syllabi with a view to digital and technological potentialities, as well as giving critical considerations of how students and instructors use, understand, create, make meaning, and collaborate in learning contexts using a variety of digital technologies, and I also continually examine the ‘best fit’ for tech within a course design.

What do you do day-to-day?

I meet and talk to instructors about their courses, as well as their vision for teaching the course material. I then translate the vision to learning events and activities within Canvas and work within Canvas to bring that translation to life. I also spend time exploring and experimenting with new technologies, collaborating with others in ETS on learning design work and preparing for delivery of workshops and presentations.

What are your values and priorities in educational technology?

I value open access and open thinking in ed tech – sharing and collaborating are priorities for me, not only in my own ed tech work, but in my teaching.

What is your ‘wild card’ fact? (Something someone might not expect just from looking at you)

I like listening to metal and electronic music.
I’ve done 5 half-marathons.

What has kept you centered during the pandemic?

My family and friends have kept me centered – with regular phone calls, video calls, and sharing memes & gifs we keep each other connected and centered.

 What’s one idea that’s changed for you since the majority of higher education moved online?

The difference between what is ‘true’ online vs ‘rapid emergency remote deployment’ of online. These are not the same thing yet are talked about in mainstream media as if they are, then the value, quality and efficacy of online learning is called into question.

What is a strength and challenge that comes from teaching online?

A strength is the asynchronicity of online to suit everyone’s personal schedules and commitments, which can also be one of the challenges since individual self regulation and commitment to the work of online learning can be problematic, especially in times when general life/living is impacted by COVID-19 pandemic constraints.

If you could go anywhere right now, real or fictional, where would it be and why?

I would love to travel to India – in the real world. I have made so many friends through virtual connections and would love to experience their country as they do (with invitations they have extended to come stay with them).

Any advice you would give to someone who is new to teaching online?

I would suggest a) finding and connecting to a ‘like minded’ crew, and b) tinker and play with new ideas and technologies with the mindset of being in a primary school playground sandbox – expect it to be messy, expect to get dirty, expect things to fall apart, and have fun with friends.