Professional Activity

The European Research Council (ERC) – Peer Reviewer – Proposal submitted to the ERC Starting Grant 03/15/2023.

Ryan, T.G. (Feb 13-15, 2023). Fostering global competencies and deeper learning with digital technologies [Poster Presentation]. 2023 Digital Learning Annual Conference, Austin, Texas, U.S.A. https://www.deelac.com/2023-program

Ryan, T.G. (Feb 13-15, 2023). Screen-time: Health, safety and cyberspace [Poster Presentation]. 2023 Digital Learning Annual Conference, Austin, Texas, U.S.A. https://www.deelac.com/2023-program
Oct 2022 – Consultation with Dr. Logan – STEM Coordinator, 9-12
Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board

Thomas Ryan – Alumni Profile poster 2021

April (2022) Participant – Shaping the Future 2022, Ever Active Schools, Kananaskis, AB.

External Reviewer – On the perceptions of online learning due to COVID-19 pandemic. Case Study. The Psychology, Learning, and Technology Conference (PLT2022). University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy, January 19-21, 2022.

Program Committee of the Psychology, Learning, and Technology Conference (PLT2022). University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy, January 19-21, 2022.

2021 External examiner – MEd Thesis – “Exploring Long-Serving Chairs’ Experiences in an Ontario College of Applied Arts and Technology“. St. FX. University.

Working Together: The Code and the AODA | Ontario Human Rights Commission (ohrc.on.ca) (Certificate of Completion) 29/07/2021

Lead Writer Aid to Scholarly Journals SSHRC Application 2021 – Canadian Journal of Education – Successful/Funded.

Scientific Committee Member of the First Conference on Psychology, Learning and Technology, Foggia (Italy) January 19-20-21, 2022.

Keynote Speaker – Institute of Education and Research, University of the Punjab Lahore-Pakistan, 2020, 12, 21-23. 8th International Conference on Research in Education (ICORE 2020) with the COVID 19: Teaching Learning Opportunities – http://www.icore-ier.com/

Joong, P. Y., Darkhor, P., Turner, D. A., Turner, M. L. & Ryan, T. G. (2020, Apr 17 – 21) Comparison of Students’ and Teachers’ Perceptions of Secondary Reforms in Quebec, Ontario, and Mexico [Symposium]. AERA Annual Meeting San Francisco, CA http://tinyurl.com/wnuz672 (Conference Canceled)

2020 – Book series entitled: Technology of Inclusion – scientific and editorial committee member – Università degli studi di Foggia

Co-Editor – Canadian Journal of Education – 2019 – 2022  https://cje-rce.ca/meet-our-editors/

Contact North researcher – https://teachonline.ca/fr/node/96967

Semantic Scholar – https://www.semanticscholar.org/author/Thomas-G.-Ryan/32604907

Common Ground Scholar

Sinay, E., Presley, A., Armson, S., Tam, G., Ryan, T.G., Burchell, D., & Barron, C. (2018). Toronto District School Board French as a second language program review: Developmental evaluation. (Research Report No. 18/19-03). Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Toronto District School Board.

FOSTERING GLOBAL COMPETENCIES AND DEEPER LEARNING WITH DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES RESEARCH SERIES

TEACHER ENGAGEMENT, TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION, AND LEADERSHIP IN STEM PEDAGOGY: The goal of the TDSB’s STEM strategy is to build capacity among TDSB Kindergarten to Grade 12 educators to enhance their STEM pedagogical knowledge, self-efficacy, and promote STEM implementation in classrooms. A critical factor in enhancing STEM across the Board is teacher engagement. This study examined: (1) teacher cognitive and emotional engagement, (2) social engagement with colleagues, students, and leadership, and (3) teacher engagement with STEM and digital tools. It is  suggested the method used to measure teacher engagement in this study will be used in other system wide program implementations across the Board. Click here for the full report (2018).

This report is the result of a collaborative project supported by the Council of Ontario Directors of Education (CODE), Technology and Learning Fund, TDSB Teaching and Learning Department-STEM K-12 and TDSB Research and Information Services led by Research Coordinator Erhan Sinay.

Click here for the Visual Infographic (2018) of this report.

AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF DIFFERENTIAL EFFECTS OF COACHING ON SYSTEM-WIDE STEM IMPLEMENTATION: This exploratory research study focuses on the STEM coaching model and investigates certain effects on teaching and learning using a longitudinal mixed-methods research design. Herein we include brief results from the year one STEM implementation and partial year two quantitative and qualitative data findings. Click here for the full report (2018).

Click here for the Visual Infographic (2018) of this report.

2018 –  Canadian Symposium on Indigenous Teacher Education (CSITE) – A Naturalistic Study of the Ontario Physical Health Education Association (OPHEA) – First Nations Inspired Daily Physical Activities(DPA) and beyond. Nipissing First Nation(April 30 to May 2)

2018 – Eleventh International Conference on e-Learning & Innovative Pedagogies
Unpacking Digital Fluency – St John’s University – Manhattan Campus, New York, USA, (2–3 March)

2018 – Clute International Conference On Technology In Education – Digital Natives, Immigrants, Residents and Visitors: 21st Century Education. Orlando, Florida (January 3-6)

2017 – American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting – Sinay, E., & Ryan, T.G.  (2017)., Texas (April 31- May 1).  San Antonio, Texas – Cogent Education interview – Here

May – 2017 – Participant – Ministry of Education / Faculties of Education Forum 2017 – Responding to the TRC: Learning and Living our Calls to Action in Ontario’s Schools Répondre à la commission de vérité et de réconciliation Apprendre et vire nos appels à l’action de l’Ontario – Radisson Admiral Hotel – Harbourfront 249 Queen’s Quay West, Toronto – May 9, 2017

2015-2017 – Curator – Book Series: Pedagogy: Learning to Teach and Teaching to Learn (CommonGround publishing)

Conference Paper – 30th ACHPER International Conference Proceedings – University of Canberra, Australia –  ACHPER Website www.achper.org.au

https://www.achper.org.au/associationnews/30th-achper-international-conference-proceedings-now-available

Toronto District School Board: Toronto. Ontario, Canada – Largest School Board in Canada

Sinay, E. & Ryan, T. G. (2018). Fostering global competencies and deeper learning with digital technologies research series: An exploratory study of differential effects of coaching on system-wide STEM implementation (Research Report No. 17/18-14). Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Toronto District School Board.

Visual Infographic (2017) of the Fostering Global Competencies and Deeper Learning with Digital Technologies Research Series: Compelling Research Findings. Click here for all of the GC research series. Results are posted also at the CODE website

Research Support/Acknowledgement (2017). Fostering global competencies and deeper learning with technology research series: STEM or STEAM: Key stakeholders viewpoints on the future directions of STEM (Research Report No. 17/18-9). Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Toronto District School Board.

Research Support/Acknowledgement (2017). STEM teaching and learning in the Toronto District School Board. Research series II: Deepening, sustaining, building coherence and fostering student learning and equity (Research Report No. 16/17-17). Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Toronto District School Board.

Presented at the American Educational Research Association (AERA), Austin, Texas, 2017, European Association for Research on Learning and Instruction (EARLI), Tampere, Finland, 2017, Canadian Society for the Study of Education (CSSE), Toronto, Canada, 2017 and Ministry of Education, 21st Century Teaching and Learning Roundtable, Toronto, 2017. Our work has been cited in academic venues and research tools are being used for measuring Global Competencies, Deeper Learning, Digital Fluency, STEM attitudes and Competencies, Robotics, Coding, Teacher Engagement, and professional learning at institutions such as University of Toronto, Brock University, Nipissing University, and Social Research and Demonstration Canada.

Fostering Global Competencies and Deeper Learning with Digital Technologies Research Series: Improving Global Competencies and Deeper Learning Through Integration of Robotics and Technology into the classroom

This study includes mixed method, pre and post research design involving surveys, classroom observations and stakeholders interviews to examine elementary teachers’ knowledge of Technological, Pedagogical, and Content Knowledge (TPACK) , application of higher levels of the SAMR (the Substitution Augmentation Modification Redefinition Model), self-efficacy and engagement  after participating to professional learning and teaching and learning STEM with Robotics. The study also examines the effects of the intervention on student learning and improvement in their global competencies. This study allowed us to document use-inspired  findings in: (1) teacher technology integration (2) teacher engagement, (3) student engagement, (4) global competencies and skill growth in students along with (5) challenges and barriers in robotics teaching and learning.

Fostering Global Competencies and Deeper Learning with Digital Technologies Research Series: Teaching and Learning with Coding: Differentiated Effects on Teachers’ Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) and Students’ Learning

This report details a quantitative study on teaching and learning coding in the TDSB. We examined the effects of coding professional learning opportunities on teachers’ Technological, Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) and elementary school student outcomes across the TDSB. In total, 245 educators, most of whom did not have prior experience with coding, were surveyed before and after taking part in PL coding sessions. Results indicated a positive outcome across several variables within the area of teacher skills and knowledge as well ad student global competencies.

Reviewer: TEACHING AND LEARNING MATHEMATICS RESEARCH SERIES I: Effective Instructional Strategies: Mathematical skills and confidence are essential for students. Given the importance of mathematical skills and confidence, this study focuses on research-based instructional strategies that can provide guidance for effective classroom practices for supporting student development in mathematics. Click here for the full report (2016).

Co-Author: RESEARCH SERIES ON SCHOOL EFFECTIVENESS AND SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT: CHARACTERISTICS OF EFFECTIVE SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLANNING AND KEY STEPS: This report captures: What are the suggested areas of focus in School Improvement Planning? (Culture, Data);  How do we set goals? (Internal, Coherence, Acknowledgement); How do we monitor? (Systems, Audit, Coaching, Action Learning); An Introduction to School Improvement Planning; and Key Steps for School Improvement Planning (Step 1: Data Collection; Step 2: Data Analysis – Review, Qualitative Data, Quantitative Data, Mixed Methods; Step 3: Reflect; and Step 4: Action). Click here for the full report (2016).


Co-Author: RESEARCH SERIES ON SCHOOL EFFECTIVENESS AND SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT: CREATING ACHIEVEMENT GOALS WITH AN UNDERSTANDING OF DEEP LEARNING AND TECHNOLOGY: In this research series on School Effectiveness and School Improvement we are focusing on informing school improvement practices on “creating achievement goals with an understanding of deep learning and technology”. Click here for the research paper (2016).


Co-Author: RESEARCH SERIES ON SCHOOL EFFECTIVENESS AND SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT: GOAL SETTING: This report reviews the current trends in goal setting in School Improvement in a brief but comprehensive way including the equity lens: Goal Setting in School Improvement; Goal Setting Theory; Equity; Beliefs and Values; Goal Setting Models; and Goal Setting Tools. Click here for the full report (2016).


Co-Author: RESEARCH SERIES ON SCHOOL EFFECTIVENESS AND SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT: LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL TRENDS IN SCHOOL EFFECTIVENESS AND SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT: This report covers the following topics in School Effectiveness and School Effectiveness Research: Edification in Education: Best Practices, Effectiveness & Improvement; International Trends in Educational Effectiveness Research; School Improvement and School Effectiveness Models; Contextual Understanding of the Ontario School Effectiveness Framework; and Conclusion and Recommendations.Click here for the full report (2016).

Sinay, E., & Ryan, T.G. (2016, December). Academic Optimism (Fact Sheet 2). Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Toronto District School Board. Click here for the fact sheet 

Sinay, E., & Ryan, T.G. (2016, November). Shared leadership (Fact Sheet 1). Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Toronto District School Board.

Sinay, E., & Ryan, T.G. (2016, August). Global citizenship and character: Research brief. Toronto District School Board. Toronto, ON: Toronto District School Board

Sinay, E., Presley, A., & Ryan, T.G. (2016, June). Effective school improvement planning: Educational leaders, educators and planning team suggestions: Research brief. Toronto District School Board. Toronto, ON: Toronto District School Board.

Sinay, E., Ryan, T., & Nahornick, A. (2016). Unpacking TDSB’s vision for learning: research brief on digital fluency. (Research Report No. 15/16-18). Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Toronto District School Board

Co-Author: The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) is committed to preparing all learners to succeed in the ever-changing competitive global environment. As such, the TDSB has identified five foundational skills and competencies that are important for student success. They are: (1) global citizenship and character, (2) communication, (3) critical thinking and problem-solving, (4) collaboration and leadership, and (5) creativity, inquiry and entrepreneurship. In this research brief we are targeting recent practices and policies regarding Global Citizenship and Character. Link to research brief

2016 – Pearson Book Proposal Reviewer for Creative Practices in Curriculum and Teaching in the 21st Century.

2016 – Presenter – Ontario Ministry of Education / Faculties of Education Annual Forum – Learning and Teaching for  Tomorrow:  Building Collaboration and Capacity. (May 10) Courtyard Marriott, Toronto, ON: Canada

Invited Presentation: Alberta Distance Learning Centre | ADLC and the Provincial & Territorial Distance Education Association (PTDEA), (Topic: Student Engagement) at ADLC’s Edmonton Campus October 26 and 27, 2016 

Sinay, E., Presley, A., & Ryan, T.G. (2015, May). A mixed methods proposal to examine learning centres. Toronto, ON: Toronto District School Board

Sinay, E., Presley, A., & Ryan, T.G. (2016, April-May). Coherence and alignment in educational organizations: A Review. Toronto, ON: Toronto District School Board.

Sinay, E., Presley, A., & Ryan, T.G. (2016, January-April). A mixed methods proposal to examine perceptions of the developmental review process – Developmental Review Process. Toronto, ON: Toronto District School Board

Sinay, E., Presley, A., & Ryan, T.G. (2015, July-August). Research tool construction for the developmental review process. Toronto, ON: Toronto District School Board.

Sinay, E., Presley, A., & Ryan, T.G. (2016, June). Digital fluency: Fact sheet. Toronto District School Board. Toronto, ON: Toronto District School Board.

Co-Author: UNPACKING THE TDSB’S VISION FOR LEARNING: RESEARCH BRIEF ON DIGITAL FLUENCY: The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) has recently set forth an innovative vision for learning, and this research brief will unpack this vision for learning, focusing on a core aspect of digital fluency. By doing so, we are targeting to inform recent practices and policies regarding digital fluency across the board and the province. Digital fluency is an essential part of global competencies and an important part of preparing young Canadians for a strong future. It is the hope that this research brief will motivate you to think about ways to better support digital fluency. Link to research brief

Associate Editor – The Journal of the World Universities Forum, Volume 8, Issue 2 – 2015

Media Interview

Ryan, T.G. (2015 April). Webinar with Contract North: Teaching Online.

Ryan, T.G. (2013 April). Interview with Contract North: Pockets of Innovation. Improving Online Communications.

Ryan, T.G. (2004, May). CTV News for Northern Ontario – Nipissing Faculty of Education – Classroom Management.

Presentations: Conference/Symposium/Meetings/Workshops

2017 – Ontario Ministry of Education Faculty Forum – Responding to the TRC: Learning and Living our Calls to Action in Ontario’s Schools. (May 09) Toronto, ON.

2017 – The Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation (ACHPER) – Presentation – Sleep, Issues, Answers and Wellness. 30th ACHPER International Conference (Jan, 16-18). University of Canberra, Melbourne, Australia.  http://www.achper2017.com/2017/program/conference-schedule/area?command=record&id=96

2016 – Provincial & Territorial Distance Education Association – Keynote Presentation – Online Engagement (October, 25-26). Alberta Distance Learning Centre, Edmonton, AB.

2016 – Ministry of Education / Faculties of Education Liaison Committee – Pedagogical documentation: Utilizing documentation of student Learning. (April 22).  900 Bay St., MacDonald Block, Toronto, ON.

2016 – Action Research as professional development. 10th National Education Conference, Havana, Cuba. (Feb 15-20).

2015 – CONNECT Canada’s Learning and Technology Conference. Social Media in the Classroom. {May 5-8). Scotia Bank Convention Centre, Niagara Falls, ON: Canada

2015 – Learning Out-Loud – Social Media in the classroom. Ontario Ministry of Education – Faculties of Education Forum – OISE/UT Toronto, ON: Canada

2014 – Symposium Presentation – Canadian Society for Studies in Education (CSSE) – Canadian Centre for Graduate Studies Association (CCGSA). (May 24-28) – The Canadian Doctoral Journey:Promise, Possibility, and Perseverance – Brock University, St. Catharines, ON: Canada  Doctoral Journey Final CCGSE 2014 PowerPoint

2014 – CONNECT Canada’s Learning and Technology Conference. The Online Graduate Studies Educator as Action Researcher. (May 8, 9). Scotia Bank Convention Centre, Niagara Falls, ON: Canada

2014 – Ontario Teachers Federation/Ontario Association of Deans of Education – A Recursive View of Self in Teacher Education: Beliefs, Values and Action Research within an Evolving Landscape. York University, Toronto, ON: Canada.

2013 – CONNECT Canada’s Learning and Technology Conference. An Action Research Study of Online Communications. (May 6, 7). Scotia Bank Convention Centre, Niagara Falls, ON: Canada

2013 – Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario conference. Redefining Student Success: A Symposium on the Diverse Pathways through Post-Secondary Education and into the Workplace. (March 28). The Doctoral Journey: Perseverance. George Brown College, Toronto, ON: Canada

2012- Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario conference. Learning to Earning – Higher Education & the Changing Job Market. The Masters Journey: Self-Development. Toronto, ON: Canada.

2012 – Discussant – Canadian Society for Studies in Education (CSSE) – Canadian Centre for Graduate Studies Association (CCGSA) – University of Waterloo, Kitchener, ON: Canada.

2012 – Ontario Teachers Federation/Ontario Association of Deans of Education – Schools, teachers, training, victims, prevention, and community: A cyberbullying collage. Univerisity of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa, ON: Canada.

2012 – Stand Up – Stand Out – Schulich School of Education – Professional week workshop: The masters journey: Self-development. Nipissing University, North Bay, ON: Canada. (3 sessions)

2011 – Canadian Society for Studies in Education CSSE / CIESC (The Comparative and International Education Society of Canada) – A review of the perceptions of Teachers and Students of Secondary Reform in Ontario – University of New Brunswick, N.B., Canada.

2011 – Infusion – iTeach Annual Educational Technology Conference – (January, 2011). Preservice teachers’ perceptions of cyberbullying issues: Ready or not? The Schulich School of Education, Nipissing University, North Bay, ON, Canada.

2010 – Imagination and Creativity Education Conference – ICE (November, 2010). Interdisciplinary Creative Thinking Models: A Medley of Creativity and Opportunity. The Schulich School of Education, Nipissing University, North Bay, ON, Canada.

2010 – Nipissing University Research Series – Pre-service Teachers’ Awareness of Cyberbullying Issues (October, 2010). The Schulich School of Education, Nipissing University, North Bay, ON, Canada.

2010 – Canadian Society for Studies in Education CSSE / CIESC (The Comparative and International Education Society of Canada) – Perceptions of Teachers and Students of Secondary Reform in Ontario – Concordia University, Montréal, QC: Canada.

2010 – Canadian Association for the Study of International Development (CASID). (May, 2010) Comparing the Perceptions of Teachers and Students. Concordia University – Montreal, QC: Canada.

2010 – Northern Inter-professional Collaborators Conference – Learn Together/Practice Together – A Northern Interprofessional Health Initiative – Participatory Action Research: Building Partnerships Recursively – Northern Ontario School of Medicine, North Bay, ON: Canada

2010 – Canadian Association for Teacher Education (CATE) Pre-Conference at CSSE Theme/Working Group #2: Integrating Course and Field Experiences: Experiences, Challenges, and Possibilities, Concordia University – Montreal, QC: Canada.

2009 – Ontario Ministry of Education – Faculties of Education Forum – OISE/UT Toronto, ON: Canada

2008 – Ontario Teachers Federation/Ontario Association of Deans of Education – The Southern Alberta Associate Teacher – Toronto, ON: Canada.

2007 – Ontario Teachers Federation/Ontario Association of Deans of Education – The Reflexive Classroom Manager: A Required Pre-Service Mode – Toronto, ON: Canada.

2005 – Checkmark Conference – Reflexivity and the Researcher – Nipissing University – North Bay, ON: Canada.

2002-2006 – North Bay Mental Health Board – Board of Directors, North Bay, ON: Canada.

2003-2004 – Community Counseling of Nipissing – Board of Directors, North Bay, ON: Canada.

2003 – Bullying Presentation – E.T. Carmichael Public School – North Bay, ON: Canada.

2003 – Checkmark Conference – Leadership in Action Research – Nipissing University – North Bay, ON: Canada.

2001 – Report – An action research study of secondary assessment praxes. OISE/UT Trent Valley Centre, Peterborough, ON. https://legacy.oise.utoronto.ca/research/field-centres/TVC/RossReports/vol6no2.htm

2001- Classroom participation: Should I give marks for participation? Education Undergraduate Society, University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, Lethbridge, AB: Canada

2001 – Job satisfaction among physical education teachers. Faculty of Education, Research Seminar, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB: Canada.

2001 – An action research study of science assessment praxes. The Western Canadian Association for Student Teaching (WestCAST). University of Calgary, AB: Canada

2001- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Education Undergraduate Society, University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, Lethbridge, AB: Canada.

1998 – An action research study of science assessment praxes. Ontario Educational Research Council Conference (Dec,1998), Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, Ontario.