Bloated Courses Slow Down Avenue and Undermine the User Experience
A small number of oversized and highly complex courses are creating significant strain on Avenue, affecting platform performance, user experience, and support operations. This new policy establishes guidelines for sustainable course design and maintenance, including recommended limits, lifecycle practices, and ongoing monitoring to ensure courses remain manageable and system performance is protected.
Language, Learning, and the Human Side of Communication with Dr. Tracey Derwing
In the field of settlement language training in Canada, the voice of Dr. Tracey Derwing carries a lot of weight. A professor emerita from the University of Alberta, her work has shaped how we understand pronunciation, intelligibility, and the lived realities of adult newcomers learning English.
In this wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Derwing reflects on her early days teaching ESL to exhausted newcomers, her groundbreaking research on pronunciation, and the evolving role of technology – including AI – in language learning.
Avenue Teammate Spotlight: Paul Carter
Paul Carter has played a central role as a learning technologist, mentor, and e-learning developer. Known for his calm presence on live help and his deep commitment to supporting teachers and learners, Paul brings both technical expertise and a strong sense of purpose to his work.
Avenue Digital Assistant Course
Avenue Digital Assistants support instructors and adult learners in LINC/ESL programs by helping them use digital tools confidently and effectively. In this course, you will learn how to navigate and support teaching and learning in Avenue. You’ll build practical skills to troubleshoot common issues, guide learners step by step, and collaborate more smoothly with instructors and program staff. By the end of this course, you’ll feel more confident in your role and better equipped to support successful online and blended learning.
Avenue Teammate Spotlight: John Allan
John Allan, Lead Learning Technologist and Senior Mentor with the Avenue Project, supports instructors nationwide while mentoring educators through training stages and leadership courses. Drawing on decades in technology-enhanced language learning, he connects frontline support with innovation, helping teachers adapt tools, build confidence, and lead local change across Canadian classrooms.
Innovating Adult ESL at TVDSB: A Conversation with Jennifer Jones and Jen Artan
At TVDSB, adult ESL innovation is practical, intentional, and learner-centered. In conversation with Jennifer Jones and Jen Artan, this interview explores how flexible programming, thoughtful use of Avenue, and sustained instructor support have transformed adult ESL and LINC delivery. From blended learning models to building digital confidence and autonomy, the discussion offers concrete insights into how technology, pedagogy, and leadership come together to support newcomer success.
Avenue Teammate Spotlight: Dr. Sepideh Alavi
Dr. Sepideh Alavi shares her journey from teaching and CALL research in Iran to her leadership role at New Language Solutions. She reflects on building technology‑enhanced learning environments, navigating political and technological challenges, and applying those experiences to Avenue and CanAvenue. Sepideh highlights the promise and risks of AI, the importance of accessibility, and how thoughtful, learner‑centred innovation can expand opportunities for newcomers.
Leading from the Ground Up: Ann Chen on Community, Innovation, and Digital Access
Ann Chen, LINC‑ESL Team Lead at KEYS, describes how the organization’s integrated model supports newcomers through connected employment, settlement, and language services. Her early work with Chinese restaurant workers shaped her commitment to practical, portable, tech‑supported language learning. At KEYS, the adoption of Avenue strengthened instructional consistency and collaboration across classes. Leadership training helped Chen articulate bottom‑up innovation, now reflected in KEYS’ Community of Practice and initiatives like coordinated tablet integration to enhance digital access for learners.
Supporting Digital Navigation & Flexible LINC Delivery in Rural BC: A Conversation with CBAL
Avenue Digital News speaks with Kerry Campbell-Clark, an experienced ESL practitioner teaching both literacy-designated learners and CLB 1–3 students with the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL). Kerry is joined by Shayna Jepsen, CBAL’s Language Program Coordinator, and Rob McBride, Executive Director of New Language Solutions. Together, they explore what it means to support newcomers across vast rural regions of British Columbia where learners face diverse linguistic, educational, and socio-emotional challenges.
Using Avenue with Literacy and Low-Level Learners: A Conversation with Kerry Campbell-Clark and Shayna Jepsen
Avenue Digital News speaks with Kerry Campbell-Clark, an experienced ESL practitioner teaching both literacy-designated learners and CLB 1–3 students with the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL). Kerry is joined by Shayna Jepsen, CBAL’s Language Program Coordinator, and Rob McBride, Executive Director of New Language Solutions. Together, they explore what it means to support newcomers across vast rural regions of British Columbia where learners face diverse linguistic, educational, and socio-emotional challenges.
Moodle 4.5 Migration Complete: Explore The Refreshed & Augmented Avenue LMS
The Avenue platform was migrated to Moodle 4.5 in mid-November. Teachers and learners now enjoy a refreshed interface, enhanced navigation, streamlined grading and activity management, improved course editing tools, and greater accessibility for all.
Normes pour les apprenants d’Avenue – L’apprentissage des langues optimisé par la technologie (ALOTech)
Les Normes de l’instructeur d’Avenue pour l’apprentissage des langues optimisé par la technologie (ALOTech) offrent un cadre clair et accessible pour aider les instructeurs à intégrer efficacement la technologie dans leurs cours, en ligne, en présentiel ou en format hybride. Ancrées dans les pratiques exemplaires, elles visent à renforcer la confiance professionnelle, à accompagner l’évolution des pratiques, y compris face à l’IA, et à offrir aux apprenants des expériences d’apprentissage de grande qualité. Elles s’adressent également aux administrateurs, aux formateurs d’instructeurs et à toute personne chargée de soutenir l’enseignement des langues dans des environnements technologiques.