A Conversation Between Rob McBride, Executive Director, and Marijke Guerts, Senior Learning Technologist & e-Developer, The Avenue Project
Avenue Teammate Spotlight: Marijke Geurts
In this spotlight conversation, Rob McBride speaks with Marijke Geurts, a senior learning technologist and e-developer with the Avenue Project, based in New Brunswick. Marijke contributes to online module development, teacher training, and leads key initiatives such as TESL Basics for Language Volunteers (TBLV) and TBLV Works.
Generative AI was used to help organize and edit the original interview transcript. It helped break long answers into shorter sections, add clarifying questions, and improve readability, while keeping the interviewee’s words, meaning, and perspective intact.
The Role - Content Development and Teacher Training
I see myself primarily as an online content developer and a teacher trainer.
On the content side, I develop modules that instructors can use directly in their Avenue courseware. These are meant to be practical, ready-to-use resources that support teaching in real classrooms.
On the training side, I support instructors – helping them learn how to use Avenue effectively and integrate it into their teaching.
So those are really the two main parts of my work.
Getting Involved - From Instructor to Mentor
It goes back quite a while. Jim Edgar came to YMCA Newcomer Connections in Saint John – I think around 2012 or 2013 – and delivered a Stage 1 training for EduLINC, which later became Avenue.
I remember thinking it was awesome. I really loved the platform and started using it with my students right away.
From there, I went through the stages – Stage 2, Stage 3 – and then there was an opportunity to complete Stage 4 and become a mentor. So I took that opportunity and started mentoring teachers in New Brunswick.
After that, things just grew. There were opportunities with New Language Solutions, and I took them.
Early Contributions - Mentorship and Module Development
I started as a mentor, supporting teachers using EduLINC.
Then around 2018 or 2019, there was an opportunity through CCLB for New Language Solutions to develop blended e-learning modules. I started working on that with a colleague, and I’m still doing that work today.
At first we were developing units for Stage 2, so CLB 5-8. But over time, that shifted to Stage 1, so CLB 1-4.
I’ve also been involved in a volunteer training project that came out of an IRCC Service Delivery Improvement proposal. I joined that project as well and kind of took it over.
TBLV Works - A New Direction for Volunteer Training
That’s been a bit of a dream project for me. I used to work as a LINC instructor and an employment trainer, so I’ve seen both sides – what newcomers face when they enter the workplace, and what employers face when they hire newcomers.
There are a lot of programs where volunteers support newcomers – job shadowing, mock interviews, helping with resumes. But those volunteers aren’t instructors, and they often don’t have structured training.
We already had TESL Basics for Language Volunteers, but we felt there should also be a version specifically for volunteers working with newcomers in workplace contexts.
So that’s what TBLV Works is.
It covers things like:
- Workplace communication
- Giving feedback
- Health and safety
- Workplace expectations
- Online work
All the kinds of things that are important when someone is starting a new job in Canada.
Avenue Digital Assistant Course - Streamlining Training
Yes, that’s another project we’re really pleased with.
The issue was that digital assistants – or digital navigators – in organizations had to go through the full Avenue teacher training to gain the skills they needed.
But that training is quite long, and a lot of it focuses on classroom teaching, which digital assistants don’t actually do.
So we looked at what they really need and created a more focused pathway.
We combined elements from:
- Bootcamp
- Transition to Stage 2
- Stage 2 training
And then we added specific content on:
- Different roles on Avenue (instructor, non-editing instructor, manager)
- Supporting managers, especially with portfolios and tracking learner progress
The course has nine units, and most of them include assessments. If you complete it, you can call yourself a Digital Assistant on Avenue.
The benefit is that it saves time and focuses on what that role actually requires.
Learning Technology - Building Independence
If we think about Avenue as an example, I really hope all service provider organizations will start using it. It’s a great platform with a lot to offer, and I’m still discovering new things myself.
More broadly, I think learning technology is essential for newcomers. It helps them develop digital skills and become more independent learners.
That’s really important – not just for language learning, but for life and work in Canada.
Mentorship in Action - A TBLV Coach’s Story
One example is Karla Hilterman from Archway in BC.
She was one of our first TBLV coaches and really embraced the training. When we piloted TBLV Works, she participated fully and so did some of her volunteers.
What stood out to me was her feedback. She said that even after 10 years of teaching, she still learned new things from the training.
That was really meaningful.
She also gave constructive feedback, which helped us improve the program.
And now I’ll actually be co-presenting with her at the BC TEAL conference in early May, which is really exciting.
Advice to the Sector - Start Small
I think some people feel that Avenue is too difficult or that their learners can’t use it.
My advice is: start small.
You don’t have to do everything at once. You can:
- Start with Bootcamp
- Use Avenue as a non-editing instructor
- Introduce one activity at a time
With learners, don’t overwhelm them. You can even start by showing activities on a smartboard and working through them together.
Then build from there, step by step.
That approach makes a big difference.
Closing Reflection
Marijke Geurts’ work reflects a thoughtful, practical approach to innovation in the settlement language sector. Whether developing courseware, training instructors, or designing new pathways for volunteers and digital assistants, her focus remains consistent: creating tools and learning experiences that are usable, accessible, and grounded in real-world needs.
