Creating a National Community of Practice – Edward Logan

Edward Logan is a full-time professor teaching in the Mechanical Techniques- Plumbing Program and Plumbing Apprenticeship Program. He integrates theoretical information and hands-on experience in his residential and commercial plumbing fundamental courses, and embeds creative and innovative practices in his teaching. He has also pulled together plumbing faculty from across the country to share practices. He has worked a large part of his plumbing career in the ICI (industrial, commercial, and institutional) sector.

Mr. Logan says, “To be able to watch my students evolve is the aspect that motivates me to teach. I am even more motivated when they come back to visit after graduation and tell me about their success and thank me for helping them.”

One of his long-term goals is to establish a Plumbing Instructors / Professors community. Recently, he held a session for plumbing professionals and had 18 professors online from British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and the United States. The discussion focused around what lessons were learned going remote and which new tools / resources have been discovered to help faculty teach remotely.

“Everyone enjoyed the discussion and is eager to continue it. We hope to increase the number of participants for our next session. My hope is that our group will join with the electrical group and other skilled trade professors in creating an annual community of practice sessions for skilled trade professors.” says Mr. Logan.

Getting himself and his students up to speed up for virtual sessions on Microsoft Teams had its own challenges. He puts his students’ success first and is empathetic in his teaching style which includes a universal design for learning approach that enables them to be successful.

Mr. Logan says, “It is a style that is capable of adapting to the needs of students.”

He believes in encouraging and supporting his students to enhance the learning outcomes in many areas. One approach is by asking questions and making sure they grasp what they are learning during class, as well as providing opportunities for students to talk one-on-one outside of class hours, and receiving feedback about their growth.

Mr. Logan’s announcements on DC Connect are intended to engage his students. He uses multiple modes to communicate with his students; in addition to announcements, he uses video messages that emphasize personal care in addition to course work. Another way he communicates with students is through email and simply checking in.

When asked to give fellow faculty members a piece of advice, Mr. Logan says, “Never stop learning. You evolve as a person and a teacher with any learning experience. This will only help your students achieve their goals.”

Since technology is an important resource to facilitate remote learning, Mr. Logan uses Kahoot for both in-class and remote classes. H5P Studio is another development resource that will continue to be included in the face-to-face classes in the future. He has created True/False Questions, Flashcards, Drag Text, Fill in the Blanks, Find the Hotspot, Image Hotspots and Find Multiple Hotspot activities using the tool. He also works on Virtual Tour 360 and Interactive Video activities used for connection, practice and summary activities that are embedded in DC Connect’s online content.

He says, “I use DC Connect heavily and the only feature I haven’t utilized is video assignments, but I’m planning to do it in the future.”
Mr. Logan thinks that remote courses have changed the game.

He says, “Online courses offer more students a chance to learn, but in way that might work best for them. I certainly believe and hope that you’ll see more programs being at least a combination of online and face-to-face courses.”