Dr. Alec Couros

Dr. Alec Couros is a Professor of Educational Technology and Media at the University of Regina. An award-winning educator, he is internationally recognized for his expertise in generative AI, digital citizenship, critical media literacy, and open learning, actively shaping educational policy and practice across K–12 and higher education.

Alec holds a PhD in Education (Curriculum) from the University of Regina and a Master of Education in Educational Communications & Technology from the University of Saskatchewan. His doctoral research examined the Open Movement and its implications for education — a thread that continues to run through his teaching and advocacy for open, networked learning.

He is a recognized international speaker and researcher who has delivered hundreds of keynotes and workshops across the globe on topics including connected and networked learning, digital citizenship, social media in education, and critical media literacy. His open teaching practice has reached students in 75 countries, most notably through #ETMOOC, a massive open online community that attracted over 12,000 participants.

Alec was awarded the University of Regina Teaching Award for Excellence in Innovation in Teaching (2015) for his pioneering approach to networked, open learning.

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  Generative AI in Education. Exploring the pedagogical, ethical, and creative dimensions of AI tools in K-12 and post-secondary teaching and learning.
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  Connected & Networked Learning. How digital networks reshape learning communities, teacher professional development, and the boundaries of the classroom.
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  Digital Citizenship & Critical Media Literacy. Building capacity in educators and students to engage with digital environments thoughtfully, ethically, and critically.
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  Open Education. The open movement's implications for teaching practice, intellectual property, and equitable access to learning resources.
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  Social Media & Learning. The affordances and risks of social platforms for professional learning networks, student engagement, and identity development.

Alec's session, "From Prompt to Picture: AI Image & Video Creation in Practice," reflects his ongoing interest in helping educators engage thoughtfully and practically with emerging AI tools. The goal isn't to be exhaustive — it's to lower the barrier, spark curiosity, and give participants a starting point for their own exploration.

The tools covered in today's session are ones Alec uses regularly in his own creative and teaching practice. The demo video — made with Nano Banana, Kling, and iMovie — is a real example of the kind of creative workflow that's now possible for everyday educators with modest technical skill and a Google or ChatGPT account.