Glendon psychology Professor Evelyne Corcos, a respected member of the York University community, has died. Professor Corcos, died on Wednesday, July 8 at the Toronto Western Hospital.
Right: Evelyne Corcos
A lifelong educator, Professor Corcos was an inspiration to faculty and students alike and was a dynamic and imaginative researcher. In 2005, she pioneered the use of clicker technology to facilitate learning at the Glendon campus. The clicker, or personal response system, was a pilot project that operated at York’s Glendon College and Osgoode Hall Law School. Each student received a personal gadget – a clicker – much like a television remote control, with numbered buttons. The clicker was an infrared wireless transmitter which communicated with a central computer. Students answered questions and recorded their responses with the simple click of a button and the results were instantly charted and displayed for real-time student feedback.
In 2007, Corcos received a Social Sciences & Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) Special Grant in the Image, Text, Sound and Technology category to investigate the use of technology for behaviour modification. She used the grant money to build an Internet platform to support a searchable database containing templates for the presentation of multimedia scenarios illustrating social problems experienced by adolescents.
In 2008, Corcos received another grant from the SSHRC to further her research on behaviour modification. The second phase of her research, called screenPLAY, involved videotaping students who interact onscreen in situations commonly experienced by adolescents, such as discussing acceptable sexual behaviour, disagreements among friends and classmates or difficulties with studies. The project had a goal of engaging young people in learning and skill building about how to address difficult social issues in a positive and constructive manner. The intention was to promote beneficial change to themselves, their families, their educators and society in general.
Professor Corcos was the daughter of Denise and the late Salomon Corcos. She is survived by her sister Diane, brother Albert and beloved friend Judy. A funeral service for Professor Corcos has taken place. Shiva will be observed at 3636 Bathurst St., Apt. 1510, with visitation beginning at 3pm. The family requests that memorial donations be made to the Toronto Humane Society.
An online condolence book is available to which York community members may contribute. The flag will be lowered today at York’s Keele and Glendon campuses until tomorrow at 1pm in memory of Professor Corcos.