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"Our students are completing their course assignments
in greater numbers and
higher skill mastery than at any time in the past.
Your cyber teachers
have done an excellent job at keeping our students involved through synchronous
voice exchanges, chat line discussions and the monitoring of student
assignments. I sat in on several sessions and was impressed by the structure
of
the lessons and the time on task."
Dr. Pier De Paola, Director of
Education,
O'Chiese Education Authority
"Having a shortage of teachers in a small community,
we were unable to provide all the courses students needed. With E-learning,
students were able to complete
the courses needed for their high school diploma/certificate. The E-Learning
program has been a great opportunity for Kihew Asiniy Education Centre."
Crystal Cardinal,
Kihew Asiniy Education Centre
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In Canada, Aboriginal people have a lower high school completion rate
than the completion rate for non-aboriginals. This leads to unemployment,
poverty and unrealized potential in Canada's fastest-growing demographic.
In 1999, members of the Sunchild First Nation considered the lack of education in their community and decided alternative methods
were needed to reach Aboriginal students. They discovered that:
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Aboriginal students faced unique challenges including family and legal situations, time away from class and relocating to new
homes.
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Many Aboriginal students were adults. These students wanted to upgrade and build a better future while meeting their current
schedules and responsibilities.
Any successful education program would have to overcome
these challenges with a new way of teaching. In addition, high quality
education and experienced teachers would have to be brought to small
numbers of students in remote locations -- without exceeding limited
education budgets.
The Sunchild E-Learning model was adopted as a solution.
Sunchild E-Learning is different from conventional distance learning programs in that it
creates accountability and interaction
between student and teacher. Students are expected to be logged into the computer during class times and can speak with the
teacher at any time through text messaging or a microphone. In most cases, students work from a classroom environment where a Key Teacher addresses technical concerns and ensures student participation.
Experienced teachers with a passion for teaching First Nations students head the online classes, providing a level of education
that is the same as or better than that found in urban schools. Students who miss class time or change residences can easily
catch up by reviewing archived classes. This system also allows students to work at a comfortable pace. Achievement is tracked on
a weekly basis so that intervention and support can be provided as soon as it becomes necessary.
The Sunchild E-Learning Community has met with remarkable success. In
record numbers, students are re-entering the school system and staying
in school. They're gaining valuable experience with computers, graduating
and moving on to rewarding jobs or
post-secondary education.
Graduates of the Sunchild E-Learning Community are educated and competent
-- the kind of employees who make corporations successful. When companies
contribute to the Sunchild program, they help to create skilled candidates
for scholarships, advanced
training and employment. In this way, they are investing in their own
future.
Because Sunchild E-Learning creates such positive results, corporate sponsors are excited about being part of the
program. More and more corporations are signing on to support First Nation schools.
For more information about the Sunchild E-Learning community, call Martin
Sacher at (403) 872-0587.
A complete list of available courses can be found on this web site.
Courses follow and are approved by Alberta Learning.
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