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Bridging the Learning in the 21 st Century A Dual-Credit Program. Janice Aughey, Lakeland College Linda Koskie, East Central Alberta Catholic Schools. What is Bridging the Learning in the 21 st Century?.
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Bridging the Learning in the 21st Century A Dual-Credit Program Janice Aughey, Lakeland CollegeLinda Koskie, East Central Alberta Catholic Schools
What is Bridging the Learning in the 21st Century? • Lakeland College has received funding from the Government of Alberta’s Advanced Education and Technology Department’s Innovation Fund to develop a program that promotes the offering of dual-credit courses for high school students. • A dual-credit course is a college course taken by a high school student that earns both college and high school credit at the same time. • The project will utilize innovative tools and services that engage students and teachers in the learning process.
What is Bridging the Learning in the 21stCentury? • Collaborative project between • Lakeland College • East Central Alberta Catholic Schools • Credenda Virtual High School and College • Project Timelines • 3 courses rolled out over a 3-year period. • Anticipate dual-credit opportunities to carry through in the future.
What is Bridging the Learning in the 21st Century? • Funding supports: • All costs for students. Course fees, textbooks, accommodations and transportation costs are covered through the grant. • Coordination of course articulation. • Project administration. Instructor / teacher expertise • Technology Requirements
Project Goals • Project focuses on the following goals: • Increased High School Completion and Post-Secondary Enrolment: Secondary schools are faced with low high school completion rates of which enrolment in a postsecondary institution is an indicator. It is hoped that by engaging more students these rates will increase. • 21st century Skills: Learners develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills – skills that are needed to live and work in our technology-driven society.
Project Objectives • Project focuses on the following objectives: • Innovation: Serve as a catalyst for new approaches to enhance the quality of learning and instruction in the advanced learning system. • Collaboration: Support and facilitate collaboration among advanced learning providers. Encourage broad support within society for advanced learning through collaboration and partnerships among adult learning providers, communities, businesses and various organizations. • Participation: Encourage greater participation among groups who are underrepresented in advanced learning opportunities.
Who are the Students? • Students from the East Central Alberta Catholic School System will include: • Students in brick and mortar schools, as well as home-school and online students. • Students who have not identified university as their first option and are considering moving directly into an occupation will be targeted. • Students in Grades 10 – 12.
Delivery Methods • Course delivery will involve a blended approach: • Online: Much of the course content will be delivered online via Elluminate - an online interactive virtual classroom. An LMS will be utilized for course content, as well as other online features. • On-Site. Students will complete a one week on-campus portion at Lakeland College – Vermilion or Lloydminster Campus.
Student Benefits • Student Success. Successful completion of college-level courses helps students be successful in making the transition to a college campus later. Students will have acquired the confidence to succeed academically and personally in college. • Innovative. Students have the opportunity to take courses using the latest educational technologies available which prepares them for the new technological workforce. • Convenient. Courses are taught at the high school, at the college, or online depending on the arrangements made with the high school. • Close to home.Learn what College Instructors expect while still in familiar high school surroundings.
Participating School Benefits • Capacity Building. Building capacity of instructors to provide curricula through a wider range of technology. • Convenience.To be able to have learners access instruction from anywhere in the province • Curriculum Enhancement. Many ECAC high schools struggle to offer their students some course selection beyond the basic core classes. Support for dual-credit opportunities strengthen curricula in rural communities. • Funding. The addition of course offerings provides additional funding avenues for participating schools.
Dual-Credit Courses • Dual-Credit Offerings for February 2011 Enrolment • Energy and the Environment: Students who register for the dual-credit course will jumpstart their college career path in the Renewable Energy and Conservation Certificate program. • Students who successfully complete Energy and the Environment will be awarded the following dual-credits: Lakeland College: RS 201; 3 credits High School CTS: ENS 1110; 2130; 3040
Dual-Credit Courses • Dual-Credit Offerings for February 2011 Enrolment • Play: Students who register for the dual-credit course will jumpstart their college career path in the Early Learning and Childcare Certificate program. • Students who successfully complete Play will be awarded the following dual-credits: Lakeland College: ED120; 3 credits High School CTS: CCS 3110; 3120; 3130; 3140; 3150; 3950
Child Development Assistant Students have the option of receiving a Child Development Assistant (formerly Level One) certificate if they have completed: • Child Care Orientation course (Alberta government-sponsored course); or • CMH 2050 and CMH 3050 offered through Alberta high schools; or • a 45-hour (3 credit) college-level course in child development. • Completing the dual-credit Play course will fulfill the college-level course requirement, thus providing students with the opportunity to apply for their Child Development Assistant certification.
Challenges • Technology. When you utilize technology you have to expect that trouble-shooting will be needed. Unfortunately, you can’t always predict when issues will arise. • Faculty Participation.Instructors may be concerned that the integrity of their course may be jeopardized when a high school student attempts to complete for College credit. • Student Participation. While the goal may be to reach “at-risk” students, there may be a tendency to see higher-level performers interested in dual-credit opportunities.
Successes • Enthusiasmof both students and teachers. Students are exhilarated about the prospect of completing a College credit while still in high school. Teachers are excited about teaching in a new, different way. • Investment in continuing education at college level. • Capacity Building. Instructors / administration / executive are changing the way they think about course presentation. • Course Alignment.Dual enrolment can be a mechanism for aligning high school and post-secondary education, not merely a strategy for advancing students out of high school. • Sustainability. Lakeland College could roll out this opportunity for all schools within our region. It could serve as a model for other colleges within our province to create pathways to post-secondary education.
Lessons Learned • Take the Path of Least Resistance. • Communication.Communication is crucial in a collaborative partnership. • Time. It takes time. For a successful project, parties must understand the time involved and the processes of rolling out a course. • Vision.Have a vision before you choose a course – Is there Instructor and student interest? Conduct a pre-assessment to determine interest and expertise available. • Remember...Bumps in the road don’t cancel the journey!
