Classes are normally held at the campus on Far Reserve near La Ronge. (submitted photo/Morris Cook)

By Derek Cornet

making changes

Northern teacher education program moves online during pandemic

Sep 18, 2020 | 3:23 PM

The Northern Saskatchewan Indigenous Teacher Education Program has adapted to changes because of the coronavirus and has moved all teaching to an online format.

This marks the second year for the program, which currently has students undertaking year one and two courses for a Bachelor of Education degree though the University of Regina. Earlier this year, the U of R determined all classes for fall 2020 semester would be done remotely in contrast to tradition in-class learning.

“The platform the U of R has set us up with is UR courses and there’s a Zoom component on there,” Program Head Morris Cook said. “The courses are asynchronous. The instructors are able to see the students on the computer screen and they are able to break into session rooms where they can do individual discussions for group work and whatnot.”

The program took a second intake starting last April where another 26 students were accepted. That number was meant to include 13 First Nations students and 13 Métis, but Cook noted some decided to delay their entrance in the program for a year because they were interested in taking online classes.

Cook also mentioned students from the first intake have adapted to online learning well, but he added in-person courses abruptly ended in the spring so they had no other choice but to learn the remote learning methods. He said moving online has been most difficult for the newer students.

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“They are all falling into a routine now,” Cook said. “I was hoping we would all be face-to-face, but were going to do the best we can for students. It’s for the sake of safety. The most important thing is keeping our staff and students safe.”

Although classes are online, Cook explained staff are willing to do whatever it takes to assist students who are having difficulties. He added most of what is taught to become a teacher can be taught remotely, but certain aspects including land-based learning will need to be postponed until students can come together as a group.

“Education is a face-to-face thing,” Cook said. “We need to engage with people physically. For teacher education, I’m not sure if it’s something for the long term but I could be wrong.”

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno