Bridging the Learning in the 21st Century

A Dual-Credit Program

Janice Aughey, Lakeland CollegeLinda Koskie, East Central Alberta Catholic Schools

• 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 21st Century?

What is Bridging the Learning in the 21st Century?• 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.

• 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.

Who are the Students?

• 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.

Delivery Methods

• 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.

Student 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.

Participating School Benefits

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 creditsHigh 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 creditsHigh School CTS: CCS 3110; 3120; 3130; 3140;

3150; 3950

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.

Child Development Assistant

• 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.

Challenges

• Enthusiasm of 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.

Successes

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!

Thank You