Starting this fall, Carlton Trail College will be delivering programs and courses through a blended learning format.

As well, all Saskatchewan post-secondary institutions continue to work closely with the Ministry of Advanced Education on plans and adaptations for the 2020-2021 academic year. Carlton Trail College’s blended approach to teaching and learning remains cautious and will evolve depending on the COVID-19 situation in the province and its impact on public health guidelines.

What is blended learning?

Blended learning refers to a combination of in-person classes, online instruction, experiential learning opportunities and alternate methods to provide maximum learning and delivery flexibility for students and instructors.     

In-Person: In-person instruction may take place in a program or course that has substantial hands-on learning that is not easily done in an online or virtual setting. In-person classes will adhere to physical distancing requirements. Student enrollment numbers, classroom sizes and classroom scheduling may mean that programs are divided into smaller groups, with differing schedules, to allow students to attend in-person classes at their designated location. 

Online Instruction: Online instruction will happen through synchronous (at the same time) and asynchronous (not at the same time) delivery methods. This may include a mix of video conferencing, live webcasts or recorded lectures, modules, assignments or other exercises. This approach helps ensure material is covered in a way that is both engaging and convenient for students and instructors.

Experiential Learning: Experiential learning offers students the opportunity to apply their knowledge and practice their skills in real-life scenarios, such as in a clinical placement in a healthcare facility or a work placement with a local business.

Alternate Methods: Alternate delivery methods may be used to supplement other learning components, including paper packages with instructions, materials and assignments.

How will blended learning affect my program?

Each program approach will vary, depending on several factors:

• the necessity of in-person instruction (e.g. if hands-on labs or shop time is required to complete a program); 
• the needs of students (e.g. Internet access and connection);
• the availability of space at our learning locations;
• physical distancing guidelines and facility capacity limits; and
• public health guidelines or any other constraints imposed by governments as the pandemic evolves.

Some programs and courses are delivered online more easily than others. Carlton Trail College's program planning is ongoing, with specific instructions and guidelines to be communicated directly to students before classes begin.

Why is the College using a blended learning approach?

As the College adapts and responds to the evolving pandemic, blended learning provides the most flexibility for us to deliver programs and courses, while mitigating related risks associated with COVID-19.

The health and safety of our learning community remains a priority.

Should there be outbreaks or another wave of COVID-19 in the future, a blended learning approach allows us to more easily transition to fully-online instruction, should it be needed.

However, we recognize that many of our programs benefit from substantial hands-on and in-person aspects and so we are committed to delivering the highest-quality educational experience possible, given the current circumstances.

Blended learning is also valuable to experience as many individuals are likely to face working within a blended workforce environment. Today, most businesses and organizations are highly digital and it is vital that our students gain digital literacy skills. Many employers also support employee development by providing access to professional development and training that may be delivered in-person, online or in blended formats.

 

Moving forward, Carlton Trail College will continue to adhere to all public health and post-secondary guidelines to help safeguard our students, staff and communities.

Thank you for your patience and commitment as we focus on the health, safety and well-being of our learning community.

Visit our COVID-19 webpage for College-specific updates and links to important health and wellness resources.