The Citizen, 2005-10-20, Page 6PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2005.
On-line learning
14 students learn from a distance
as project nears end of first year
a post-secondary option
By Bonnie Gropp
Citizen editor
There are many challenges for
people in rural areas when it.comes
to post-secondary [earning or
training, beyond the cost of tuition.
Transportation and living expenses
add to the financial burden, while for
many, leaving small-town behind for
the urban life can be intimidating.
Human Resources and Skills
Development Canada's office of
learning technologies, has partnered
with the Avon Maitland District
School Board and Fanshawe College
to fund a three-year project for
on-line learning in rural
communities.
On-line learning is the delivery of
content via internet, LAN/WAN,
satellite broadcast, audio or
videotape, interactive television, CD
ROM, computer-based training or
web-based training.
Project co-ordinator Dianne
Harrison said the goal is to create a
community learning network that
supports on-line learners in Huron
and Perth with an aim of increasing
local employment and decrease out
migration. .
"We are finding people migrate to
urban areas to participate in post
secondary education or skills
training then remain there. The hope
is by setting up this training which
will be at the same level it will keep
people here.”
Nearing the end of the first year
for the project, Harrison said the
major action has been a community
mapping exercise. This involved
research conducted and reported
created by the University of Guelph
led by Dr. Harry Cummings.
"The goal of the research is to
assess the labour market in Huron
Speech dealt extensively
with health of Ontarians
Continued from page 4
dreams for the future, and we’re
prepared to work in partnership with
our government to make those plans
for the future come true.
The speech dealt extensively with
the health of Ontarians, and Ontario
farmers know they can play a key
role in meeting this commitment
through the healthy and safe food
we produce for Ontario citizens.
The speech also stated: “Your
government is determined to protect
Ontarians’ health by cleaning up the
air they breathe and protecting the
water they drink.”
Ontario farmers
repeatedly they can
their willingness to
community learning
a survey of graduating
and Perth Counties, to map the
community assets related to training
and to assess the demand for on-line
learning courses as a tool for labour
market development,” explains
Harrison.
There are two objectives to the
exercise. First to assess whether the
establishment of a community
learning network for employment
training would be viable and second
to outline the overall employment
skills present and needed in the area.
To reach these objectives.
Harrision said the project was
divided into four main sections. A
survey was conducted of training
organizations within both counties to
determine
create a
network.
Next was
high school students about their
future career plans, their willingness
to stay in the area and their
willingness to participate in on-line
learning.
A general phone survey was
conducted to ascertain employees’
perceptions of the work and
education opportunities available
here, and a focus group of employers
was polled to determine the skills
required for their businesses and
their interest in on-line workplace
training.
With the scheduled completion of
the community mapping exercise set
for November, Harrison said the
information will then be compiled
and a call will going out to the
community to come out and learn
more.
The other big factor of on-line
learning, said Harrison, is that
research has shown that adults are
more successful in education when
supported. In contrast
have shown
play a major
role in achieving these
commitments to the people of
Ontario, and with the continued
financial support of the McGuinty
Government, we will be able to
make that commitment a reality.
Ontario’s farmers are already
implementing requirements under
the Nutrient Management Act, and
with adequate public funding they
want to complete projects already
planned to protect and preserve the
environment.
OFA is encourage by the speech
from the throne and looks forward
to working with the government to
meet Ontario agriculture’s needs for
the future.
Higher learning
Dianne Harrison is the project co-ordinator for on-line
learning in rural communities. The hope is to provide
opportunities for individuals to develop their potential. (Bonnie
Gropp photo)
paradigm of on-line learning being a
lonely activity, Harrison said the
centres for employment and learning
have been offering “motivational
coaches” on site to remove the
isolation factor.
Participants use the centre’s
computers and an instructor is
available to help with technical
issues. “As well there are other
students in the lab to draw from and
increase the social aspect of
learning.”
Students can choose to work at
home, however, if they prefer.
“By having me sit in Huron and
Perth, it takes the scariness out of
dealing with schools in the city. I’m
a
direct link to registration and
orientation.”
There are two different kinds of
on-line learning. Formal is at the
post-secondary level. It is taken on a
semestered basis
education institution.
Informal focuses
employability.
through an
on workplace
is skills
some
does
by a
workplace preparation. Examples
would be WHMIS, Smartserve, self
paced computer courses or
employee development modules. A
client can come in and ask for
training and enrol that day.”
Currently there are 14 formal
learners, mostly female.
“You can take just about
everything on-line now. I would hate
to say there is a limit because all it
could take is for me to do
research and find it for you.”
While formal education
require assignments be done
due date, with on-line learning, the
course load need only be as heavy as
the student wants it to be.
“Generally there is an extended
timeline for you to complete your
degree.”
This makes it a sensible option for
people who need to continue to work
while studying.
“The general rule of thumb when
you enrol is to expect to spend five
hours per week per course.”
Harrison sees on-line learning as a
social and successful learning
opportunity for the people in Huron
and Perth.
While the work continues in the
project she said the partnership had
definitely entered into this contract
with a vision of sustainability with
on-line learning as a long-term
initiative.
Harrison; who describes herself as
“passionate” about the project
concludes, “It very much works for
employers in the area. It eliminates
the huge barrier of travel and
accommodation for post-secondary
education. I think locally it will have
an impact.
Welcome to Kindergarten
The Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board, its Catholic elementary schools and its
community partners are pleased to offer a quality learning opportunity for our young
children entering school for the first time. Junior and Senior Kindergarten offer a place
where your child can grow and learn in a positive Christ-centered environment.
Kindergarten Registration 2006 - 2007
Tuesday, November 1, 2006 - Friday November 18, 2006
at Catholic elementary schools throughout Huron and Perth Counties
For Senior Kindergarten
Students must be 5 years of age on or before December 31, 2006
To You Our Valued Customer
We Are Offering
You Start The Winter
For Junior Kindergarten
Students must be 4 years of age on or before December 31, 2006
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- Lube, Oil and Filter - Tires Rotation - Brake Inspection
- Top Up Fluids - Set Tire Pressure - Electronic Battery Test
- Complete 15 Point Inspection including Coolant, Tires, Wipers, Hoses and Belts
All this for only $49.95 (plus taxes)
Any additional repairs required will be discussed before completion.
When you're safer on the road we feel better.
Ca£t Toy: Ijout Seuuce Canndtant
Registration will take place for each school on the following dates:
Huron County Schools
St. Boniface School, Zurich - November I, 2005
St. James School, Seaforth - November 2, 2005
Sacred Heart School, Wingham - November 4, 2005
St. Mary’s School, Goderich - November 7, 2005
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School, Mt. Carmel - November 14, 2005
Precious Blood School, Exeter - November 15, 2005
St. Joseph’s School, Clinton - November 16, 2005
Watch for details in school and church newsletters or call your local school.
115 Josephine St., j
WINGHAM, ON J JOHN CULLEN
CHEVROLET
f 357-2323 Laify Langan
Director of Education
For further information visit our website at:
www.hpcdsb.edu.on.ca Bernard Murray
Chair of Board