Module 4 Post #5

Cora J. Voyageur 2001 papers written in the Journal of Distance Education titled: Ready, Willing, And Able: Prospects For Distance Learning In Canada’s First Nations Community, outlines how online learning shows great promise for many remote First Nation Communities. Voyageur’s (2001) research found that many First Nation communities had the required technology and the community members wanted to engage in online learning.

I have learnt during this course and during my research for my final paper that Aboriginal people have an immense connection to family, culture, environment and their community and so having to leave their communities to participate in post secondary schooling is very difficult for them. The below quote from Voyageur (2001) highlights the potential for online learning:

“the educational attainment levels of First Nations people in Canada lags behind that of mainstream society. Because many reserves are in rural or remote areas, attending postsecondary institutions has meant leaving the community. However, advances in information technologies and distance education program delivery mean that First Nations people can obtain postsecondary educational credentials without having to leave their home communities.”

Voyageur, C. (2001). Ready, Willing, And Able: Prospects For Distance Learning In Canada’s First Nations Community. The Journal of Distance Education, VOL. 16, No. 1, 102-112. Retrieved from: http://www.jofde.ca/index.php/jde/article/view/174/131

Cheers,

Greg Campbell

Module 4 Post #4

The below article, Measuring Success In First Nations, Inuit And Métis Learning, by Paul Cappon (2008) provides some startling facts and some insight into Aboriginal learning.

Cappon (2008) describes how there are many barriers that are affecting First Nations, Inuit And Métis Learning including but not limited to:

–          In 2001 4 out of 10 Aboriginal children under 15 lived in low income families

–          Nearly ¼ of Aboriginal children lived in substandard housing

–          Suicides rates from Aboriginal youths are 5-7 times higher than national averages

Cappon (2008) also mentions that in “2006 almost 48 percent of Aboriginals were under the age of 24” and in the next 15 years an estimated 300,000 Aboriginal youths will enter the work force.

Cappon (2008), further highlights some of the key attributes to of Aboriginal views on learning including:

–          It is holistic

–          It is life long

–          It is experimental

–          It is rooted in Aboriginal languages and cultures

–          It is spiritually oriented

–          It is a communal activity

–          It integrates Aboriginal and Western knowledge.

To learn more about this topic please see:

Cappon, P. ( 2008). Measuring Success In First Nations, Inuit And Métis Learning. Policy Options. Retrieved from: http://www.ccl-cca.ca/NR/rdonlyres/0D0A5FA7-1191-43D9-A46D-F13D7C9BECAB/0/Cappon_PolicyOptions.pdf

Cheers,

Greg Campbell

Module 4 Post #3

In their paper titled:  The effectiveness of web-delivered learning with aboriginal students: Findings from a study in coastal Labrador http://cjlt.csj.ualberta.ca/index.php/cjlt/article/view/545/268,

Philpott, Sharpe & Neville (2009) present their findings from their research study that looked at e-learning for Aboriginal students in five coastal communities in Labrador, Canada. The “study provided evidence of the importance, usefulness and learning benefits of web-delivered instruction as a viable alternative to face-to-face instruction for aboriginal students in rural, isolated contexts. ” I found the study very informative and the data they collected overwhelmingly pointed to the need and the importance for e-learning in the remote First Nation Communities. This study should be read by anyone who is thinking about or researching the benefits of e-learning for remote First Nation communities.

Philpott, Sharpe & Neville (2009). The effectiveness of web-delivered learning with aboriginal students: Findings from a study in coastal Labrador. Retrieved from: http://cjlt.csj.ualberta.ca/index.php/cjlt/article/view/545/268

Cheers,

Greg Campbell

Module 4 Post #2

Technology is helping remote First Nation Communities participate in higher education. In his article titled Technology bringing knowledge to remote lands Neeley (2009) describes how Contact North is providing live online courses and audio conferencing to 49 remote First Nations communities in North Western Ontario. Many of these communities are extremely isolated with limited air and winter road access. Many community members have been working for years with little to no post secondary training and earning a good living in the North at resource based employment jobs. When the jobs end they are left with no employment options. The courses offered by Contact North are changing this predicament and are extremely welcomed by the First Nation community members

Neeley, J. (2009) Technology bringing knowledge to remote lands. Live online courses and audio-conferencing, bridging the gap. Northern Ontario Business. Retrieved from:

http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.library.ubc.ca/docview/210525681

Module 4 Post #1 – Aboriginal Success Stories

I was reviewing the Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada website www.aandc-aadnc.gc.ca and came across a link to Aboriginal community and business success stories:

http://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1307014211008/1307014336701

The website provides details on a number of First Nation people and communities who are having real economic success and some of the examples include:

Wawatay Native Communications Society
Wawatay Native Communications Society, located in Sioux Lookout, Ontario, provides media services in television, radio and newsprint to communities throughout Northern Ontario.

Nations Construction Consulting
Deanna Johnson, an Aboriginal woman living in Chilliwack, British Columbia, has proven that women can succeed in the construction world. Through her business Nations Construction & Consulting, she helps building quality homes for First Nations people and inspires her community.

An Electrifying Partnership: Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and Manitoba Hydro
The Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and Manitoba Hydro partner up to benefit all.

There is a link on the webpage that will take you to another section of the website where you can search for Aboriginal success stories by category which I found very useful.

http://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1100100014455/1100100014459

Regards,

Greg Campbell