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