Parkland College and Cumberland College intend to deliver classes this fall through blended learning. The colleges are coordinating with post-secondary institutions across Saskatchewan on this hybrid approach to education.
This Blended Learning model provides the programming flexibility needed to manage the risks of the COVID-19 pandemic while ensuring the continued health and safety of students, faculty, and staff. This concept follows the guidance of the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan, which advanced to Phase 3 on June 8.
鈥淥ur current plan is to offer a blend of online, face-to-face, and alternative programming,鈥� said President & CEO Dr. Mark Hoddenbagh. How class time is divided for any program or course will be determined by a number of factors, he said, including the necessity of face-to-face (hands-on labs and shop time), the needs of students (e.g. no Internet access off-campus), availability of space, and any restrictions imposed by the government.
The post-secondary sector鈥檚 planning for the fall is well underway, including contingency plans for a resurgence of the virus, where in-class learning cannot resume as planned, either regionally or provincially. The colleges will continue to adhere to public health guidelines as delivered by the Government of Saskatchewan鈥檚 Chief Medical Officer.
鈥淥ur shared priority, at all levels of the education system, is the health and safety of students and staff,鈥� Hoddenbagh added. 鈥淲e are prepared to adjust our plan and timelines at any point as the pandemic evolves.鈥�
Students are encouraged to monitor the colleges鈥� websites for additional details about their specific program and classes (www.cumberlandcollege.sk.ca and www.parklandcollege.sk.ca). Details will be communicated to students as 2020-2021 programming decisions are finalized.
