3 minute read
Ready for what happens next
Lethbridge College students supported and celebrated during unprecedented year
Finishing high school and choosing what to do next has always been a challenge for students, but never has that challenge seemed greater than in a world that has been radically reshaped by the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftereffects.
At Lethbridge College, faculty and staff across campus worked hard to adapt to the quickly changing circumstances and create meaningful experiences for students, helping to build the foundation for future success.
Through faculty expertise, technology and creativity, the college broke new and exciting ground in the way
it delivered education at Lethbridge College in the midst of a pandemic. For instance, instructor Dr. Amy HodgsonBright invited five award-winning authors and illustrators from across North America for a virtual visit with her Writing for Children and Young Adults class. Students benefitted from hearing first-hand about their careers, writing and illustrating styles as well as gaining tips as they started to plan their own careers.
The college also signed a partnership agreement with Riipen, a Canadian technology platform that facilitates micro-experiential learning opportunities, which enabled students to work directly with an industry partner to complete work that benefits the partner. This partnership also connected to the curriculum, counting towards their classwork and academic outcomes. Five programs adopted Riipen as part of their curriculum in the 202021 academic year, including business, geography, marketing, English and Digital Communications and Media (DCM) classes.
While many students adapted to online learning, others continued to receive hands-on instruction in small cohorts in programs like Culinary Careers, Nursing, Digital Communications and Media, Welding, Automotives, Plumbing and more. Whether they were learning to bake a delectable dessert, insert an IV, create a television news program or fabricate metal parts, they put their classroom theory into practice while following safety guidelines. For students in the Wind Turbine Technician program, that meant climbing in and learning with the college’s new, full-sized wind turbine nacelle that sits in the larger-than-life lab. And all students – wherever they were learning – have been able to access all the services and supports available to the Lethbridge College community, including academic advising, writing support, career advising, counselling and more.
Lethbridge College also knows preparing students for future success includes skills that go beyond the classroom. Custom-designed student core competencies in areas such as innovation, problem solving, teamwork and collaboration and communication give students these skills. Proficiency in each competency will be recognized with a digital badge from Lethbridge College that makes students more appealing to employers.
Faculty and staff are taking that same spirit of adaptability and creativity into their planning for fall 2021. They are committed to making sure students, who choose from the more than 60 certificate, diploma, applied degree and apprenticeship programs Lethbridge College offers, receive a high-quality education that prepares them for the future in a safe and supportive learning environment.
For the fall semester, the college plans to continue with its current flexible learning environment, which includes online, on-campus and blended course delivery depending on the needs of each course. The college’s academic leaders worked with faculty to determine which classes will be held on-campus. Strict health and safety measures are in place for all on-campus classes and labs. The goal is to create the best experience possible for students in their learning journey – while finding new and creative ways to support them in and outside the “classroom.” n
Be Ready
OUR JOB IS TO ENSURE STUDENTS ARE READY FOR THEIRS.
This fall, students can choose from more than 60 best-in-class certificate, diploma, applied degree and apprenticeship programs at Lethbridge College. Students will benefit from small-classes, work-integrated learning opportunities and a campus community that knows what happens next matters most – and so is committed to supporting students on every step of their educational journey.
OVER OUR NEW RESOURCES
Bring the forest to your classroom
We may be going out on a limb here… but today’s students and teachers are looking for engaging and interactive learning experiences.
See how Work Wild makes forests, sustainability, and career planning come alive! Check out our curriculum-supporting resources.
