MULTI MODAL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Yes… it’s true! 110 hours are required by the Ministry of Education to achieve a full semester credit course. In the Canadian Ecology Centre (CEC) and near North District School Board (NNDSB) credit course program, students earn their credit through a blended learning delivery method, including a combination of on-line and face-to-face (on-site) sessions and learning.

The on-site portions of the credit course are considered a residential academic program, and are not equivalent to the experience you might have at an overnight summer camp. Although our courses incorporate components of “camp” (ie. games, outdoor activities, etc.), as well as creating fun and hands-on learning environments, the main focus and priority of this program is to provide a quality and successful academic experience for all students. During the face-to-face components of the course, students will be learning in a safe and experiential format. The 1st intake session will be used to set up the framework for the on-line component of the course and the culminating weekend will be used for project presentations, evaluation (final exam) and course debriefing.

Students will receive an information package upon registration that will provide more details in regards to how the course will be organized and delivered. The on-line component can be accessed by using your personal computer at home or school computer using the Ministry of Education E-Learning program. During the 1st face-to-face (on-site) session, students will be introduced to the e-learning program and how it will be used in the course incorporating flexibility and on-line interactions with the teacher and other students registered in the course.

We know that experiential and outdoor learning can have tremendous benefits for those students considered “behavioural” in the classroom environment, but are in fact just very hands-on and interactive learners. We are happy to accept students who would benefit and be successful from an alternative learning environment. At the same time, due to the intensity and academic nature of the program, we have limited time and resource people available to deal with true behavioural issues while completing the face-to-face component of the course (ie. bullying, defiance, aggression, illegal in nature, etc.). For this reason we have a very strict policy and tolerance for inappropriate behaviour. Please contact us if you are unsure if this is the right experience for your child.

We incorporate a variety of teaching styles throughout the program to address the learning needs of all of our students and can make modifications as required for individual IEP’s. Please contact us if you are unsure if this is the right experience for your child.

Many outdoor, interactive and experiential components are included as part of the face-to-face sessions. These include opportunities for students to interact socially with others within their own class as well as students in other classes at the same time. Often during meal times or at the end of the night, special activities will be planned for students to interact outside of a “classroom learning environment” (ie. group game/challenges, group picnics, campfires, etc.).

We believe a quality education experience includes a multitude of resources and support networks. Qualified teachers and CEC support staff (often qualified teacher as well) are hired to teach each course, providing more opportunities for students to learn as well as an increased support network in the classroom. CEC support staff (as well as the teacher) are available to help out in the classroom/field trips as needed, assist with day/evening supervision, planning of social activities and to lead the outdoor activities.skills components of the course (ie. canoeing, swimming, camping, snowshoeing, hiking, etc.).

We offer a technology “freed” program during the face to face component of the course. Students are NOT permitted to have any personal technologies with them during the course. Although we make use of technology, and computers in the classroom environment, students are not permitted to bring items such as Ipods/Ipads, cell phones, gaming systems, computers (unless required for learning by an IEP), MP3 players etc… These items would be confiscated and returned to the students at the end of the weekend if found. The CEC believes in the value of “disconnecting” from technology at times and “re-connecting” with face-to-face social interaction and play… something that is hard to do in our electronically minded society. This is a positive experience and something that you can discuss with your child prior to attending the program. Students are permitted to bring digital cameras. Students will have access to CEC computers (for course work) and phones for personal communication.

Students will share a cabin with 2 or 3 other people that are of the same sex and usually the same credit course. Each cabin is equipped with shower/washroom facilities, a small fridge and full bedding. A complete equipment list is sent out in the secondary registration package. All meals are provided, including accommodations for any dietary needs and/or allergies. Snacks are not provided. Many students will either bring a small amount of spending money for our on site tuck shop or bring nut-free snacks with them that they store in their cabins.

Bus transportation is available from most major city centers to the North Bay Terminal for the session dates. Transportation from the bus terminal in North Bay to the CEC may be arranged (additional cost applies). Pending enough interest, bus transportation MAY be arranged to and from the CEC (additional cost would apply).