Credenda News 2010-11
Newsletters 2010
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News Headliner:
News Archives:
- Six Saskatchewan Authors Interact Online with Six Thousand Students
- Water and Wastewater Technician Certificate Flows Online March 03, 2011
- Children's Authors Give Online Conference for Family Literacy Day February 4, 2011
- Bullying Awareness Week Nov 12, 2010
- Credenda Gives Back Nov 10, 2010
- 34 Northern Students Graduate with College Diplomas and Certificates Sep 3, 2010
- Giving to Pakistan Sep 3, 2010
- U0fS BA in Northern Studies Online with Block Transfers from Other Credenda Programs Aug 20, 2010
- Archives 2009-2010
Credenda Honours 2011 Grads and Award Winners
Prince Albert, Saskatchewan – June 15, 2011 – Credenda Virtual High School honoured graduating and award winning high school students in a virtual assembly on June 15, 2011. Principal Tyrone MacPherson was emcee, Mayor Jim Scarrow gave opening remarks, and Rachael Andrews from La Ronge was valedictorian.
Mayor Jim Scarrow congratulated the students on their accomplishments and the Credenda staff for their commitment to providing synchronous online learning. He noted that Credenda's delivery mode is a valuable alterative and mentioned that he is gaining more experience in virtual conferencing as some of his meetings are now online. MacPherson read letters of congratulations from the Honourable Darcy Furber, MLA Prince Albert Northcote and the Honourable Daryl Hickie, MLA Prince Albert Carleton.
The ceremony recognized subject award winners in Grade 10 to 12 and 29 Grade 12 graduates. It also listed 27 Cameco bursary winners. These bursaries are part of Cameco's commitment to helping young First Nations, Métis, and northern students by providing funds to access math and science classes in order to pursue higher education.
Hidden between the lines of her valedictorian speech, are many of Rachael Andrews virtues. Andrews thought she was too old to return to school and feared failure but she found the courage to register. When she felt guilty for spending time on homework instead of her home life, she practiced determination by reminding herself "my sacrifice is temporary but I will be a high school graduate forever." She expressed thankfulness for her husband's and children's helpfulness and support. She said, "I would like to thank all my teachers, for making my learning experience at this school a fun and exciting one. Each and every one of them has helped me achieve my goal. I cannot thank them enough for all of their hard work. They are all amazing and dedicated teachers." Andrews ended with these words of encouragement, "I just want everybody to know it's never too late to follow a dream and with the right amount of determination you can accomplish anything—all you have to do is set your mind to it."
The assembly is archived at http://www.credenda.net/eSocialNetworks/assemblies_files/index.htm.
Credenda Virtual High School recognized its graduating Grade 12 students and high school award winners in an online ceremony on June 15, 2011. This composite image shows speakers Prince Albert Mayor Jim Scarrow and Credenda Director of Education Vince Hill with a Cameco bursary slide.
Six Saskatchewan Authors Interact Online with Six Thousand Students
Prince Albert, Saskatchewan – March 03, 2011 - An online conference for Family Literacy Day saw six top Saskatchewan children's authors interacting with 6627 students in 425 different grades/classes. The conference was a partnership between CANSCAIP SK Horizons and Credenda Virtual High School and College. The event was made possible through CANSCAIP SK Horizons funding from the Saskatchewan Arts Board, SaskCulture and Saskatchewan Lotteries.
CANSCAIP SK Horizons is the Saskatchewan branch of the Canadian Society of Children's Authors, Illustrators, and Performers. Member authors Linda Aksomitis, Sharon Plumb Hamilton, Marie Powell, Arthur Slade, Maureen Ulrich, and Arthur Slade heroically ventured into Elluminate Live! virtual classrooms for their author talks. From the comfort of their homes, they powered up their computers, turned on their web cams, and loaded up PowerPoint presentations to share their love of literacy. Schools logged in and could ask questions throughout the presentation by using the chat feature. The schools could also applaud with the emoticons.
Arthur Slade, writer, headbanger, and geek, was excited about the opportunity to communicate with so many people at one time. In his book selection, he was looking for books that were visual and fun. His humorous presentation raced through his life story to the moment in high school when he earned 100% on a short story assignment. He talked about the countless rejections for his novels during high school and university. Being a headbanger, helped because he just kept banging away. His seventh novel was accepted. He talked about how inspired he has been by great reads like The Book of Three and Fahrenheit 451.
President of Linda Aksomitis CANSCAIP SK Horizons organized the event and collected feedback post-conference. One comment by the Robert Southey School illuminates their side of the experience: "It was certainly more technical than we had expected but the picture quality was excellent! Our staff and students valued the opportunity to learn about how this author's writing process and to hear him read from his work. They appreciated the opportunity to ask questions."
Unity Public School said, "Our students learned from this conference where authors get their ideas from, what the author’s role is and what the publishers’ and editors’ roles are in the production of a book. They also learned that authors have many life experiences and write about what they are interested in and know about. Our staff and students valued hearing everything from a real author. The students loved that their personal questions were answered during the presentation. Our students enjoyed listening to an author from their own province. She talked about things they could relate to as she described her own writing process."
Dinsmore Composite High school added, "What a wonderful way for rural students to have the opportunity to hear such gifted writers!"
To learn more about the conference visit http://www.credenda.net/CANSCAIP/.
Other media reports of the conference:
http://www.leaderpost.com/Authors+reaching+online/4153665/story.html
Water and Wastewater Technician Certificate Flows Online
Prince Albert, Saskatchewan – February 4, 2011 – Credenda Virtual College and the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) have partnered in a new initiative to offer NAIT’s Water and Wastewater Technician Certificate online. NAIT’s Water certification is highly regarded by employers and Credenda’s synchronous online delivery increases the chances of student success.
Wise management of water and wastewater is growing in importance because of climate change. Safe drinking water is essential to life and freshwater is needed to grow food. Dealing with wastewater is also important. The water certification program provides high level training for those desiring employment and/or upgrading in the fields of water distribution, water treatment, wastewater collection, and wastewater treatment. Water and Wastewater Technicians are employed by municipal governments, industries and institutions.
Credenda’s Director Vince Hill is excited to be offering the course, "In Canada, we tend to take water for granted. Water is too important to be taken for granted. If you understand climate change, you will understand that water will soon be the new gold. We need people who are able to manage water and wastewater."
eInstructor Bill Adams agrees, "I’ve been in the water business for 25 years. There is a strong demand for water and wastewater plant operators and it is getting stronger every day."
Adams explains that Credenda’s synchronous delivery model has tremendous advantages. "You have live instruction and live interaction with fellow classmates. A great advantage to learning with Credenda is you stay in your community. The Water Tech course will be offered full time but you can also take it part time in the evenings. This means you don't have to give up your day job."
Adams mentioned he had numerous interested inquiries at the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) Convention 2011, "Municipalities, especially the smaller ones, see Credenda as a great way for current and future staff to receive training. Staff find it difficult to access special education like this water course and if they do relocate, there is always a risk that they won't return. A couple communities even said they would make time available during the work day for their staff for training."
For information on registering in the Water and Wastewater Technician Certificate or another Credenda program, visit http://www.credenda.net/.
Children's Authors Give Online Conference for Family Literacy Day
Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan – January 17, 2011 – Children’s authors from the Saskatchewan chapter of CANSCAIP have partnered with Credenda Virtual High School & College to hold a virtual conference. It will take place during Family Literacy Day celebrations from January 26 to 28, 2011. Over one hundred schools from around the province are registered to attend their choices of a dozen sessions. Six Saskatchewan children’s writers will read from their books and interact with students online.
CANSCAIP chapter president, Linda Aksomitis, says, “The response from Saskatchewan schools has been phenomenal! Leading up to the event, schools can visit http://www.credenda.net to logon to the Elluminate e-Live classroom to access resource materials for the sessions.”
The stellar list of participating authors includes: Arthur Slade (winner of the 2010 TD Canadian Children’s Literature award); Edward Willett (finalist 2010, winner 2009 of the Prix Aurora Awards); Maureen Ulrich (winner of the Silver medal in the 2010, Gold medal in 2008 Moonbeam Children’s Awards); Linda Aksomitis (author of the newly released, L is for Land of Living Skies: A Saskatchewan Alphabet picture book, and winner in the 2008 Foreward Magazine Awards); Marie Powell (award winning short story author and poet); and Sharon Plumb (author of the popular new YA fantasy, Draco’s Child). Schedule and more information are available at http://www.credenda.net/CANSCAIP/.
The CANSCAIP SK Horizons (the Saskatchewan chapter of CANSCAIP) thank the Saskatchewan Arts Board for their support of the event.
Bullying Awareness Week
Regina, Saskatchewan – November 12, 2010 – This year's theme for Bullying Awareness week, November 14 to 20, is "Stand Up (to bullying)". Research has shown us that approximately 15% of a given population in a school or workplace are directly involved with bullying, that leaves 85% as potential bystanders or silent majority.
This group of bystanders is the primary focus and target audience for Bullying Awareness Week. The week also has youth as a primary focus, as they are the ones who can "Be the change", and grow up thinking differently about bullying unlike many in previous generations who have attitudes about bullying as a "Rite of passage" or even that "Being bullied is good for you, it toughens you up."
We may never completely eliminate bullying from society, but it is a fight worth fighting. In recent years we have seen major positive changes in societal attitudes and actions with respect to things like smoking, drinking and driving and recycling, these are all behaviours and they are beginning to change for the better. Bullying is also a behaviour, and as an issue it is today where these other issues were years ago before the public embraced the notion of change. Bullying Awareness Week is all about an invitation for you and your community to "Be the change!"
Vice principal Megaen Reader has prepared eTeacher resources to go with each day. We encourage you to send in any photos especially "Pink Shirt Day". Visit http://www.bullyingawarenessweek.org/ for more information.
Introduction (Monday): What is Bullying? Discuss what bullying looks like with your class.
Virtues to highlight: respect, friendlinessWhy Bullies Bully (Tuesday): Discuss the reasons why someone may choose to be a bully.
Virtues to highlight: empathy, forgivenessWhat is Cyber Bullying? (Wednesday):Is the risk for Credenda students greater? Or less?
Virtues to Highlight: truthfulness, tactPink Shirt Day (Thursday): Wear pink to show your support. Talk about the background story behind wearing pink. Post pics of the pink in CredendaSpace or on your whiteboard create a collage- be sure to share! What can we do to prevent bullying?
Virtues to highlight: unity, helpfulnessBoundaries (Friday): Create your own class pledge our anti-bullying boundaries.
Virtues to Highlight: courage, peacefulness
Credenda Gives Back
Prince Albert, Saskatchewan – November 10, 2010 – As a virtues based First Nation’s school, Credenda Virtual High School and College initiated a new volunteering program for staff. Employees are given 30 hours of work time during the year to practice the virtue of service by volunteering.
Credenda offers their students a chance to give back within their communities and receive a high school credit for it. The Social Responsibility 20 class challenges students to get out into their communities and make a difference through volunteerism. It is aimed at students who want to make a difference in the world by recognizing local and/or global issues and wanting to contribute to positive change.
Director Vince Hill, a volunteer himself along with Finance Manager, Janice Hudon for the Prince Albert Community Basketball Association, explains, "Gandhi said 'Be the change you wish to see in the world.' We know modeling is one of the best teaching strategies there is. We want our students to practice service, so it just made sense to give our staff more flexibility to model it."
Vice-principal Megaen Reader appreciates the new program. "This time allows me to participate in volunteer activities that in the past, I would have had to take a personal day for; now I get to volunteer and share what I am doing with my students with the support of Credenda. It’s important to Credenda that we show the students the importance of giving- and giving of one’s time is a great way for everyone – young, old, rich poor, etc. – to get involved. This fall I was able to take a half day to launch “Red October”, a United Way GenNext Committee initiative. This spring I will be participating in United Way’s Annual Day of Caring and I hope to bring some of our students out to get them involved as well.”
Nancy Carswell, eLearning Course Developer, is also grateful. "I'm with the Shellbrook Grandmothers for Grandmothers group. The Stephen Lewis Foundation AfriGrand Caravan to help turn the tide on AIDS in Africa had three stops in Saskatchewan—Regina, Saskatoon, and Shellbrook. Because of my volunteer hours, I was able to listen to the rep from Consol Homes, a grandmother, and a granddaughter from Malawi speak at the high school, and later to the grandmothers groups in the afternoon during my regular work hours. Their stories were powerful, and full of hope. They are seeing positive changes in so many lives. It was very inspiring."
Credenda understands that its well-being is the result of the collective well-being of its staff and students. Not only is volunteering good for Credenda, but it is also is good for the world.
Photo Caption: Credenda's Nancy Carswell (far right) poses with members of the Stephen Lewis Foundation AfriGrand Caravan as it tours the country to turn the tide on AIDS in Africa. Credenda staff members have 30 hours of work time to practice the virtue of service and Carswell used some of her time recently when her Shellbrook Grandmothers to Grandmothers group hosted the caravan.
34 Northern Students Graduate with College Diplomas and Certificates
Prince Albert, SK, Sept 27, 2010 —Credenda Virtual High School and College will host a College Graduation ceremony on Sat. October 2, 2010, 10:00 a.m. The graduates are from many northern communities including Patuanak, Fond du Lac, James Smith, Whitecap, Red Earth, Meadow Lake, Beauval, Sandy Bay, Cumberland House and Prince Albert. The 2010 graduates completed two year programs in Early Learning and Childcare Certificate and Diploma Programs as well as Educational Assistant Certificates. The programs are offered through Credenda and accredited by Lakeland College in Vermilion, Alberta.
Students have been learning from their home, place of work or wherever they have been able to go online. They have received their education through a virtual college and have now attained recognized college accreditation.
Credenda offers real time interaction with eInstructors at scheduled times, 24/7 access to course content, recorded lessons for review and more. In addition, what makes this program delivery unique, besides having a live instructor, is that it makes it possible for students to work within their community and take these part-time online courses. Students then have the ability to contribute back to their community immediately with their learning.
Many of the diploma graduates are now looking to enter the Bachelor of Arts in Northern Studies from the University of Saskatchewan, which will be delivered online with Credenda’s technology. The U of S is giving full block credit transfer to students graduating from the Credenda certificate and diploma programs.
"Our goal is to help build capacity in northern communities, whether First Nations or Non-First nations. If our students can live and work and learn in their communities without moving south away from their families by using the latest technology, that’s a good thing,” says Vince Hill, Director of Education.
Many of the Credenda students had very little technological skills before applying to Credenda’s online program, but today, have additional skills that make them that much more valuable to a northern labour market. For many of these students, this is just the beginning of the learning.
Credenda Virtual High School and College has been teaching students for five years over the Internet. Originally conceived by the Prince Albert Grand Council, Credenda is now a charitable non-profit company. Credenda’s Board is comprised of representatives from Cameco, Prairie Spirit School Division, and Prince Albert Grand Council.
Credenda receives grants from Cameco and SaskEnergy to aid in providing education for northern communities.
Giving to Pakistan
Prince Albert, SK - Sep 3, 2010 Generosity, our virtue of the week from August 29 to September 4, was an especially timely one for Pakistan. Credenda has a staff charity fund for the privilege of wearing casually on Fridays. At our orientation in August, we directed half the fund towards Pakistan. Credenda generously will double the $720 staff donation, sending on $1520. As we are ahead of the Canadian government's September 12 deadline for doubling funds, the net donation generated by Credenda will be $3040.
It is a mistake to think of the flooding in Pakistan as a "water" problem. Flooding is not clean water but filthy mud. The flooding itself has killed 1,600 and displaced 17.2 million people. That is half of Canada's total population of 33.3 million. The need for immediate relief is high as the people will need medicines to protect against water borne diseases and food to replace lost crops. The need for long term reconstruction of infrastructure is even greater. A glance at the map of the flooded dark orange and severely affected red districts reveals the extent of this disaster.
Credenda is now a registered charity and can provide tax receipts for donations.
University of Saskatchewan's BA in Northern Studies Online at Credenda College
Prince Albert, SK - Aug 20, 2010 Starting this fall, Credenda College will offer the University of Saskatchewan's Bachelor of Arts in Northern Studies with an emphasis in Aboriginal Public Administration. Credenda graduates from the Early Learning and Child Care and Educational Assistant programs will be allowed a block transfer of up credits allowing them to finish their degree quicker.
The Bachelor of Arts in Northern Studies is unique at the University of Saskatchewan and in the province, as it focuses on one region of interest—the Circumpolar North. The core Northern Studies courses, developed and offered in conjunction with the University of the Arctic, investigate the land, environment, people, culture and contemporary issues of the circumpolar world. Northern Studies is an interdisciplinary program where students benefit from a broad range of knowledge in a variety of disciplines, including: Biology, Economics, English, Geography, Geology, History, Native Studies, Political Studies, and Agriculture and Bioresources.
In Northern Studies, there are many opportunities awaiting students in the field. The North2North Student Exchange Program caters to students interested in the North, and also gives students the chance to study with people from around the world. Students pursuing Northern Studies have the option to study at one of the University of the Arctic’s other member institutions. This results in international learning opportunities for students in Denmark (Greenland), Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the United States (Alaska). Students can travel to these countries to discover the challenges facing other northern communities and the ways in which they are addressed.
More information at our Northern Studies program page or contact the UofS (Arts 278) 306.966.5672 or Credenda 306.764.2847.
- Credenda High School Celebrates Student Success Jun 16, 2010
- "Be the Change" 2010 Leadership Camp Apr 16, 2010
- Credenda Cares for Haiti Feb 17, 2010
- Online Learning Evolves at Credenda Feb 09, 2010
- Credenda receives $2 million from Cameco Jan 29, 2010
- New Real Building for Virtual School Jan 12, 2010
- Credenda Unveils New Social Responsibility Course Dec 06, 2009
- Credenda Offers Professional Development for 21st Century Learning Sep 09, 2009
- Credenda Offers Free Leadership 20 Course Sep 02, 2009
- Online Pioneer Child Care Graduates Honoured Nov 18, 2008
Credenda High School Celebrates Student Success
Prince Albert, SK - Jun 16, 2010 In a virtual ceremony, Credenda High School celebrated its very real student success on June 16. Forty-eight Grade 12 graduates were recognized as well as numerous others who had achieved academic excellence or demonstrated great determination.
Mayor Jim Scarrow speaking via web cam in Credenda's online high school graduation ceremony.
Tyrone MacPherson, Principal of Northern Campus, welcomed participants and introduced Mayor Jim Scarrow, our honoured guest speaker. After congratulating all students, parents, and Credenda staff, Mayor Scarrow emphasized, "Credenda is one of the most technologically advanced online virtual schools of its kind. This innovative form of delivering live classes to students has become just a natural way of life for its 48 graduates and all those who are enrolled." Mayor Scarrow identified a duty for Credenda graduates to tell others about the unique learning opportunity offered by Credenda. "This is the inspirational story you must tell all others that you come into contact with-- that you are a graduate of Credenda."
Lori Poitras, Principal of Southern Campus, closed off the ceremony with wise words for all of us from Dr. Seuss. "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. You are the one who'll decide where to go." She pointed out that high school and post secondary education gives students tools to better steer their direction.
Director Vince Hill thanked everyone for attending and encouraged students to study hard for the upcoming exams.
"Be the Change" 2010 Leadership Camp
Prince Albert, SK - Apr 16, 2010 - Credenda, in collaboration with SaskEnergy, is offering an exciting leadership training opportunity to students enrolled in Credenda Virtual High School (CVHS). A "Be the Change" 2010 Leadership Camp will be held at the Wanuskewin Heritage Park from May 25- 28.
Credenda and SaskEnergy recognize it is essential that youth receive training so they can fill leadership positions in the workplace and in society. This camp offers students a foundation as they identify key leadership qualities and skills. Lori Poitras, Principal Southern Campus and organizer, explains that the camp goes further than just the foundations, "We have arranged featured guest speakers who will help our students understand leadership from many different aspects plus targeted activities to help build the collaborative teamwork essential for all leaders in today's world." Guest speakers include Gary Merasty, Edward Mirasty, Chief Lonechild, Janet and Chief Wally Fox, Colin Sutherland, and Harry Lafond. Accommodations and activities will be outdoors weather permitting.
To apply, Credenda high school student submit a one page essay answering the following questions: "What does student leadership mean to me? Our Credenda motto is 'Be the Change you want to see.' What does this mean to me as a young person?" A letter of recommendation from the student's Principal or Vice-Principal must accompany the essay. The deadline for application is April 30. Essays and letters of recommendations can be emailed to Lori Poitras, lori.poitras@credenda.net or faxed to (306) 332-1442. Questions can be emailed to Principal Poitras. If a student is selected, expenses for the camp will be covered.
Click on then right click and play.
Credenda Cares for Haiti
Prince Albert, SK - Feb 17, 2010 - Credenda eStudents and others at Father Gamache Memorial School in Fond du Lac used not only the virtue of caring but perceptiveness. They recognized that a double double is not just a latte. Using a Valentine's Day activity of pink hearts acknowledging donations, the team of Tanya Pacquette, Kathy Pische, Myrna Fern, Ruby Adam, Karen Mercredi, and Helen Laurent, raised over $500 for Haiti which was doubled by Credenda and doubled again by Canada. This means their contribution $500 was doubled to $1000 and doubled again to $2000.
Pink Heart fundraising team. In back, Myrna Fern and Tanya Pacquette.
In front, Ruby Adam, Helen Laurent and Kathy Pische.
There is another heart-warming Credenda story involving a triple double. Kasey Fulton, eInstructor, and her son love baking together and Kasey's husband, works at a place where they love eating. Kasey and her son made up the cupcakes and Kasey's husband took them to work for a complete sell out. How does the triple double come in? The Fulton family generously matched the money raised by the cupcake sale. The family doubled, Credenda doubled and then Canada doubled for a triple double.
Youngest Fulton Baker eager to whip up cupcakes for Haiti.
As Vince Hill, Director of Credenda wrote in his email acknowledging all donations, "Thank you for all your efforts to help the people of Haiti. Sixty-six emergency family kits were purchased because of your efforts, plus another 66 matched by the government. Feels good to help out doesn't it?"
| eStudents & eStaff Donations | $1815 |
| Credenda Matches | $1815 |
| Canada Matches | $3630 |
| Total Relief | $7260 |
For an update on Haiti, visit World Vision's Newsroom.
Online Learning Evolves at Credenda
Prince Albert, SK - Feb 09, 2010 - Credenda Virtual High School and College continues to be a leader in online learning. Its synchronous virtual classroom, Elluminate Live! provides teachers and students a real-time online meeting room and a new learning management system, Desire2Learn is being welcomed by all.
Even in the education community, many people are unaware of synchronous online learning as most online learning is asynchronous. Students worked in isolation on their own time, emailed their teacher, and sometimes phoned. Asynchronous learning typically has a low success rate, especially with teens, because students need to be highly motivated, self-disciplined, and committed. With Elluminate Live! students meet and interact online with classmates and teachers. High school students are scheduled for one hour per day and college students are scheduled for three hours one evening per week. Elluminate Live! offers audio, whiteboard, chat, web tours, breakout rooms, and a host of other features to facilitate learning and insure student success.
eStudent Gerald Askomitis wrote, "… I value most the verbal communication and presentation skills I learned. I actually attribute these skills to helping me land my current job, and being able to learn faster because I can ask questions in a manner that makes it easier for others to answer. Since I have taken this class my abilities keep growing, which is something that I have not been able to say in some time."
Supporting the Elluminate Live! virtual classroom is the new Credenda learning management system (LMS), Desire2Learn (D2L). As well as linking to the virtual classroom, D2L offers students course content 24/7, email, calendar, grades, drop boxes, and even a virtual locker for files. When asked about the switch to D2L, eStudents reacted positively. A sampling of responses showed a number of features in particular are winners: "Oh yah I like that it is much easier to sign in to the live class not like the other one." and "D2L is a great, it is quite easy for me to find what i need. I like the upgraded email and dropbox features." Credenda expects students and teachers will appreciate the upgraded email as for the first time, emails are not restricted to a particular course, but can securely to forwarded to one email address saving everyone from checking multiple email accounts.
Credenda receives $2 million from Cameco
Prince Albert, SK - Jan 29, 2010 - Credenda Virtual High School has received a $2 million contribution from Cameco Corporation to support its programs in northern Saskatchewan. Credenda is a non-profit educational institution based in Prince Albert that connects high school students from across northern Saskatchewan with accredited teachers in online classrooms.
"Once again, we’re seeing the benefits of the long-standing partnership between Cameco and northern people," said Hill.
"Better educated people will strengthen northern communities. Industry will have a deeper pool of qualified young people to
sustain their operations. "We thank Cameco for their vision and continuing investment in the people of the North."
Hill says Credenda is proving that distance education, delivered in partnership with the schools, can achieve successful outcomes.
"No group has a monopoly on educational success, no matter what the subject matter, and our determined students are demonstrating they can succeed in any area if they are given the tools," Hill said.
Photo Captions: Credenda officially opens Cameco Training Center in new office. (top) eStudent Jessica Constant demonstrates Credenda's unique online learning system to Cameco president and CEO Jerry Grandey in the Cameco Training Center in Credenda's new office. (bottom)
Check out Saskatoon's Star Phoenix's "Cameco gives $2M to virtual school" and Prince Albert's Daily Herald "$2 million donation to help northern students in math and science". Also on Global at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKUlw33MZ9k. Eagle News Credenda article available at http://aborigin.sasktelwebhosting.com/Resources/February_2010.pdf.
New Real Building for Virtual School
Prince Albert, SK - Jan 12, 2010 - Excitement is high at Credenda Virtual High School and College and Cameco as they prepare to officially open the new customized Credenda office location in Prince Albert on Friday, January 29 at 11:00 am. The program will include demonstrations of Credenda's real time delivery process, discussions with eStudents and presentations by eTeachers.
One significant benefit of the new building is the Cameco Training Center. The Center has 16 Windows 7 computers or plug-ins and wireless for laptops. Credenda IT staff will no longer have to waste time assembling and disassembling data projector, screen, and extension cords. This spacious computer lab with an interactive whiteboard will have a variety of user groups. High school and college eStudents who are visiting Prince Albert can arrange time online to keep up with classes. The Center is ideal for the blended virtual and face-to-face Credenda professional development. Also, companies and others can make arrangements for face-to-face or blended training for their staff.
Cameco has not only fund the training center, it also sponsors the Credenda Virtual High School (CVHS) math and science bursary program for northern Saskatchewan students. Each applicant may qualify for a bursary worth $500 (one math or science class) and up to $3000 (a maximum of six classes) annually with CVHS.
The office has many impressive First Nations works of art, especially the board room and the reception area. The board room is equipped with a large screen TV for teleconferencing as well as going online. Staff and guests have a lunch room with the essentials. Credenda has included a fitness room as it is very aware of the importance of fitness not only for health but for efficiency. On fair weather days, eStaff are able to take advantage of the nearby walking trail.
Credenda Unveils New Social Responsibility Course
Prince Albert, SK - Dec 06, 2009 - As Credenda enters the new year of 2010, we have two exciting news items. We are moving to a new LMS, Learning Management System, and we are offering another new high school course, Social Responsibility. Desire2Learn (D2L), our new LMS, will replace our Angel LMS. Administrators, eDevelopers, and eInstructors are pleased with the minimal learning curve and recognize that it is so well designed that eInstructors and eTeachers will spend less time on managing and more time on delivery.
Credenda Virtual High School is a virtues based school where we encourage staff and students to reflect and practice all of these gifts in their daily lives. We are offering a new free high school credit that will promote and develop virtues like idealism, service and caring. It will provide authentic opportunities for students to develop these and other virtues
as students become agents of change in the world. This course will be of interest to those students who want to make a difference in the world by recognizing local and/or global issues and wanting to contribute to positive change.
When Term 2 begins on February, 2010, Credenda will be offering this new course called Social Responsibility 20. This course will be project based and students will attend classes one hour per week on Mondays from 3 to 4 pm. In addition to the classroom component, students will be involved in a charity based project during the term. This credit course is being offered free of charge to any student who wishes to enroll.
Credenda Offers Professional Development for 21st Century LearningPrince Albert, SK - Sep 09, 2009 - Learning in the 21st Century calls for the adoption of new approaches to connect, collaborate, and contribute to teaching and learning, with technology as its essential linkage.
Credenda is at the forefront of the development of programs that establish a bond between the classroom and the outside world, responding to the needs of education and training in today`s evolving learning environments. As an extension to Credenda’s 21st Century Learning Project last year, Professional Development for 21st Century Learning seeks to build on the strengths of those sessions.
In keeping with the tenets of 21st Century Learning, teachers and instructors need to be guided in making the most effective use of technology in their daily teaching. Bill Tracey has joined Credenda to share his nearly 15 years of knowledge and practices in the e-learning field.
One goal will be facilitating synchronous and extended-duration group exploration of methodologies, strategies and resources for growth opportunities. Another is to work one-on-one with the staff of Credenda Virtual High School and Credenda Virtual College, as well as teachers and instructors from other schools and districts, to encourage their awareness and practices in education for the 21st Century.
The Professional Development for 21st Century Learning initiative is concentrated on
- developing online seminars
- peer coaching/training
- providing workshops on web 2.0 resources
- highlighting best practices in integrating technology
Please keep your eyes open for notices about scheduling and contacting for Professional Development for 21st Century Learning.
Credenda Offers Free Leadership 20 CoursePrince Albert, SK - Sep 02, 2009 - Credenda recognizes the world beyond academics and is offering a Leadership 20 course. Our guidance counselor, Steve Winkler, is enthusiastic about leading this class. Winkler exclaims, "To think that I might have the chance to influence a student to explore and exercise the qualities of leadership within them in their schools, communities, and among their families and friends, is truly a worthwhile use of my time. I'm all over that one!"
In its rationale, the course explains:
The Leadership 20 course is designed to develop students’ knowledge and skills about Leadership. The course will promote student growth in the following areas: servant leadership, goal setting, problem solving and decision-making, group dynamics and communication skills, community participation – all with the aim of providing the skills necessary for students to effectively participate in community leadership roles.
Prairie Spirit School Division
The course has both asynchronous, self-selected time and synchronous, eTeacher selected time. The class will meet in Elluminate on Tuesdays from 3 to 4 pm. The majority of class time will be a the student's discretion. Registration open until September 15, 2009.
Online Pioneer Child Care Graduates Honoured
Saskatchewan – November 12, 2008 – Credenda and Lakeland College will honour graduates of their Early Learning and Child Care Certificate program on November 15, 2008. The graduates are the pioneers of an online course via the internet with live interactive lessons. These graduates not only gained certification for themselves but their success rate has lead to other online offerings, the newest being Educational Assistant. The programs have tremendous potential to build capacity within First Nation communities.
Principal Vince Hill explains, "Credenda was a natural fit for the needs of these students and their communities. These students needed to stay in their communities and their communities needed qualified staff for daycare, HeadStart Programs, and other child centered initiatives. Now Prince Albert Grand Council, Saskatoon Tribal Council, and Meadow Lake Tribal Council have over 60 certified Early Learning and Child Care educators that they didn't have 2 years ago."
Hazel Sewap, from Cumberland House, praises the program, "I did this program online and I can't begin to tell you how much this program has done for me, I learned so much and improved my skills as an Early Childhood Educator. My life is a busy one, I'm married and a mother of two and I was unable to leave my community to further my education."
Another student, Connie Head, from Red Earth, also commends the program, "I love the classes. I get to learn the computer as I go along into the program, and I don't have to move away from my community to get my certificate. My experience with Credenda has been awesome! This program has provided me with knowledge from the early learning and child care field that I can apply directly into the center I am working in—Red Earth Awasisuk Daycare. My goal in life was to be a Nursery School Teacher and with this certificate I am one step closer to my Dream."
Early Learning and Child Care Instructor Kasey Fulton is in awe of her students, "There were personal sacrifices and hardships to overcome. I have listened to students rock their sick babies on their laps while they still took part in class. I know of students who have lost loved ones, but somehow, someway, found the strength to keep going. The growth we have seen in each one of the students over the course of the program is immeasurable."
Many of the graduates are now enrolled in the Early Learning and Child Care Diploma program. Read Lakeland College's Feature Story.