Blog Archives

Online Enhanced Language Training for InfoTech, Tourism & Hospitality

Camosun College School of Access

Specialized Enhanced Language TrainingSkilled immigrants might have a reasonably high level of English skills, but at the same time lack the necessary technical language, communication or interpersonal skills to be successful in the Canadian work environment.  In response, the federal and provincial governments introduced new funding to develop flexible Enhanced Language Training (ELT) pilot programs.

Camosun College developed new curriculum that would target a geographically dispersed audience. The College also focused its efforts to leverage program strengths and industry partnerships.  However, the implications of needing to serve province-wide audiences posed the new challenge of designing and delivering an online ELT program rather than the traditional in-class approach.

The terms of reference for this proposal was particularly complex.  Funding was contingent upon meeting several criteria within a highly detailed proposal.  Camosun’s School of Access contracted Kim Walker to coordinate the innovative program design as well as the proposal development process.

Kim’s activities included:

  • Conducting an environmental scan of industry-specific ELT programs throughout Canada to identify best practices,
  • Coordinating a team for each proposal, comprised of ESL instructors and subject matter experts in intercultural communications, an instructional designer for online teaching and industry liaisons,
  • Compiling background information such as the needs analysis and detailed information on the partners, and
  • Keeping track of all aspects of the proposal – the proposed products and their contents, the training delivery approach, project timelines and the budget package.

Kim then meticulously assembled all the information into the two final proposals.

Accomplishments

The School of Access became the first in Canada to offer online ELT courses for internationally trained professionals living in rural or remote areas.  Online Enhanced Language Training for the workplace has proven to be a valuable addition to Camosun’s programs.  The e-Work program includes ten courses which address work-related communications as well as career building and dealing with problems in the workplace.

Aboriginal College Student Housing Charette

College of New Caledonia

CNCThe transition from rural and remote communities to an urban environment can be a stressful experience for Aboriginal college students.  In response to the high drop-out rate, the College of New Caledonia asked Kim Walker to test an Aboriginal housing concept and explore ideas with a group of Aboriginal college students.

Kim designed and led a multi-day charette style workshop over the course of four days.  The workshop began with an informal dinner and group building session.  We shared our skills and backgrounds, and exchanged stories about experiences related moving to attend college.  One of the special topics was the things we miss or value about home.

The next day the students began to explore the relative merits of different student housing models. We ended the day with a neighbourhood site tour to identify potentially suitable places and housing styles.  Follow-up meetings were held to refine ideas and hold discussions with other Aboriginal college students.  Kim then delivered a report to the College with seven key elements for a new preferred housing model:

  • Neighbourhood features and 10 potential locations,
  • Important physical characteristics for a new residence,
  • A phased approach to accommodate single students and families,
  • House rules that would maintain a safe and healthy living environment,
  • Space for Aboriginal cultural activities,
  • Culturally appropriate management and support services, and
  • Rental and revenue arrangements.

Accomplishments

The charette began as an externally-driven exercise but the participants quickly made it their own project.  The ideas and life experiences of participating students provided valuable insights into the types of services that would work in an Aboriginal student housing development.  As a result, a clearly stated vision emerged with a new and detailed model.

 

Community Survey on Agri-Tourism & Winery Land Uses

Church and State Wines

Church and State winery-2The Victoria Estate Winery (subsequently renamed Church and State Wines) received local complaints early in its development primarily in relation to traffic and noise levels. More general criticisms regarding the development of winery-related services and agri-tourism on agricultural lands were also being directed toward the Winery, particularly from representatives of the local municipality. With a change in ownership in the Fall of 2004, the Victoria Estate directors wanted to improve their understanding of the nature and scale of these concerns.

The goal of the study was to obtain the range of perspectives and opinions regarding agriculture in Central Saanich and Victoria Estate operations. Research methods included a literature review of regulations and policies pertinent to agri-tourism and wineries; key informant interviews on land use and industry related issues; and a website survey on perspectives and concerns of Central Saanich residents and businesses.

Kim Walker contracted Clare Mochrie (global Frameworks Inc.) to assist with the survey. A total of 360 surveys were completed for a 66% return rate.   The survey results were statistically significant, giving a reliable representation of community perspectives and opinions.  Overall, the survey:

  • Clearly demonstrated community support for agriculture, agri-tourism development and the Winery;
  • Relayed constructive cristicsm to the client with ideas for improving community relations and matching local customer interests;
  • Highlighted the importance of corporate social responsibility and fluency with complex regulatory requirements to business success;
  • Identified some interesting distinctions in the way community members value agriculture, agri-tourism and wineries; and
  • Demonstrated an incongruity between community and local government support for new directions in agricultural development.

The research report was made available to local and provincial governments, as well as to agricultural, agri-toursim sector and economic development associations.

Accomplishments

  1. The process and results clarified issues and provided an opportunity for more constructive public dialogue.
  2. The survey was cited by an agri-tourism specialist in the provincial government as the first of its kind in North America.