Education

umanitoba.ca/extended Learnanywhere.Anytime. DegreeStudies � Continuing&ProfessionalEducation Access&AboriginalFocus � Languages&InternationalStudies LEARNING THAT EXTENDS YOUR REACH Get serious about Games at u of W By Holli Moncrieff For the Free Press A new University of Winnipeg course proves that games are about much more than just fun and, er … games S erious Games will teach adult learners to create technology-based educational games that can be used as teaching tools. This part-time certificate program is offered through the university's Professional, Applied, and Continuing Education Department (PACE). "We've had quite a lot of interest about this part- time program. It's really on the leading edge. There's not a lot of courses available in this field, but there are lots of career opportunities," said Kim Loeb, PACE Executive Director. Bringing together the latest game technology, game design and game-based learning models, the Serious Games Certificate offers practical courses designed to prepare developers for employment in the industry. Students will learn the constructs of game design through creating their own storyboards, level designs and prototypes. The program was developed in partnership with Project Whitecard. "Participants will learn about the theory behind these games and also learn how to create them," Loeb By Holli Moncrieff For the Free Press T he University of Manitoba's Extended Education Department is offering a new program that will make obtaining a university education more accessible for aboriginal men. The Aboriginal Okihcihtaw Young Warrior's Program is designed for a group of 25 indigenous men who wish to move into post- secondary studies. The program's vision is to train men in the physical, mental and spiritual spheres, developing their moral character to produce high quality leaders. The foundation for this education is a holistic use of the indigenous and western world-views. "We named the program 'Young Warrior's Program' because the word 'warrior' refers to people who protect the culture and who are leaders," said Kathleen Matheos, Associate Dean of Extended Education. "Participants will get the beginning of a degree with added support in academic writing, university skills, and transitional skills." This program uses courses from University1, which are transferrable. The classes are taught in a supportive environment. The university hopes participants will build lifelong friendships and a self-supporting sense of community. The long-term objective of the program is to help young men obtain a degree and find success in the labour market. Courses will be offered in the Exchange District at 75 Albert St. The courses offered through this program include Intro to University; Physical Activity Health and Wellness; Interdisciplinary Leadership; New Directions in History; Emerging Technologies in Learning; Interpersonal Communication Skills; Aboriginal Spirituality; and Introduction to Politics. The overall goal of Extended Education is to make degree studies more accessible for everyone, particularly students who are not able to attend classes during regular university hours. "We provide opportunities for students who have careers and who cannot attend the university during normal hours. They have jobs and families," said Gary Hepburn, Dean of Extended Education. "We have quite a variety of programs that can be delivered in an online format, including a number of Bachelor of Arts degrees — English, Psychology, Integrated Studies, Social Work, and Geography." The Bachelor of Arts Integrated Studies degree program is now fully available online. Prior learning is recognized, Matheos said. "Most of our continuing education students already have degrees. We want to give people as much flexibility as we can. The number of times people change their careers over their lifetime is much more frequent now than it was 25 years ago." Extended Education is also offering more socially conscious programs to its lifelong learners. "One of the most striking things about Winnipeg is the cultural diversity of our city. Cultural awareness and sensitivity are hugely important. Anyone interacting with the public, particularly those working in government and educational organizations, will benefit from this socially conscious training," said Hepburn. "Being socially conscious begins with an awareness of what people of different cultures need." Matheos said new certificate programs are being developed on a regular basis. "We're moving into more post-baccalaureate programs. We have one of the most complex extended education units in Canada," she said. "More and more people are using mobile devices. We're developing courses you can access from your tablet or smartphone." The university's Extended Education department is now offering an Adult Literacy Instructor Certificate program. Their successful series of five workshops for lifelong learners will also run again in the fall. "Everyone's a lifelong learner these days. We are looking at offering training for skill-sets that are in demand. Culturally- aware programs and mobile learning will supplement what people already have and will make them more employable," said Hepburn. "We also provide many special services for learners. We attempt to meet their needs as best we can by adapting our entire service level. We emphasis online registration." The department strives to make Extended Education learners feel they are a part of the university, while still making sure its programs are accessible. To benefit new Canadians, the department has added more evening time-slots for the English as an Additional Language program. Evening programs are available downtown and on campus. "Immigrants come to this country with many skills, but how do we assist them so they can move into the workplace? We now offer a certificate program based on workplace skills," Matheos said. For more information on the University of Manitoba's Extended Education programs, please see their website at www.umanitoba.ca/extended/. ■ Culturally-ConsCious learninG S A T U R D A Y , A U g U S T 2 , 2 0 1 4 A S U P P L E M E N T T O T H E W I N N I P E G F R E E P R E S S CONTINUEd ON PAGE 2 » A University of Manitoba study group. Photo by Darcy Finley

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