Education | December 2018

A SUPPLEMENT TO THE WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2018

EDU CAT I ON

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RED RIVER COLLEGE RRC CELEBRATES 15 YEARS OF RESEARCH

PARTNERSHIPS & INNOVATION By Jennifer McFee for the Free Press

“Research activity enables us to get some research infrastructure like facilities and equipment that can also be for teaching purposes. As a result, that benefits students who are taught using the latest and most current technology in education.”

Red River College will celebrate a milestone year in 2019 by marking the 15-year anniversary of Research Partnerships & Innovation. What is amazing about this milestone is how quickly RRC grew from a newcomer to research into one of the leading research colleges in the country. Just recently, RRC was once again recognized as one of Canada’s top 10 research colleges. “Other than the establishment of the research enterprise at the college, I believe our first major accomplishment was the work we did with Manitoba Hydro to help them develop their downtown office, Manitoba Hydro Place,” said Ray Hoemsen, executive director of Research Partnerships & Innovation. “We were involved with the prototyping and testing of the building envelope, which is the skin of the building. We have an almost 15-year partnership with Manitoba Hydro, which was recognized by NSERC, the Natural Sciences

— Ray Hoemsen

and Engineering Research Council of Canada. We received an NSERC synergy award for innovation because of our partnership with Manitoba Hydro.” This project led to a major research program in sustainable infrastructure, which in turn led to the development of a Building Envelope Technology Access Centre.

As well, the college was a driving force in the development of a battery-powered

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Red River College’s electric bus unveiling in 2014. Artist’s renderings of RRC’s planned Innovation Centre (left). Red River College photos

all-electric transit bus in collaboration with Manitoba Hydro and multiple other stakeholders. On the aerospace and manufacturing side, the college will soon have a Smart Factory coming on stream to provide another applied research space to build on the work done at the Technology Access Centre for Aerospace and Manufacturing. “We’re fortunate to have two technology access centres — one in aerospace and manufacturing and the other in building envelope technology,” Hoemsen said. “Basically, there are 17 of these outside of Quebec and we have two of them. They’re intended to support regional clusters, so we’re supporting the aerospace and manufacturing sector in one and the building construction sector with the other.” The Smart Factory will focus on emerging technology such as robotics, automation, additive manufacturing, high-speed robotic inspection and industrial networking. Looking beyond the 15 years of impressive achievements, the future looks bright for Research Partnerships & Innovation. Construction is already underway on the Innovation Centre, a new facility located in the Exchange District next to

the existing Roblin Centre building. With an expected completion date of 2020, the $95-million Innovation Centre will be a hub where education and industry will intersect. The 100,000-square-foot facility will feature adaptable classrooms and “collision spaces” as well as a roundhouse auditorium to foster collaboration. The ACE Project Space is another area that offers an interactive environment for students, faculty, industry leaders and entrepreneurs to use cutting-edge technology to find solutions to real-world business challenges. In addition, Red River College is adding several more new facilities that will bolster the potential of both students and industry. These include an extreme weather vehicle-testing facility called the MotiveLab. “We’ve done a lot of work with the heavy vehicles sector, which is very important in Manitoba,” Hoemsen said. “The MotiveLab is a new specialized test facility that will be unique in Western Canada. It allows us to test vehicles on a year-round basis in a controlled environment. We can go from -40 C to 40 C within a chamber year-round.” Construction has also begun on the Culinary Research Kitchen, which will offer state-of-the-art research kitchens

the latest and most current technology in education,” Hoemsen said. “When they engage with a project, it helps with their skill development and work-integrated learning. It not only gives them technical skills but also soft skills that employers are looking for, like better communication and working as a team.” For Hoemsen, it’s a source of pride that Red River College is highly ranked for its research capabilities. “It speaks to the collective effort of our students, instructors and research staff as well as the partners that we’re fortunate to work with,” Hoemsen said. “We’ve had over 500 research partners over the last 15 years and we couldn’t do it without them.” To learn more about Red River College, visit rrc.ca. ❚

plus an analytical and culturing lab, a specialized food photography room and collaborative spaces for working together. “It marries food science and the culinary arts,” Hoemsen said. “So basically you take ingredients that are good for you health-wise and make them appealing to consumers. We’ve been working with the producer groups to develop new recipes, which helps companies bring new products to market.” Across the board, this hands-on approach to education results in benefits for students that extend beyond academic knowledge. “Research activity enables us to get some research infrastructure like facilities and equipment that can also be for teaching purposes. As a result, that benefits students who are taught using

From electrical to mechanical to instrumentation engineering and more, Red River College’s Engineering programs can help transform your aptitude for solutions- based design into a career that lets you shape the world around you. Learn more at rrc.ca/engineering ENGINEERING YOUR FUTURE A HEALTHY CAREER START In less than five months, you’ll be trained to assist hospital patients, home care clients, and personal care home residents. You’ll also have the foundational knowledge to pursue related health-care careers, including administration, ultrasound technology, and nursing. Learn more at rrc.ca/hca

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“I want to be a role model for students and help them gain a diverse perspective, so they can become global citizens. It is important that our future generations are empowered through education.”

— Destiny Elcock

Clockwise from top left: Destiny Elcock, Benjamin Dueck and David Bosc. The University of Winnipeg helped all three students learn how best to discover

and draw on their strengths. University of Winnipeg photos

THE UNIVERSITY OF WINNIPEG

EDUCATION WITH IMPACT At The University of Winnipeg, students arrive with diverse, untapped talents and leave ready to impact their field. Along the way, they discover how to best utilize their strengths, leading to unexpected career paths. For Destiny Elcock, Benjamin Dueck, and David Bosc, their UWinnipeg journeys are soon coming to an end, but now they’re ready to change the world.

Destiny Elcock says the biggest misconception about history is that it’s dry and boring. “It allows you to explore the life experiences of our ancestors through texts, oral history, artifacts,” she said. “You’re able to get perspectives and see how it has shaped and influenced our lives today.” Elcock developed a passion for Canadian history — specifically Indigenous history — because it gave her the opportunity to explore her culture, language, and, most importantly, her family history. “I could relate personally to learning about the residential school experience, because my grandmother was a Survivor,” she said. That passion for Indigenous history also played an important role in choosing UWinnipeg for her undergraduate studies, because Elcock “likes how the university promotes diversity through Indigenous studies.” As she looks ahead to finishing her Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education in History, Elcock dreams of being a history teacher and making a positive impact on the lives of youth. “I want to be a role model for students and help them gain a diverse perspective, so they can become global citizens,” she said. “It is important that our future

generations are empowered through education.” Benjamin Dueck has always been interested in media and technologies, and the ways they influence us. That’s why the now fourth-year student is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Rhetoric, Writing, and Communications. “That convergence between human and machine, and the way our minds are connected with technologies drew me to communications studies specifically,” he said. Dueck is a recipient of the Michael Collins McIntyre Rhetoric, Writing, and Communications Scholarship and also works as a tutor in the department’s Writing Centre. Most of his research explores the ways in which the human mind manufactures meaningful stories and narratives in an age of information overload, with a focus on communications, media, and technology. Once he completes his degree, Dueck plans to continue in academic research and pursue a master’s degree in Toronto. His dream is simple: “I want to be able to write all the time, absorb ideas, and share those ideas with people.” David Bosc is double-majoring at UWinnipeg in

applied computer science and mathematics. While his passion for math dates all the way back to calculus classes in high school, he only recently discovered his love for computer science while taking a scientific computing course at UWinnipeg. “It turns out I really enjoyed programming, as it was a good application of my math skills,” he said. Bosc also credited the University’s co-op program for giving him the confidence he needed to major in applied computer science. “It really opens your eyes to what the industry has to offer and if you’re a good fit,” he said. “It was part of the reason why I pursued applied computer science as my second major.” In addition, the small class sizes also played a role in the decision, he added, because it’s easy to have one- on-one time with professors and build professional relationships with fellow students. Now, as he looks ahead to life after UWinnipeg, Bosc is dreaming big and wants to find a career that blends together his love of both science and art. “I’d like to become a developer, since programming caught my interest.” Learn more about UWinnipeg’s programs at uwinnipeg.ca. ❚

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UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA

SUPPORTING STUDENT SUCCESS

By Geoff Kirbyson for the Free Press

As students are pushed out of their high school nests and into the uncertain world of post- secondary education, Brandy Usick and her colleagues are ready to lend a hand.

Carla Loewen (middle), student advisor with the U of M’s Indigenous student centre, consults with students Tommy North and Morgan Hanson-Oliveira. University of Manitoba photo

employers may be looking for. Some (employers) offer co-op programs where they can work and study at the same time,” she said. On the financial side, the U of M offers assistance in applying for government aid, including student loans, as well as bursaries and scholarships. Helping students manage their money is crucial to lifelong success, but particularly as they’re beginning to make significant financial decisions. “As a society, we don’t do a good job of talking about finances. Students coming to university need some assistance if they are qualifying for student loans. They’ll get a large amount of money in a couple of disbursements and need help budgeting and saving money for expenses coming up, including leaving home and moving into (student residence) or in with friends,” Usick said.

Carla Loewen, student advisor with the U of M’s Indigenous student centre, runs a number of initiatives, including pre-orientation events and a peer mentor program to minimize the culture shock some students may feel as they relocate from rural or remote communities. She’s worked with many rural students to connect them with services in an urban environment, such as utilizing transit. The peer mentor program is one of Loewen’s favourites because it enables new students to see themselves in the future. “The (mentors) are there for sharing successes and challenges with the students. My message is university isn’t just about studying, it’s about becoming part of the community and finding a sense of belonging on campus,” she said. For more information, visit umanitoba.ca. ❚

“My message is university isn’t just about studying, it’s about becoming part of the community and finding a sense of belonging on campus.” — Carla Loewen

most out of the student experience. “We want to help them get ready to transition from being high school students to university students and be aware that there are several programs to help them with the transition and be successful,” she said. Usick believes it’s never too early to start planning your future so she encourages students to think about their career pathway well before they’re being fitted for a cap and gown. “Through consultants in our career services department we’ll look at the skill development that

The executive director of student engagement and success at the University of Manitoba and her team, including the First Year Centre, work with first-year students to help them get off on the all-important right foot. They provide guidance on program selection, course planning, success strategies and orientation to the campus community. While much of the work is done in-person at the first-year centre offices, the centre has posted a wealth of information online, including a number of videos on academic integrity and getting the

I’M MOVING BEYOND THE EXPECTED. LESSON PLANS ARE SIMPLY A STARTING POINT FOR ME. I am always adapting. As a teacher, my plans for the classroom are flexible, responding to individual student needs. I am sharing my love of learning and providing the building blocks they need to grow and thrive. With the encouragement of my professors I have learned to think critically about my teaching philosophy—helping me create the best learning environment for my students. How I make a difference next is up to me. I am a challenger. That’s why I studied at the University of Manitoba, where students have options and opportunities. It’s a place where students are challenged to grow, encouraged to create and dared to excel. Gaston Lopez Ficher Faculty of Education, BEd/18

Discover where your path could take you at: UMConnect.ca Application deadline for entrance scholarships: March 1, 2019

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ASSINIBOINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

INTERACTIVE MEDIA ARTS PROGRAM STRESSES LEARNING BY DOING

By Todd Lewys for the Free Press

There are two approaches to delivering education. One is theoretical, which involves having students think about how they might accomplish a certain task. The other is practical, which involves taking the actions required to perform that task with the end goal being to gain experience and hone skills through practice. Those behind the Interactive Media Arts program at Assiniboine Community College in Brandon made the conscious decision to take the latter approach long ago. “Our program’s motto is ‘learn by doing,’ and we walk that talk,” says video and media instructor Greg Sherris, whose industry experience includes working at CKX-TV Brandon and running his own business. “We put real projects in front of students every day to expose them to a live learning environment.” Knowing that students will be entering an intense, detail-driven industry, instructors put their young charges in a crucible that mirrors the demands they

will deal with in real-life work situations. “There’s definitely an edge to everything we do,” says journalism instructor Murray Oliver, who enjoyed a long career as a reporter in Canada and around the world. “We want our students to get a sense of what it’s all really about.” To that end, students are immersed in learning vehicles such as Newsline , a live news broadcast that happens three days a week. “It embodies the spirit of live learning,” says Sherris. “It models all the preparation, teamwork, behaviour and operational demands that are required for a live event production.” Oliver agrees. “ Newsline is a perfect example of what the program is all about,” he says. “It’s real news, not made-up news. It prepares students by giving them real-world reporting experience and producing real news features.” What’s the result of replicating that real- world experience? “I think it gives students a leg up by providing them

“ Newsline is a perfect example of what the program is all about. It’s real news, not made-up news. It prepares students by giving them real-world reporting experience and producing real news features.” — Murray Oliver

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Students in the Assiniboine Community College Interactive Media Arts program ‘learn by doing’ by working on the live Newsline broadcast and by producing documentaries for

the Prairie Hearts series for Bell MTS. Assiniboine Community College photos

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with knowledge of how things work in a real-world environment,” adds Oliver. “As I said, there’s an edge to it. It’s a high-stress environment that requires teamwork, learning all the different positions within the production team — and leadership.” At the same time, students also learn how to craft documentaries in Prairie Hearts, a series that’s produced for Bell MTS. “Students learn all the planning that’s required for small documentaries and go out and shoot the episodes in small teams,” Sherris says. “ Newsline and Prairie Hearts are two nice contrasts that provide students with the opportunity to work in both realms.” The central benefit is that students aren’t doing a simulation — they’re doing the real thing. “With Prairie Hearts , students must pitch stories to Bell MTS,” says Oliver. “Then, they learn script writing, hosting, filming, and how to be an executive producer. The idea, as Greg has often said, is to graduate students who are Swiss Army knives of content with a wide variety of skills. That allows them to be ready to do almost anything.”

Brice Perkins, a 2016 graduate of the program, says the real-life-based, hands-on training he received at ACC played an instrumental part in finding employment just prior to graduation. “If I didn’t have that hands-on training, I wouldn’t be working in media today,” says Perkins, 23, who’s currently working as technical director for Dome Productions, a company that broadcasts NHL games and curling for Sportsnet. “The experience you get at ACC jumps you ahead of students in other programs. You have the basic knowledge and comfort level you need to get a job, and to grow from there.” ACC’s learn-by-doing approach is incredibly effective, adds Cole Davenport, a 2017 graduate of the Interactive Media Arts program. “Learning by doing was what the whole program was about,” says Davenport, 21, who presently works at CTV Regina as a reporter and occasional fill-in for the main news anchor. “The real-life situations I experienced really helped prepare me and helped me land the career that I wanted.” For more information, visit assiniboine.net. ❚

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BRANDON UNIVERSITY

DIG INTO ENVIRONMENTAL GEOSCIENCE AT BRANDON UNIVERSITY

By Jennifer McFee for the Free Press

At Brandon University, students will soon have one more academic option that provides an environmental approach to geoscience.

The program will be officially offered for the first time starting in September 2019, although some of the courses are already available. The new environmental geoscience stream will allow students to get the academic requirements needed to register as environmental geoscientists with Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba, the governing body that regulates the profession in the province. Hamid Mumin, chair of the geology department, is looking forward to incorporating this new stream. “It’s a great opportunity for our students, particularly those who are interested in dealing with real environmental issues in a very practical

manner. At the same time, they will be able to obtain their professional degrees and designation as a professional environmental geoscientist,” he said. “Right now in Canada, there are three professional degree possibilities within the overall field of geoscience. You can register as a professional geoscientist, a professional environmental geoscientist or as a professional geophysicist.” For students who are interested in getting involved in the new environmental geosciences program, there are several ways to get started. “The first way is to start after high school for those people who may be aware of the program.

Unfortunately, there generally aren’t geology programs in high school so usually students aren’t aware of it. But for those that are, they can enter the program right in their first year of university. They should make sure to speak to a faculty member so that they take the right courses and electives for that stream,” Mumin said. “Perhaps a greater percentage of our students either take a general first year at our university or start in some other field and find out about geoscience while they’re here. Then they transfer into the program after already having spent a year or more at the university. The third way is that we sometimes have students transfer into the program from other universities and colleges.”

Both geoscientists and environmental geoscientists are involved in areas such as geohazards, engineering infrastructure, water resources, earthquakes, erosion, minerals and energy extraction and mitigation, deposition and coastline concerns.

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WINNIPEG FREE PRESS - THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2018 9

Brandon University’s new environmental geoscience stream will let students gain the academic requirements needed to register as environmental geoscientists with Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba. Brandon University photos

One of the benefits of choosing the environmental geoscience stream is that graduates will be equally qualified for the geoscience stream. “Environmental geosciences provide additional training specifically related to environmental issues. For example, they would be required to take courses related to hydrogeology and hydrology and a much greater concentration of environment-related classes. As well, they would be expected to take elective courses from the specific areas of environmental science that they’re interested in, such as biology, chemistry or physical geography,” Mumin said. “At the end of the day, if they decide that they don’t want to work in the environmental field,

they can still work in the resource sector and a huge variety of other fields that are associated with geoscience.” Both geoscientists and environmental geoscientists are involved in areas such as geohazards, engineering infrastructure, water resources, earthquakes, erosion, minerals and energy extraction and mitigation, deposition and coastline concerns. “Climate change is another area of environmental geoscience. This is a sort of recent phenomenon for most people, but for geoscientists, this has been a foundational study for hundreds of years,” Mumin said. “What geoscientists have looked at over the

years is the fossil record and the geological record, which gives us some pretty clear information on what’s happened to our climates over the past hundreds, thousands or millions of years — or even going back in time billions of years.” More information about environmental geoscience will be posted in the Brandon University calendar under the geology section. “It’s a really wonderful opportunity for students to get a real appreciation for the environment and the earth system as a whole. They get to see how geology relates to biological and human activity. They can also learn the important role that modern-day environmental geoscience

plays in finding practical solutions to our everyday problems — whether it’s groundwater resources or the pre-planning and mitigation of mining and petroleum extraction to make sure that the environment is protected and restored to as close as possible to its original state,” Mumin said. “It’s becoming increasingly important to society to have people that understand the environment and are able to carry out the practical applied activities necessary to mitigate problems — and, even better, to foresee and prevent problems from happening in the first place.” For more information about Brandon University, visit brandonu.ca. ❚

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10 WINNIPEG FREE PRESS - THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2018

Students listen as Angela Davis, associate professor and program head, teaches about cybersecurity and cyber intelligence at Booth University College. Photos by Jason Halstead

BOOTH UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

FINANCIAL CRIMES MAJOR A CANADIAN FIRST

For the Free Press

Cyberspace is an ever-expanding

better educated really benefits everybody — the community and the individual.” Booth University College is partnering with Cybint Solutions, an international company specializing in cybersecurity education, to offer the online courses to Booth UC students, business professionals and the general public, with no prerequisite necessary. “Considering the continual changes happening in schemes and fraud techniques, Cybint’s team of experts will be constantly updating the course, as needed, which is really important as the landscape changes,” says Davis. “The program uses a micro- learning technique, so each sub-section of the course is no more than five to eight minutes long, yet it covers all of the topics you would find in a university course.” With remote access, students can work through the course at their own pace and on their own schedules, though there are certain achievement markers that must be attained in timely fashion. The prospective job market for qualified financial crimes specialists suggests this field of study can open the door to a variety of career opportunities in such areas as business, finance and law enforcement. “With online fraud affecting businesses and our personal lives almost daily, I think it is great for our business students to have this knowledge in their tool kits to prepare them as business leaders, in addition to helping them on a personal level,” says Davis. “This is a hugely growing field for which it is expected there may soon be a shortage of qualified workers, so these courses are a good gateway to see if this is an area of professional interest for students or perhaps, the inspiration for a career change for others.” Business administration is one of several degree programs offered at Booth UC, along with a popular social work program and arts studies in such varied areas as religion, psychology and film studies. With its history rooted in the principles of The Salvation Army, Booth UC reflects a Christian philosophy, but welcomes students of all faiths. Booth UC remains

committed to providing “education for a better world.” “We are an educational university institution, open to all and working to do some good in the world, whether it is preventing cybercrime or helping people through social work,” says Davis. “We are open to students of any faith, or non-faith, background. We have an open admission policy and a very eclectic mix of students, which creates a great atmosphere in our classrooms because there are many different perspectives.” For more information about Booth University College, visit boothuc.ca. ❚

frontier, a global inter- connectedness offering countless positive benefits, but also considerable means for criminality. Taking a bite out of cybercrime, on a personal and professional level, is the primary goal behind two new courses being offered through Winnipeg’s Booth University College, the only school in Canada to offer a financial crimes major in its business administration program. “Our financial crimes program looks at everything from fraud to corruption to terrorism financing and all of their elements,” says Angela Davis, associate professor and program head. “We are adding cybersecurity and cyber intelligence courses this fall and winter to also focus on the perspective of the everyday user.” Both courses are aimed at students with a non- technical background, offering insights into the risks associated with the common use of cyber-technology and ways to protect yourself from related perils, such as scams and hacking. Davis says the courses provide a more user-friendly approach than one might find in a typical university computer science program. “These courses go through everything from website and password safety to how to protect yourself from phishing expeditions and cyber-attacks,” says Davis. “While these things may sound frightening, they are also an unfortunate reality in our world today. Being

“Our financial crimes program looks at everything from fraud to corruption to terrorism financing and all of their elements...”

— Angela Davis

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS - THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2018 11

Faith Uminga is a student in Booth University College’s 2+2 partnership with Red River College. Booth UC photo

BOOTH UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

TEAMING UP FOR SUCCESS Anyone passing Faith Uminga in Winnipeg this past spring might be forgiven for doing a double take. If she looks familiar, it’s probably because her face graced a billboard campaign promoting Booth University College’s 2+2 partnership with Red River College (RRC).

In conjunction with RRC, Booth UC recently established a bachelor of business administration (BBA) degree completion program, and Faith will be the first graduate of the joint venture. While Faith was enrolled at RRC in business administration with a specialization in marketing, friends attending an information session mentioned the new program to her. Students attend RRC for two years and then complete their business administration degree at Booth UC. The advantages seemed obvious to Faith. “First, I’d be able to experience two different learning environments — Red River College and Booth UC,” she explains. “Second, after my studies at RRC, I’d have the opportunity to complete my degree in two years rather than three at other universities such as the University of Winnipeg or the University of Manitoba.” Students establish competence in five major areas of business including accounting, finance, human-resource management, marketing and organizational behaviour. A degree achieved through the 2+2 Program lays the foundation for a successful career, whether in the for-profit or non-profit sectors, such as business analyst, market researcher, fundraiser, loan officer or financial advisor. Faith completed her studies at RRC and moved over to Booth UC to complete their two-year BBA program. She also had the opportunity to attend the European Innovation Academy in Turin, Italy this year, to learn from global entrepreneurs

what it’s like to be one. One of the many opportunities of being in the program! “I absolutely enjoyed it!” she says. “I had the privilege of working with people from all around the globe, as well as listen to inspiring keynote speakers who talked about what it takes to become a global entrepreneur.” Faith and her team won the Nixon Peabody Patent Innovation Award, as well as the Top Team Award. “It was a fun way to cap off my degree,” she says. Faith will be graduating this coming April and will be receiving her bachelor of business administration. Overall, she was more than satisfied with her 2+2 experiences. “It was wonderful that I was able to experience two terrific institutions,” she says. “With luck and hard work, I will become a better leader in the business world as a result.” Back to the billboards. Faith was asked if she would take part in a promotional campaign touting the 2+2 Program, and her smiling face appeared on five billboards throughout the city of Winnipeg. “It was really cool to see my face around town!” she laughs. “Even more important to me was the fact that, to me, I became a sort of ambassador because of that. By agreeing to be part of this campaign, I wanted to let everyone know that RRC and Booth UC are fantastic schools. Check them out! Come see and explore. You won’t be disappointed!” ❚

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University College of the North takes a unique approach to deliver education to spread-out communities and people looking to acquire skills they’ll need to find employment in fields that are suited to the northern way of life. UCN photos

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF THE NORTH

UCN PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO MEET JOB DEMANDS IN NORTH

more than 40 degree, diploma and certificate programs,” he says. “They’re all designed to meet the unique learning needs of northern Manitoba.” These days, demand is high in two fields: health care and education. Not surprisingly, UCN is focusing on delivering programs designed to meet those needs. “One of our most popular programs is a new program that we started this past September, Primary Care Paramedic,”

Another program — UCN’s Bachelor of Education program — is also meeting educational needs. “It’s a very popular program and is one of our first degree programs. Most of the teachers in Moose Lake, Man., for example, are graduates of the program, something that we’re also very proud of.” Smith says UCN is always looking for ways to better equip

By Todd Lewys for the Free Press

When you compare one educational institution to another — at least on the surface — it may seem they are all quite homogeneous. Which is to say, when you’ve seen one, you’ve essentially seen them all, with the lone exception being subtle differences in the programs on offer. That’s not the case with University College of the North (UCN), says UCN’s Vice-President, Academic and Research, Dan Smith. “We’re definitely not just a colder version of the South,” he says. “The North is made up of relatively small, remote communities that require long car rides to get to, or that can only be accessed by air. It’s a different way of living.” Consequently, a different approach must be taken to delivering education to spread-out communities — communities with people looking to acquire the skills they’ll need to find employment in fields that are unique to the northern way of life. “We have two campuses — one in Thompson and the other in The Pas,” notes Smith. “There are also 12 regional access centres that we use to deliver all types of programs. Spreading out those access centres allows us to deliver a wide range of programs right where people live.” Correspondingly, those programs are aimed at filling the jobs that play a vital role in maintaining — and hopefully upgrading — the quality of life in such a harsh, demanding landscape. “UCN offers a wide range of educational support services and

its students with the knowledge and skills they’ll require to capably meet the demands of northern-based jobs. “It’s important that we respond to the conditions with well-targeted programs and courses that meet the needs of our students,” he says. “We strive to keep classes small and provide face-to-face study opportunities for our students. We do offer some online education but have found our students want more personal connections with faculty members.” To date, that well-targeted, personalized approach has proven effective. “We routinely get high marks in student surveys,” says Smith. “Everything can always be better, so we’ll be working hard to better

Smith says. “We’re delivering it in partnership with Criti Care Manitoba. We had a huge response — over 16,000 hits — on our website, just from the press release.” As of now, 13 of the program’s 16 available seats have been filled, he reports, adding that the selection process for the program is very stringent.

“One of our most popular programs is a new program that we started this past September, Primary Care Paramedic, we’re delivering it in partnership with Criti Care Manitoba.”

“It’s a program that speaks to needs in the North — the regional health authority is very enthusiastic about it. The program allows for health care to be delivered to northerners by fellow northerners.” Likewise, UCN’s Bachelor of Nursing program is enabling northerners to deliver essential health care in a hospital setting. “We’ve partnered with the University of Manitoba in the delivery of this program,” says Smith. “It’s one we’re very proud of, and that helps meet critical needs in communities across the North.”

— Dan Smith

connect programs to the jobs available in the North. It’s an exciting time here with all the investment that’s coming, but it’s also a big challenge from an educational standpoint. We’re up to it, and look forward to meeting the challenge.” For more information on University College of the North, visit ucn.ca. ❚

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS - THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2018 13

Canadian Mennonite University is offering a new course called The Social Innovation Lab involving a business incubator for start-up companies and non-profit organizations. CMU photos

CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY

EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITIES AVAILABLE TO YOU

REAL-LIFE PROBLEM SOLVING By Geoff Kirbyson for the Free Press

• Art Classes • Computer Skills • Health & Wellness • Power Engineering • Welding ... and more

Janelle Neufeld didn’t want to wait until after graduation to get her hands dirty working with real companies, and thanks to a new business incubator at Canadian Mennonite University, she won’t have to. The third-year student at CMU signed up for a new course called The Social Innovation Lab, which brings together young companies looking to solve particular business challenges and students eager to put the theory they have learned in class into a real-life situation. The course involves a business incubator where start-up companies and non- profit organizations are given both the training, space and brain power to help them get off the ground or move to the next level. “It strongly ties into what CMU stands for — not taking learning at face value but finding ways to make it multi- disciplinary and use it for the betterment of the community,” she said. Neufeld has been matched up, along with a few other students, with a pair of enterprises thus far — Green Tech Environmental, a manufacturer of high-quality health, environmental and energy electronic products, and Blossom, a health-care company — both of which have taken up residency in CMU’s 6,000-square-foot incubator, The Centre for Resilience. “With Green Tech, we’re looking at innovative ways to reach their audience, increase their brand awareness and have brand ambassadors endorsing their products. With Blossom, we’re working on rebranding it to help it become more well known in the community and more competitive.

We’re working with the founder to create a mission statement and developing a website to find different ways to reach their audience,” he said. CMU’s Redekop School of Business launched a new social entrepreneurship major in September, which is integrated with the business incubator. The new major is part of CMU’s four-year Bachelor of Business Administration program. James Magnus-Johnston, director of the Centre for Resilience and an instructor of social entrepreneurship at CMU, said social entrepreneurship combines business theory, social sciences and social and ecological metrics in business planning. Social entrepreneurs work in business or the non- profit sector and try to solve social or ecological problems. He has offered a number of courses over the last two years that have blended business and social sciences and it was time to formalize some of this work and create an educational stream for students. “The business or non-profit will pitch a problem to this class of students and say they’d like somebody to work on it to help them move their operations forward. The students respond with an idea and they’ll go back and forth three or four times and we’ll carve up a plan,” he said. Some of the companies and non-profits to have moved in include digital marketing firms, professional practices in legal and health care, psychology consultants, technical entrepreneurs and providers of commercial and residential compost collection services. The students will have time to succeed but they will also have time to fail, an all-important lesson to learn in business, Magnus-Johnston said. “They attempt an idea and follow it through to a road block. Then they either see it through or they drop it. If they drop it, they have to try a different prototype. We’re encouraging the students to try something and hopefully succeed but pivot when necessary. Too often in formal education, students are encouraged to check off a long list of things they know will please the professor and they’ll abide by whatever the constraints require. This is a completely different way of trying to get through the program,” he said. ❚

For course information or to register: lifelonglearning.wsd1.org Phone: 204-789-0435 Email: lifelonglearning@wsd1.org

WHERE LEADERS ARE FORMED & ENTREPRENEURS GET THEIR START

Apply Today at Prov.ca/Business

14 WINNIPEG FREE PRESS - THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2018

Johnathan Niziol, Software Developer Instructor, walks students through guidelines for formatting HTML. MITT photo

MANITOBA INSTITUTE OF TRADES & TECHNOLOGY

EXPLORE SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT AT MITT

For the Free Press

The future is particularly bright for qualified professionals seeking careers in the Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) sector. And the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT) is committed to providing quality, relevant education and training to help students shine in this burgeoning global industry. Since 2014, MITT has continued to build on the decades-old reputation of its predecessor, Winnipeg Technical College, as a provider of excellent training for careers in skilled trades, health care, human services and, increasingly, technology. The foundation of its success includes its network of strategic business and education partners, who work directly with MITT to develop industry-oriented curriculum, and its student-focused model of teaching, which ensures students get hands-on learning with the tools and technology they will use in the modern workplace. The school recently introduced a one-year Software Developer diploma program to its suite of ICT-focused

programs, which also includes the Network and Computer Technology certificate as well as the Cyber Defence and Cloud Administration diploma. Software Developer is geared toward students looking to quickly develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities to qualify for career opportunities as Junior Software Developers in Manitoba’s thriving IT sector. Its curriculum includes practical experience in front-end and back-end development, technical writing and communications, project management, mathematics and problem solving to give students the skills they need to become job-ready within 12 months. “Our program is quite intensive because 10 months is a very short time frame and we aim to teach a lot of skills and get our students a lot of practice,” says program instructor, Johnathan Niziol. “At the end of the in-class core study program, our soon-to-be-graduates go on internships for two months. Once they graduate, they can apply these fundamentals at any tech job.” Most MITT programs provide work integrated learning (work practicums, internships, or co-ops) so students can practise their skills in actual workplaces, while also learning from those already working in the field. The experience also helps students make industry connections of potential value when seeking employment after graduation. “Engaging students with the industry is very important, because it lets industry know about our program and how we may be able to help them fill job vacancies,” says Niziol. “Industry not only drives our curriculum content, but it also contributes back to our program by providing such things as speaking engagements and external training opportunities.” Educational partnerships further enhance MITT’s Software

Developer program. The school works with Udacity, an online front-end software development site, through which students can also earn accreditation. MITT also partners with Coder Foundry, a North Carolina-based company recognized as a premier training program for certain types of information technology. “In my experience, those students who are the most successful in the program are those who have a very strong passion for technology and a very strong passion for creativity, because once you have the tools to be able to build, you can build anything you want,” says Niziol. “That’s where the creativity really starts to shine. Programming is such a creative outlet.” Small class sizes and a small campus environment provide all learners with one-on-one interaction with their instructors and easy access to resources and support. Since all course instructors have significant industry experience, they are very much in tune with the knowledge and skills employers look for in the hiring process. Students continue to receive support from MITT throughout their course work, work integrated learning, even post-graduation, when they embark on job searches and career development. “I know what a lot of software development companies are looking for because I have been out there myself, searching for qualified people,” says Niziol. “There are a lot of jobs available, with tons of opportunity for advancement or lateral movement in the industry, so our goal is to make this program as relevant as possible because the industry itself is super- dynamic. It’s a global market. Everyone is looking for talent.” For more information about MITT and its Software Developer diploma program, visit mitt.ca. ❚

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS - THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2018 15

EXTENDED EDUCATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA

ONLINE COURSES FIT INTO YOUR LIFE & ADVANCE YOUR CAREER Keep learning with Extended Education at the U of M Life doesn’t have to get in the way of your professional development, with convenient online course options available to you through Extended Education at the U of M.

“For adult learners, so many responsibilities can get in the way of pursuing a course. There are family commitments, work commitments. It can be very difficult to fit it all into your life, but studying online increases your flexibility and removes the barriers. You can study at your own pace and adjust your schedule to include other priorities of daily life,” says Marie Antaya, owner/operator of Eclectic Communications and instructor for the Program Development for Adult Learners (PDAL), an online program for adult educators offered through Extended Education at the U of M. Extended Education provides programs and courses designed for today’s working professionals who need to keep learning. This lifelong learning contributes to on- the-job success, and earns you a university credential. Programs are developed in consultation with business and the community, leveraging the expertise of both university and community experts. Online courses are doable “One of the key principles of adult learning is making a connection to what you are learning, for motivation. In Extended Education programs, instructors know you come with experience. They acknowledge it, and encourage you to share it,” says Antaya. Many students come back to keep learning after a long time away from structured studies. When they study online, they can do it at their own pace and ease into it, she says. “They find it is quite doable.” There are many benefits to online learning. For

example, she says, there is more opportunity for feedback. “Online, there is a quality of engagement because you can’t fake engagement online. I was very surprised at how engaging my last course was. Students built relationships with each other in a short time. One in four students in my last group had never taken a course online before. They made professional connections and supported each other.” Peers from across Canada Another benefit is the opportunity to obtain a wider perspective on your learning and make professional connections with fellow students from across Canada. With online learning, you are entering a national classroom. “I witness students helping each other out, providing feedback, in discussion,” says Antaya. “For me, it’s fun to see the statistics representing engagement. For example, one course had 16 students and over 600 discussion posts.” In Antaya’s PDAL courses, during the first week, she asks students to pose three questions they would like to have answered by the end of the course. “I have yet to have a student who cannot answer their questions. They all do it. They work through, and find the answers they are looking for,” she says. In her PDAL courses, students come from various career backgrounds. She has taught people who work in education, health care, corporations, social services, and more. “It’s really interesting how people come at adult education from different angles, their depth of knowledge and different perspectives.” Online learning has come a long way from the

old correspondence courses, she says. “Students can get to know each other even better online, and still feel a part of the class.” Advance your career Completing an online course while you are working can help you to advance your career, says Yasser Shaker, Quality Manager at Trillium Health Partners (Diagnostic Imaging), and Quality Management Program instructor for Extended Education. “An online course can benefit your future. There’s flexibility, so you can work on it around your schedule. With no commute to the

Marie Antaya (left) is instructor for Program Development for Adult Learners and Yasser Shaker is the Quality Management Program instructor. UofM Extended Education photos

“The beauty of an online course is that it is not based on teacher-led instruction. It is student- centred. Information is shared. Knowledge is shared. There are tools, and problem solving. It’s a very collaborative approach. Students are encouraged to participate. I learn from my students too. We learn from each other,” he says. Like many online courses, students take the Quality Management program for several reasons. They may take it to increase their knowledge in their current role, to advance in their career and pursue a new role, or simply to enhance their skills. “There are many reasons for online learning. It can be very beneficial,” Yasser says. Learn more about all Extended Education programs at umextended.ca. ❚

classroom, you don’t need to worry about or pay for parking,” says Shaker. “Extended Education has a variety of courses, and, at the end of the day, online education is very important for adults. They can’t put their family and other commitments aside. It’s a great option.” Of course, taking an online course still takes a commitment and some time management skills. “You need to be aware of deadlines and have the vision to be successful. But in adult learning, instructors understand where you are coming from.” In Quality Management, for example, Yasser says he has seen students from across Canada and from many industries including education, hospitals, government and consulting. He’s also had international students take his courses.

Register now for January courses. Keep learning. Working professionals know that the key to success in today’s rapidly-changing workplace is continuous learning. We’ve responded by developing programs and courses designed to help you keep learning – with the highest quality instruction and flexible delivery methods.

Online Programs: Change Management

Enroll in the only Change Management credential offered by an academic/post-secondary institution in Manitoba.

Quality Management Learn how to lead the transition from quality control to quality excellence. Graduates are eligible for ASQ certification. Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) Earn a credential that meets local, national and international needs for teacher development. Program Development for Adult Learners Meet the growing need for adult educators and trainers, and learn how to design and develop effective adult learning programs. Certificate in Management and Administration (CIMA) Take the next step in your management career with an academic credential and a nationally recognized professional designation to add to your resume. Human Resource Management Become a leader in HR with innovative courses that correspond with the HR competency framework – providing eligibility for the CPHR designation.

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