Open-access – Yes

Location

• Calgary

• Alberta

Key recommendations

• Increase remote services as long as possible, and having TIES reopen in phases, with strict protocols.
• Assist with limitations in service delivery online due to aspects such as childcare, technological limitations, such as increased training for staff
• Address fears surrounding public transit in students
• Increase communication with staff on how reopening will occur, as well as increased enforcement of protocols

Key populations

immigrant service workers

Key findings

• A majority of the staff would like to resume remote work, though there were some challenges, such as childcare and technological limitations.
• Need to use personal resources (i.e. internet, phone) has resulted in increased cost to teach, but is not compensated
• Use of personal phone numbers resulted in decreased boundaries between instructors and students, and resulted in increased hours worked (i.e. text messages to ask questions late at night)
• Remote learning for students may be difficult due to previously mentioned factors, along with individuals with lower literacy rates, and there may be more difficulty ensuring evaluation is accurate, due to family members potentially helping/doing assignments
• Decreased engagement occurs with online learning, resulting in lower attendance, increased difficult in communication, and more time dedicated to teaching.
• Re-opening after remote learning was met with fear from students and instructors surrrounding safety protocols, and how they will be implemented, especially as it is difficult to socially distance in the TIES building, as well as safety of public transit
• Better communication was indicated as an area of improvement

Integration timeline

Gaps identified

Community organizations