Transition to remote program delivery: Internal study April 2020
Abstract
Beginning in April, 2020, The Immigrant Education Society conducted an internal study on staff and student reactions to the transition to remote services delivery precipitated by the COVID19 Pandemic. This consists of a preliminary survey deployed by the Research and Program Development Department, and the compilation of independently developed surveys deployed in June by the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) department and the Human Resources department. The analysis of the raw survey data was conducted by the Research and Program Development department. This document encompasses results from the Human Resources and LINC surveys.
Notes
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