Back to School Checklist: How to Get the Most Out of Your Education This Fall

Expect Protocols to be Different

School is starting up again (for those embarking on new careers during the fall semester), and although the learning outcomes may be the same, it won’t feel exactly the same.

The first difference you can expect – hand sanitizer stations will be set up everywhere throughout or campuses, and you’ll be requested to stay 6 feet/two metres away from other students. That means no congregating in student lounges or hallways.

Across the province of Alberta, masks are mandatory to enter the building. If you don’t own your own reusable mask, please visit the campus reception to receive a disposable mask.

Virtually and Online

We’ve switched to asynchronous combined delivery of online and in-class instruction. Instead of only attending a physical classroom, you will also take part in virtual lectures, complete your assignments online, and message your instructors in online forums and chat features for one-on-one feedback.

Whether your coursework is completed in-class or online, there will be many resources available to you, and our instructors will help you to ensure a seamless transition.

The Course Materials Will Be the Same

Despite these new protocols in place, the same course materials and the content will still be taught, so not worry. The plan is for you to complete your hands-on practicum placements at the end of term when conditions have improved, but in the meantime, we want to ensure your utmost safety while you receive your hands-on education with us (in-class and online).

Online Learning Provides Greater Discipline

While studying online may be different than the traditional classroom setting, there are lots of benefits to completing your coursework online in conjunction with in-class learning.

• Flexibility in terms of where you set up your study space – learn from home, outside, and more.
• Complete assignments on your own schedule.
• Receive real-time feedback from instructors at more available hours.

Knowing this, you can work on practices to ensure that you’re more disciplined when it comes to studying and completing assignments online when you’re not able to attend your classes in-person.

• Schedule study breaks to go for walks outside or get exercise midday.
• Prepare proper meals and snacks throughout the day to keep your energy levels consistent.
• Maintain a study/life balance by setting aside the time you need to concentrate, versus the time that other obligations and family come into play. Ensure that you’re able to have solid boundaries.

With all of this said, we’re expecting that you will have a successful return to school transition with our combined in-class and online delivery model. If you need any assistance along the way, make sure to contact our Student Services team or our Admissions team with any questions you may have.

For more information about our programs this fall, please fill in the REQUEST INFO form.