Community-Based Learning Opportunities for Aboriginals, Winner 2005: The Sunchild E-Learning Community Model

This case study examines the Sunchild E-Learning Community, which provides accessible education to Grades 9 to 12 Aboriginal students in remote and rural communities through an e-learning delivery service. Its educational offerings include: high school diploma courses; basic adult upgrading programs; trades training; industry training; and university courses.

Sunchild’s teaching consists of a mix of live instruction and archived tutorials. At the same time, it provides flexibility in the pace at which individuals may learn. Students are provided with in-class support from a student mentor, who ensures that those learning from remote locations are not disaffected by the faceless delivery of on-line education.

This First Nations-controlled school has had significant success, with high school graduation rates of 80 per cent, compared to estimated on-reserve graduation rates of 20 per cent. Sunchild has the real potential to be an effective skills and learning development model for Aboriginal communities across Canada.