Saskatchewan Polytechnic students push for hybrid learning
Some students at Saskatchewan Polytechnic in Regina have been attending in-class learning since the semester began on Jan.3.
For programs with in-class learning, lectures are not being recorded and students who become ill are falling behind in class.
"I have already missed half the (class) without lectures. What am I paying for, this is a lot of money that I’m not being accommodated for,” said a student who wished to remain anonymous.
Some are pushing for hybrid learning, which would allow students to continue learning online while others attend in person.
"I think that having online lectures would be the greatest benefit, since everyone will be able to attend them, whether they don't feel comfortable coming to school or not,” said another student.
From Jan. 5-19, Saskatchewan Polytechnic had 368 positive cases of COVID-19 across its four campuses.
Cheryl Schmitz, Chief Financial Officer, VP of administrative services at the school said they are doing what they can to ensure in-class learning is safe for everyone, including eliminating cloth masks and making medical grade ones readily available.
"At all of our main entrances (there are) three-ply medical grade masks available for students and staff. We’ve also procured N-95 masks for the students, faculty and staff that feel more comfortable utilizing (them),” said Schmitz.
Schmitz added that applied courses are where students benefit from hands on learning
“The majority of courses we run are applied learning courses, so they are more so hands-on learning,” said Schmitz.
In a statement Saskatchewan Polytechnic students’ association president Jesse White, said they have been engaging in constant communication with Saskatchewan Polytechnic leadership regarding the concerns students’ face every day in returning to campus, adding Sask. Polytech has been receptive and responsive to their feedback.
Some students have expressed that they don’t feel safe on campus with the current pandemic conditions in Saskatchewan. Conversely, several students are happy to be learning in person again, getting the total value of their expensive tuition.
Students understand that no decision regarding anything COVID-19 related will satisfy everyone. However, what students want most of all is to see and feel that the institution keeps them safe. Thus far, students think the institution can do better in that area, and the SPSA will continue to advocate that sentiment on behalf of our membership to Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
U.S. says Israel's use of U.S. arms likely violated international law, but evidence is incomplete
The Biden administration said Friday that Israel's use of U.S.-provided weapons in Gaza likely violated international humanitarian law but wartime conditions prevented U.S. officials from determining that for certain in specific airstrikes.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
'State or state-sponsored actor' believed to be behind B.C. government hacks
The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.
Mother assaulted by stranger while breastfeeding baby in her car: Vancouver police
A person was arrested in East Vancouver Thursday after allegedly entering a car while a mother was breastfeeding her four-month-old boy.
More than half the Canadians once detained in Syrian camps for suspected ISIS family members have returned home
A total of 29 Canadians have been freed from detention camps in northeast Syria and brought back to Canada since human rights advocates began lobbying for their release years ago.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Canada abstains from Palestinian UN membership vote but supports two-state solution
Canada was one of 25 countries that abstained from a United Nations vote on Palestinian membership that passed with overwhelming support on Friday.
Amish youth experience a rite of passage called Rumspringa. It’s not what you might think
The idea of “Rumspringa” has a specific spot in the American imagination. A rite of passage for young people in some Amish communities, Rumspringa is seen by most outsiders as a wild time away from strict Amish rules, when teenagers can experiment with the modern vices of the world.