Learning on the Move

East Central Alberta Catholic School Division

East Central Alberta Catholic School Division takes great pride in its unique approach to education, bringing the classroom to our students through the Career Technology Foundations/Career Technology Studies(CTF/CTS) mobile trailer. This innovative method has engaged our students in hands-on learning activities and paves the way for their possible future career choices. The successful implementation of this initiative is a testament to the untapped potential of a mobile learning lab.

The opportunity to engage students in relevant hands-on activities is a fan-tastic reality when educating within a mobile learning lab. Hands-on learning increases motivation, provides real-world opportunities, expands student interests, facilitates retention, and improves aca-demic performance. The real impact of hands-on style learning is that it expands student interests and is appropriate for all age groups. Students enjoy being in the ‘driver’s seat’ of their knowledge, which provides other ways of knowing that are different from traditional classroom learning methodologies.

The CTF/CTS mobile lab, purchased in 2019, has proven to be a versatile tool, serving as a classroom on wheels. It offers junior and senior high students various subjects, including an introduction to carpentry, small engine mechanics, leather working, sewing, and drone programming. The labs are tailored to our teachers’ experiences, abilities, and certifications, enriching the trimester-based schedule in Castor, Stettler, and Provost schools.

From a logistical standpoint, the mobile learning lab is a 53-foot-long trailer with two slide-outs that, when fully expanded, create a 1,000-square-foot classroom.

It is wheelchair accessible and has internal heating and cooling systems, single and three-phase electrical capability, and six collapsible aluminum tables. The trailer also features six working stations, accommodating up to twenty-four students, and enough space to ensure a comfortable and conducive learning environment.

We also wish to inform you about the essential considerations involved in hosting a mobile learning lab. Schools must have paved parking pads and accessible electrical hookup locations near the trailer. The provision of these foundational site requirements typically incurs costs ranging from 80 to 100 thousand dollars. Annually, the trailer is relocated twice, with each move costing approximately six thousand dollars. This expense covers services such as electrical connection/disconnection, coordination of set-up and take-down crews, as well as the rental of a semi-tractor. Additionally, adherence to community bylaws, site specific architectural designs for trailer placement, ensuring easy access for dropoff and pick-up, and insurance coverage are all critical factors to be carefully considered to ensure smooth operations.

Further expenditure arises with the provision of materials for each course offering. Materials such as carpentry and small engine tools must be provided. School based budget expenses are impacted because consumable materials such as wood, glue, and finishing products must also be provided. The highlights of our successes, challenges, and further opportunities related to the mobile learning lab’s benefits for the school and its wider community are worth reading.

Career Technology Foundations student work.

Successes

One of the greatest successes of ECCS is its ability to offer CTF/CTS options that help maintain rural school sustainability. The ability to offer additional courses helps provide a more comprehensive range of options. The need for tradespeople in our province's current realities has never been higher. Many businesses are seeking tradespeople across a wide range of occupations. Based on local survey feedback, students and parents appreciate the additional courses and the opportunities they offer. We are also pleased that Dual Credit courses can be offered, as this provides students with opportunities to earn college or university credits. Career exploration, local community context, working alongside community agencies within the lab, and fostering excitement about programming possibilities are highlights. Also, it'd be worth noting that the mobile lab reduces the need for space in brick and-mortar schools.

Challenges

It would be remiss if there were no mention of the challenges of the mobile learning lab. Careful consideration needs to be given to the financial sustainability of the trailer. Budget costs for the maintenance, transport, equipment supply, and upkeep of the equipment are sometimes necessary and can be expensive. Another critical challenge is finding teachers with the confidence, knowledge, and skills to offer courses. In today’s reality, finding certified teachers who specialize in providing CTF/CTS courses can often be difficult. Commonly, staff members must be called upon to give options for students to enroll.

Opportunities

The mobile learning lab creates numerous possibilities within each community. Opportunities include engaging external agencies, bringing in trade representatives, and establishing collaborative working relationships with local businesses and other interest groups. Town events such as school showcases, corporate sponsorships, and trade recognition days are great ways to build school and community connections.

Conclusion

Implementing the CTF/CTS mobile learning lab has been a tremendous success for the division and, most importantly, the students we serve. Providing educational experiences that inspire and promote student interests, abilities, and talents is a tremendous responsibility and a wonderful gift. If you wish to learn more, please feel free to contact us.

Story Written By: Jim Taplin, ECCS Superintendent, and Kelly Ehalt, ECCS Deputy Superintendent, East Central Catholic Schools.