Many new possibilities have emerged from the need to shift to
more online modes of learning due to COVID-19. Some communities
have built learning hubs, many post-secondary institutions have
increased bursaries and laptop rentals to ensure students have
access to technology, and staff and faculty are finding ways to
leverage digital technology to support remote learning in new and
exciting ways.
Although there are many possibilities emerging from online
learning spaces, accessibility still remains a challenge for both
Indigenous students and the staff and faculty who are supporting
them. The digital divide still impacts many communities in their ability
to stay connected, remote learning environments may be more
challenging for some students to effectively learn in, and the idea of
online learning can be daunting for many.
On February 23, 2021, staff and faulty who work with Indigenous
students in post-secondary education gathered for a Virtual Sharing
Circle to discuss accessible learning spaces. This report includes the
themes that emerged from the sharing circle discussions and is
followed by recommendations for post-secondary institutions.
Introduction
