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March 19, 2020 The communication is related to Teacher Training Programs & those completing practicums: In light of the recent developments with the COVID-19 emergency measures implemented in various provinces, and current and upcoming school and higher education closures, TESL Canada has the following contingency measures for regular classes and practicum placements administered through its accredited programs. Online synchronous classes delivered through virtual classroom applications such as Zoom, YouSeeU, Adobe Connect, Blackboard Collaborate Ultra, Big Blue Button, join.me, Skype for Business, etc., are considered on a par with face-to-face classes until face-to-face classes resume. Such classes must involve real-time communication between teacher trainers and trainees, and between host teachers, practicum interns, and ESL students. The teaching and learning activities must proceed in real-time. Online asynchronous classes delivered through the distance education mode, which do not include real-time communication between teachers and students, are considered as hybrid hours, and must be used in conjunction with real-time teaching hours. Many of our TTP are delivered through a combination of face-to-face and online asynchronous hours, and we leave it to each program’s discretion to work out a solutions that would ensure meeting their respective learning outcomes through a balanced use of real-time and asynchronous hours. However, online asynchronous hours are not considered on a par with face-to-face classes for practicum purposes. Finally, based on some requests, we will prepare an accreditation endorsement letter for those Teacher Training Programs who require this documentation. Just let us know and we will try to have that ready early next week. We encourage TTP to communicate with us for any concerns that may arise during these challenging times. Rest assured that TESL Canada will remain at your disposal to support the delivery of your classes and practica. Dmitri Priven, Chair – TESL Canada Standards Committee Paula Kristmanson- TESL Canada President **Currently the TESL Saskatchewan Accreditation Committee is meeting to consider the TESL Canada changes regarding the accreditation process. Stay tuned for more updates. |
