MLAs question Aurora College's plans to close community learning centres, boost online learning

Aurora College's plans to close 19 community learning centres across the N.W.T. came under fire on Thursday, as college officials appeared before a standing committee of MLAs. 

In a briefing before the standing committee on accountability and oversight, representatives of the college outlined their plan to shift toward more online learning, as a way to "move into the 21st century."

Several MLAs, however, are concerned about the impact of closing community learning centres on smaller communities in the Northwest Territories.

Aurora College president Angela James told the committee on Thursday that the transition toward more online learning has already shown encouraging results.

"Since 2021, approximately 63 graduates have completed their diplomas online," James said.

In January, Aurora College announced plans to shutter its 19 community learning centres across the N.W.T., saying the current model has become "expensive, outdated, and ineffective," as only 22 full-time students were enrolled.

Mackenzie Delta MLA George Nerysoo said the news came as a shock to his community. He says many high school students are not ready to pursue education outside their community and struggle with basic math, raising concerns about how they'll manage online learning.

"You are taking another option away from these individuals, having them go online and try to do another form of education," Nerysoo said.

Tu Nedhé-Wiilideh MLA Richard Edjericon echoed those concerns, saying students in smaller communities often graduate two or three grades behind, which is concerning. Edjericon says these students rely on the centres to upgrade for college and university admission.

"Shutting [the centres] down doesn't help... not everybody's got computers, not everybody's got internet in small communities," Edjericon said.

'The world is going digital'

Joseph Handley, chair of Aurora College's board of directors, says students will have to adapt and get comfortable with online learning.

"The world is going digital. I think we have to recognize that and prepare our people to be able to succeed," Handley said.

He added that students will have access to tech support systems to help them adjust.

Great Slave MLA Kate Reid says online programs have limitations, which became evident during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reid also questioned why the college made the decision abruptly, and without public consultation.

Handley said that the college held public consultations on strategic planning but saw very poor attendance.

The college says closing the centres will save over $8 million, and it plans to invest more than $2 million in the new online learning model.

College president Angela James says moving online would allow the upgrading program to reach 33 communities, rather than just the 19 centres.

James says the plan includes providing online support with access to computers, software, IT support, and a team of counsellors for coaching and regular check-ins.

Toward the end of the briefing, Handley said he didn't think the changes would "disadvantage the small communities."

"I think we can work with them both in equipment and in technology and consultation," he said.

'Out of touch'

Speaking in the Legislative Assembly later on Thursday, Yellowknife MLA Shauna Morgan criticized the college's shift to online learning.

"Saying that the future of learning is online is completely out of touch," she said.

She questioned why the college shut down computer literacy classes at the Literacy Outreach Centre in Yellowknife, if online learning is the focus.

Morgan said that when community learning centres were first established in the 1960s and '70s, they were more than just upgrading centres, they were rooted in community development.

"That means providing opportunities for all community members to learn and gain skills that are important to them and be empowered in their lives and in their self-governance," Morgan said.

Over time, she said, as the centres came under Aurora College, the focus narrowed to upgrading and high school credits, which led to declining attendance.

But Morgan said other centres and organizations have revitalized their approach, offering successful hands-on programs — something she says CLCs should be doing.

"A centre in Ndilǫ and Dettah is offering hands-on programs to over 100 students in trades and various certifications," she said.

"It's tone-deaf to what is going on now at the community level, the kinds of hands-on learning communities have been asking for. Frankly, it reveals a lack of imagination and vision."