Midland Adult
Education Centre
Learn for Life
Student Orientation Package
2015 - 2016
Midland Adult Education Centre
Box 2060, 72 Main Street Carman, MB R0G 0J0
Phone: 204-745-2095 Fax: 204-745-3823
Toll Free : 1-866-800-6594
Email: maec@prsdmb.ca
Website : www.midlandadulted.ca
Prairie Rose School Division
Dedicated to developing lifelong learners for responsible global citizenship.
Welcome to Midland Adult Education Centre!
Congratulations for taking a step towards lifelong learning. You have probably come to the
centre because you want to make some changes in your life. Whether you want to earn your
Mature Student Diploma, upgrade for college or university, or improve your skills for
employment, this package will provide helpful information as you contemplate those changes.
You have taken a bold step in the right direction, and we are here to help you reach your goals.
MAEC’s Mission Statement:
To promote the economic and social well-being of Manitoba’s adult learning community by
providing self-paced online courses to facilitate students’ progress toward their education and
career goals.
Staff:
Minnie Guilford (Director/Teacher)
Michelle Nicolajsen (Teacher)
Joel Boyce (Teacher)
Lynne Wilkinson (Admin Assistant)
mguilford@prsdmb.ca
mnicolajsen@prsdmb.ca
jboyce@prsdmb.ca
lwilkinson@prsdmb.ca
Hours of Operation:
You are encouraged to communicate with staff on a regular basis, as often as possible. You can
study at home and get assistance from teachers by phone, text, email, or by meeting online
Monday to Friday, days and evenings as indicated below. If you would like to come to the
centre to study or receive one-on-one help from staff, the doors are open Tuesday to Thursday as
indicated below.
Contact Staff:
Monday to Friday
Tuesday to Thursday
9:00 – 4:00
5:00 – 8:00
Come to the Centre:
Tuesday to Thursday
Tuesday & Thursday
9:00 – 4:00
5:00 – 8:00
Cost:
The Adult Learning and Literacy branch of Manitoba Multiculturalism and Literacy has been
funding adult education centres since 1998. Continued funding is provided to centres with
successful programming and acceptable rates of course completions and graduates. In addition
to an annual registration fee of $35.00, the only cost to you is your time and commitment to
completing your course!
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Courses and Services:
High School Credit Courses
Students with or without their grade 12 diplomas are eligible to attend. The centre is funded to
allow adults to complete a Mature Student Diploma, upgrade to meet entrance requirements for
university or college, or to increase employability skills. Midland Adult Education Centre offers
the following courses:
Online Courses:
ELA 40S Transactional
ELA 40S Technical
Biology 40S
Biology 30S
Intro to Applied and Precalc Math 20S
Essential Math 40S
Essential Math 20S
Applied Math 40S
Current Topics in First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Studies 40S - available soon
Psychology 40S – available soon
Print Based Courses:
Accounting 30S and 40S
Automated Office 40S
Management Skills 40S and other CTS credits
Online Credits
Most of our courses are online, using the Blackboard Learn website. Students can log on to these
courses at any time from any computer or device that has Internet access. Students don’t have to
be on the course at the same time as the teacher.
The Distance Learning Unit creates the Blackboard Learn courses for high school students.
MAEC teachers are flexible, often working with individual students to make the material more
relevant and suitable for adults. Be sure to talk to your teacher about any changes that would
make the material and assignments more relevant and meaningful to you.
For most online courses, no additional texts are required. The learning material is either
provided within the self-paced learning modules or you are referred to additional Internet sites
for up-to-date content. Assignments, feedback, and tests are provided through the course or by
using phone, fax, or email.
A new component to communication is the online meetings made possible using Blackboard
Collaborate. This platform can be used to show students different aspects of the course, share a
file, demonstrate a concept on a whiteboard, take a web tour, and much more. It has been
developed specifically to meet the needs of educational forums. Webcams, headphones and
microphones would improve the experience but are not necessary. Be sure to ask your teacher if
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you would like to meet online. Of course, all students are welcome to come to the centre for
help, to access computers or the Internet, or to avoid distractions at home!
Print based Credits
Some courses may be delivered with self-paced print material from the centre. Print based
courses are mainly used by Carman students who can come to the centre to study, sign out
learning modules, hand in assignments, and write tests. Arrangements can sometimes be made
for students outside the area to access this material. Talk to staff if you are interested in the print
material courses.
CTS Credits
Prairie Rose School Division has a well-developed Career and Technology Studies program.
To earn credits in this program, students explore careers, create a portfolio, and gain work
experience in the area of their choice. Students in the program must first take Management
Skills 40S by preparing a portfolio (approximately 40 hours) and completing at least 70 hours of
work experience. Additional CTS credits can be earned with additional work experience hours.
Ask staff for more information. Online students may also be able to access this program.
Apprenticeship Credits
Through the provincial High School Apprenticeship Program, online and local students can
earn up to eight grade 12 credits while working as a paid apprentice. If an employer agrees to
take you on as an apprentice, talk to staff about completing an application for the High School
Apprenticeship Program. Adults, who have not yet graduated, are eligible to apply for this
program. To learn more about apprenticeship visit:
http://www.gov.mb.ca/wdis/apprenticeship/discover/youth/index.html
Dual Credits:
The Dual Credit process is used to get credit for a course on both your high school transcript and
your university or college transcript. For example, if you decide to take a university or college
Psychology course, you may be able to use that same course as one of your grade 12 options.
You would then be closer to getting your high school diploma. Likewise, some high school
courses can be used to meet college requirements.
Evaluation:
Most courses have assignments, tests, projects and exams. When you submit your work,
teachers correct it, record your marks on your tracking sheet, and usually keep copies in your
folder in the office or on the computer. Students, however, must also keep copies of their
assignments until the course has been completed. Teachers will return graded assignments to
online students through the course. Students are expected to read the feedback and discuss any
concerns with the teacher. Students who submit assignments to their teacher on paper should
pick up the graded assignments at the centre and discuss concerns with their teacher.
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Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL is a process used to give you credit for what you have already learned in other areas of your
life. For example, if you have been doing your own income taxes for many years, you may be
able to get partial credit for this in a Math course. It’s also possible to provide evidence that you
have the knowledge and skills necessary for an entire course. This process is used at Midland
Adult Education Centre and in many universities and colleges across Canada and the United
States. Speak to your teacher to learn more about your opportunities for RPL.
Mature Student Diploma Requirements (minimum 8 credits):
“Mature students” may be eligible for obtaining a Mature Student High School Diploma if they
have been out of high school for at least one year and have reached 19 years of age. Students
who are18 and under who have not completed their diploma must have permission from the
collegiate principal in order to register for courses at the adult education centre.
In order to graduate with a Mature Student High School Diploma, the student must have a
minimum of eight credits. Four of these credits must be at the Grade 12 level, and include an
English Language Arts credit and a Math or Accounting credit.
Grade 9 to 12 credits
Which may include:
4
ABE or Literacy credits or
Credits from previous transcripts
4
Grade 12
Which must include:
Language Arts
Math/Accounting
1__
1__
Plus:
Two optional credits
2__
Using a copy of your
marks from your last
high school, we can
help you choose your
courses.
Graduation:
Graduation is held on a Friday near the end of June in Carman. The town of Carman is located
only 45 minutes from the Winnipeg perimeter. Be sure to complete your courses in time for
assignments to be graded and final marks issued well before the grad ceremony. Graduates have
an important role in the planning and preparation of the graduation ceremony and reception. The
ceremony and year-end windup is followed by an informal reception with family and friends to
celebrate students’ accomplishments.
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Course Registration Expectations:
Midland Adult Education Centre offers a continuous intake registration program. This allows
our students the flexibility to learn and complete their courses at their own pace. The Centre
does require however, that students make progress at a reasonable rate so that courses can be
completed within the school year. Course completion statistics and student attendance numbers
are reported to our funding source, Adult Learning and Literacy. Keeping this in mind, MAEC
has established the following expectations of all registered students:
1. MAEC requests that students be dedicated to completing their courses by mid-June.
2. To demonstrate your dedication, plan on completing at least one module within one
month of registration.
3. If you encounter difficulties in your course, please inform staff as soon as possible. The
staff is there to assist you in any way they can.
4. If possible, students should try to make regular contact with others taking the same
course. Ask your teacher about ways to connect through the course.
5. If you begin a course and decide you cannot continue, please inform the Centre
immediately.
6. A two-month period of inactivity will be seen as intent not to continue. Students may be
withdrawn at this time.
7. Courses should be completed within the school year. Students who treat their course like
a second job, communicate regularly with the instructor and/or attend the centre on a
regular basis are the most likely to succeed.
Student Readiness for Web-based Courses:
(adapted from http://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/dl/wbc/pretest.html)
Below is a quick survey that may help you determine if you would be interested and successful
in an online learning environment. Reflect on your skills as 1) never or rarely, 2) sometimes,
3) always or mostly true.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
I have the drive, motivation or need to take this course.
I usually work better on the internet rather than in a face-to-face class.
I can work independently on my course and I won’t hesitate to ask for help and support when needed.
I am comfortable and knowledgeable in using technology such as attaching documents to email messages
and locating various files on my computer.
Friends or family would support and encourage me if I take a Web-based course.
I am willing to make a commitment to spend the time required to complete this course.
I am an organized and self-motivated individual and I have good study skills (e.g. I set personal goals and
meet the deadlines).
I can read at grade level and am able to search for my own resources if I find text difficult to understand.
I know how to support my learning by performing internet searches and browsing responsibly on the
internet including being able to open multi-media files on the web.
I am willing to do all the work required.
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Learning and the Brain
According to recent brain research, there is hope for us all! Even if you have found it difficult to
learn in past educational settings, you have continued to gain knowledge and skills from your
interests and experience. While you will find it much easier to learn about something that
interests you, it is still possible to learn any topic. In fact, time spent “struggling” to learn may
be more beneficial to your brain fitness than time spent in “easy” learning. So put your learning
fears and self-doubt aside and celebrate your struggles and perseverance to continue learning!
The brain seems to look for patterns and repetitions. According to Dr. John Medina’s book
Brain Rules, “Repeat to remember and remember to repeat.” (www.brainrules.net)
You may find some or all of the following suggestions helpful in your learning.
(Horizons Learning Centre Study Strategies):
 Discuss the material with others; generate conversation.
 Say new vocabulary words and spelling words out loud.
 Read your assignments out loud.
 Whisper new information to yourself.
 Remember details by saying them over and over.
 Make up songs, poems, and rhymes.
 Make tapes of your notes and then listen to them.
 Create study notes and include drawings, mind maps, etc.
 Look at all the pictures, charts, and graphs in your textbooks;
pay attention to the details.
 Read all of your assignment directions.
 Visualize, or see in your mind, new vocabulary or spelling words.
 Visualize the details of what you read.
 Use a colourful highlighter to point out important information
in your reading. Use different coloured ink in your study notes.
 Learn by doing, touching, or practicing.
 Type information, like spelling words or notes.
 Take frequent “stand up and stretch” breaks.
 Write study notes; frequently change pens/pencil for variety.
 Pace/walk as you study. Exercise is very important according to many brain scientists.
 Draw pictures of what you need to learn. Draw diagrams to help explain your ideas.
Resources
Medina, Dr. John, Brain Rules, (www.brainrules.net)
Riener, C., and Willingham, D., (Sept-Oct 2010) The Myth of Learning Styles. Change: The Magazine of Higher Learning
(Learninghttp://www.changemag.org/Archives/Back%20Issues/September-October%202010/the-myth-of-learning-full.html)
Horizons Learning Centre Study Strategies
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Goal Setting:
We don’t plan to fail, we fail to plan!
(unknown author)
“Lack of time” is the number one reason cited by students who do not complete their courses.
Midland Adult Education Centre has many useful resources available to help you reach your
goals. Please ask staff for help in determining the resources most useful to you.
Setting goals and planning helps to keep us motivated. Once we set our priorities, we are less
likely to fall victim to interferences if we keep our goal front and centre.
Studying is PLANNED LEARNING that can enrich your life and help you achieve your
GOALS. In many cases, the more you know, the more you can do. What you do in class or at
home will determine whether or not you reach your goals.
Ask yourself:
1. What are my long-term goals?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
2. What actions/resources will help me to reach my goals?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
3. What are my goals for the courses that I am taking?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Factors that will help you to achieve your goals:
 Working at your courses on a regular and frequent basis
 Being organized
 Accepting responsibility
 Using time efficiently
 Requesting help from staff when needed
 Choosing a study place that has no distractions
 Staying healthy – a healthy mind works best with a healthy body.
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Career Exploration:
MAEC suggests that you visit www.careercruising.com to investigate future career choices. This
website is a great resource for career exploration. It is worth your time and effort to visit this
website to learn more about careers.
Access to website:
Enter: User Name:
Password:
midland
adult
Answer 39 or more questions to identify a list of potential occupations that match your values,
skills, interests, and personal style. You can choose to answer further questions to narrow the
list.
Save your results and any pages that you view on the website’s portfolio system. This allows
you to return to these pages at any time over the next five years! Print out a copy of your most
interesting results as this career exploration can be used in some of your grade 12 courses.
Once you have your list of occupations click on the links to explore. You’ll find a description of
the occupation, how much education is required, where the program is offered and how much it
costs. You’ll also learn the average salary for this occupation, what the job prospects are and
much, much, more. Enjoy!
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MAEC
PRSD School Calendar 2015-2016 with notes for MAEC
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Monday, October 12, 2015
Friday, October 23, 2015
Monday, November 9, 2015
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Friday, November 27, 2015
Friday, December 18, 2015
Monday, December 21 to
Friday, January 1, 2016
Monday, January 4, 2016
Friday, January 29, 2016
Monday, February 1, 2016
Monday, February 15, 2016
Friday, March 4, 2016
Friday, March 25, 2016
Monday, March 28 to
Friday, April 1, 2016
Friday, April 8, 2016
Professional Development Day,
No Classes (K-12)
Professional Development Day,
No Classes (K-12)
First Day of Classes for Students
Thanksgiving Day (All Schools Closed)
Professional Development Day (S.A.G.E.),
No Classes (K-12)
Administration Day, No Classes (K-12)
Remembrance Day (All Schools Closed)
Student-Parent-Teacher Conferences,
No Classes (K-12)
Last Day of Classes before Christmas Break
Christmas Break (All Schools Closed)
First Day of Classes after Christmas Break
Administration Day 9-12 / Professional
Development Day (K-8), No Classes (K-12)
Semester II Begins (9-12)
Louis Riel Day (All Schools Closed)
Administration Day (K-8) /Professional
Development Day (9-12), No Classes (K-12)
Good Friday (All Schools Closed)
Spring Break (All Schools Closed)
Monday, May 23, 2016
Friday, June 17, 2016
Friday, June 24, 2016
Student-Parent-Teacher Conferences,
No Classes (K-12)
Professional Development Day / School
Improvement Planning, No Classes (K-12)
Victoria Day (All Schools Closed)
Administration Day, No Classes (K-12)
MAEC GRAD
Thursday, June 30, 2016
Last Day of Classes (K-12)
Friday, April 22, 2016
Special Notes for MAEC Students:
All assignments/tests should be submitted for marking by
Friday, June 17, 2016
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re: Grad!
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