Natural resources orientation 2013 2014

Natural Resources Orientation Career and Technology Centre

“ Pay attention, be astounded Tell me about it!” - Mary Oliver, poet

Welcome to the team!• Natural Resources is…

dynamic

learning by doing …. this means Projects

experience and opportunities

following your passions and

interests

career connections

developing skills

working with experts

Communication• Course work Questions? • d2L private discussion

• Messaging when in the field or not at CTC?• Your preferred communication (phone, text, email)

• For parents?• email: [email protected]

The NAT program

• Learn within the real-world context… this means doing your course project work through: • Field work experience• Student practicums• Accessing experts and industry

professionals

To begin… You are here Hurray! You’ve joined the

NAT team!

~ Orientation! ~Safety!

HCS3000 Workplace

Safetyfirst you have to look…

ENS1010 Intro to Stewardship: a look at the ‘big conversations’ (making decisions about taking care of the

environment & using natural resources)

ENS1020 Fostering stewardship: your action project (tuning into current

environmental issues, and group problem solving: planning and implementing an

environmental action project)NAT pathways : the journey is up to you…

NAT pathways• Environmental Stewardship

• Introductory, Intermediate, and Advanced levels

• Ecology and Conservation• Introductory level only this year

• Oil and Gas Exploration in Alberta• Introductory level only this year

• Other• pathways in Forestry, Agriculture, and Wildlife can be

explored

* See pathway diagram in orientation package for names of courses offered

NAT Learning Spaces

Online course contentWhat is the online course content about?There are 3 important purposes for the online course content:

1. Anytime, anywhere learning• “blended” learning, flexibility to bring your course work with you on

projects in the field or at your home school

2. Organization • Main place to find info: class schedules, events, dates, and contact info • Hand in digital copies of your work• On-going tracking of feedback, assessment, and grades

3. Communication• Private discussions with teachers• Class discussions, a place to chat, share info, photos, etc.

Expectations What is expected from students?• attend classes at the CT Centre Natural Resources suite unless

arrangements for completing work in other locations has been discussed and agreed upon with your teachers

• complete the online course content for each course: this includes the introductory and wrap-up reflection activities, tracking of your learning progress, and may include online portions of project work

• track your own learning progress: this process is outlined in the online course content and will be explained fully by your teachers at the CTC

• ask questions if you are not sure about any project work or activity related to your course work

• work responsibly and safely in all learning spaces• let your teacher know if you have any safety concerns about any

activity or work you do as part of the Natural Resources program in any of the program learning spaces

• be prepared for our work: e.g., for field outings use your common sense about footwear and warm clothing

• bring your game face to think critically, find out, be curious • interact positively with others in a professional manner• ask questions - We’re saying this twice because it’s important• have fun • Any others?..... Your input!

Expectations What is expected from teachers?The NAT teachers’ roles:• facilitators, advisors, and experts, as well as liaisons with students

and the professional field experts working with students in project work.

In addition to instructional and organizational roles, you can expect your teachers to provide:

• on-going guidance to assist you in reaching your course goals• regular, timely, and constructive feedback on project work and

course progress• assessment that reflects your learning and quality of work • guidelines for safety and clothing before each field outing so

that you can be prepared• a safe learning experience in all learning spaces and situations• positive interactions in a professional atmosphere• an open and questioning environment, where it’s safe to take intellectual risks• a fun experience• Are we missing something?..... Your input!

Other things to expect…

Visitors to CTCStudents can expect to talk with visitors who may be curious about your experiences here.

• Feel welcome to talk to visitors… - it’s an opportunity to hear about their stories!, and to share yours

- be polite, respectful, professional

• Talking with visitors is not meant to disturb your work as a student.

General outcomes• Learning goals (outcomes):

• Found on the online course content for each course• Start of each course – reading outcomes

Meant to help you: • set meaningful directions for your learning• Understand where you are headed with each course

Assessment• How you will be graded (rubrics):

• Found in the online course introduction for each course• Be sure to read the assessment rubrics before and during your course work!• Teachers will be on hand to get you started, provide guidance and direction

Let the journey begin!