Saskatchewan Project Adapts Aboriginal Learning Styles to Multimedia CD-ROM*

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A unique project currently being evaluated in Saskatchewan is a multi-media CD-ROM which introduces a diverse group of learners to the basics of science and the environment, as seen through the eyes of our Aboriginal peoples. With its new approach to introducing learning material, it gives adult students in community centres the opportunity to experience different modes of interactive learning, including hearing, seeing, reading and interacting with a computer.

The Academic Preparation for Science (APS) program is a multimedia instructional program to introduce students at a grade seven level and up for future academic purposes. It features culturally sensitive materials which can be used in independent and group settings, and features aboriginal pictures, voices, information and data. Students can work at their own pace, and have access to Internet and print resources as well. Instructors of higher levels of LBS might find the introductory levels of interest for their students, especially those with an antipathy to books. It was also suggested that taking this type of different approach to learning techniques could benefit adult learners who have had difficulty with traditional teaching methods. Adult students in high school preparation courses could use the program independently to develop a higher comfort level both with technology and current environmental and earth science issues. Sue Derringer, who developed part of the curriculum, said, "It was very interesting to develop. I examined science, and the process of knowledge it uses, and applied it to Aboriginal ways. It became clear that Aboriginal people had science, it was just not communicated in the same manner."

The CD-ROM includes seven units - a four unit introductory module to science, as well as Physics, Biology and Chemistry for students at higher levels. The project team discovered that the pilot project stimulated students' interest and curiosity, and instructors using the material felt that it encouraged the students to become more involved in the learning experience. One student indicated that the combined multimedia presentation was far more interesting than traditional teaching methods. "My instructor asked me if I wanted to quit, but I wanted to go on. I wouldn't do that if I had books in front of me."

The Academic Preparation for Science CD-ROM was developed by SIAST Woodland and Wascana Campus, Dumont Technical Institute, Northlands College, Parkland Regional College, Saskatchewan Indian Federated Colleges and the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies. The project was funded by the Office of Learning Technologies and Saskatchewan Post-Secondary Education and Skills Training. It will be ready for distribution early in 1999.

For information, contact Barb Bremner at the SIAST Woodland Campus, Academic Centre, 1500- 10th Avenue East, PO Box 3003, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, S6V 6G1 or visit www. siast.sk.ca/science .

* This review was written in Feb. 1999. Please contact the company for information about the most recent version of the software.