Virtual School Project
We are in unprecedented times, and Edmonton Public Schools is committed to establishing an innovative Virtual School that integrates indigenous ways of knowing, blended community-based education, and online interdisciplinary curricula that will place students at the centre of their learning journeys accompanied by community partners who will help bring their learning to life. A critical component of the Virtual School project is to establish a virtual community hub that will include artists, historians, writers, poets, and cultural elders “in residence”, along with other special guests, that will work with students and staff to create engaging cross curricular lessons and innovative community based projects.
The Virtual School Project considers the reimagining of the purpose of school, acknowledging that current traditional conceptions of schools and online learning are hindered by a largely Eurocentric worldview, privileging certain students over others. In order to address issues of systemic racism and the unnecessary marginalization of groups of students within our learning communities, the Virtual School Project will center the curriculum and pedagogies around Indigenous, holistic, digital place based practices. Addressing equity and access issues are critical and will be authentically augmented when accompanied by processes that include Indigenous teaching and learning practices beyond stand alone, one-off cultural experiences often presented as solutions to the calls to action from the TRC. This project anticipates intergenerational teachings and learning for students, teachers, school administrators, and interested community partners.
Stay in Touch
Director and Principal: Dr. Jean Stiles (jean.stiles@epsb.ca)
Project Coordinator and Community Liaison: Julia Dalman (julia.dalman@epsb.ca) Teacher and Indigenous TQS lead: Matthew Whitman (matthew.whitman@epsb.ca)
Catch their Video Updates from Throughout this Journey
Below you’ll find a collection of student projects that were made and shared with ABSI throughout the project.
Below You’ll Find a Growing Photo Album showcasing a variety of events and experiences the virtual school project has run
