Experiential learning "activities enrich student learning while preparing them for their future careers. For the organizations who hire them, it is a valuable and effective way to access the fresh thinking, skills and capabilities that students offer while also building a network of future employees."
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Why participate in experiential learning?
Why participate in experiential learning?
Experiential learning gives you the opportunity to connect what you learn in your courses with meaningful, hands-on experience in professional, community, and/or research settings. Through real-world learning experiences, you can deepen your understanding of educational concepts while developing practical skills, professional competencies, and workplace experience that will support your future career goals.
Through these courses, you'll develop:
Enhanced career readiness
Professional experience
Stronger connections between theory and practice
Essential real-world skills, such as critical thinking & problem-solving
What kinds of placements are available?
What kinds of placements are available?
Applied research projects
Community engagement
Workplace
Because EDST students may be located across the province, country, or world, students will work collaboratively with the EDST Experiential Learning team to identify and secure a suitable work placement in their community or region. Support is available to help suggest and align placements with each student's goals and course learning outcomes.
Previous placements include:
Previous placements include:
K-12 education:
K-12 education:
Supporting EDI planning for ECE Association
Developing humane education resources for the Ontario SPCA
Workplace learning:
Workplace learning:
Supporting newcomers to Canada
Facilitating language support programs
Instructional design
Mental Health Peer Mentorship
Supporting university course development through research
Developing Open Educational Resources (OERs) for colleges & universities
⏩ How to get started?
⏩ How to get started?
Experiential learning placements are coordinated through EDST 4980U (Work Integrated Learning I) and EDST 4981U (Work Integrated Learning II).
During course registration, enroll in EDST 4980U - Work Integrated Learning I.
* Students who have already completed EDST 4980U may enroll in EDST 4981U for a continued or new placement.
Begin the application process ideally 60 - 90 days before the start of the term during which you plan to take EDST 4980U.
This will allow ample time to determine a strong placement for you:
a. Submit a completed interest / application form
b. Submit the following to FEdExpLearning@ontariotechu.ca:
Resume
General cover letter
Unofficial transcript
Am I eligible?
Am I eligible?
To register in EDST 4980U or EDST 4981U, students must have (by the desired term):
Fourth-year standing in Educational Studies (90+ credit hours completed)
Cumulative GPA of 3.0 (a 'B', or 73% average)
I'm in! What's next?
I'm in! What's next?
Before beginning their placement, students will be required to complete certain training modules and may be required to submit different types of paperwork, depending on the type of placement, population you'll be supporting, etc.
The EDST Experiential Learning Team will provide instructions on (a) which trainings or forms are required for your placement, and (b) how to access and submit them.
These trainings can be added to future resumes and support job applications.
Workplace Training:
Workplace Training:
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) training
Health & Safety training, including:
Incident & Hazard reporting, First Aid orientation, WHMIS, relevant emergency proceduresHealth & Wellness preparation, including:
Be There certificate, review Student Health & Wellness resourcesViolence & Harassment training, including:
Preventing Sexual Violence training, Workplace Violence & Harassment training
Additional Preparation:
Additional Preparation:
(conditional on placement type & population)
Ontario Tech - Off-Campus Insurance Coverage for Students
Vulnerable Sector Check or Criminal Records Check
Confidentiality agreement
Context-specific training & procedures, such as:
Ergonomics, Personal Protective Equipment, Working Alone training, Special Materials Handling, etc.
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