Athabasca University (AU) and Shad Canada have offered the annual Shad Virtual program to hundreds of high-achieving high school students all across the country.
The provides one month of online learning opportunities for high-achieving Grade 10 and 11 students focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) topics with an entrepreneurship component. Historically a place-based program, Shad has offered the program since 2023.
Dr. Shauna Zenteno, dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, said this program is a natural fit with AU's expertise in distance and online education, so it's an easy decision to continue with this partnership.
"Shad Virtual students have the amazing opportunity to learn about 91制片厂as a university option, open and distributed learning, new technologies, innovative research, and the talented faculty members we have at AU."
An interdisciplinary approach
Instructors from all 91制片厂faculties have worked to develop content for this program, as well as other units such as and Nukskahtowin.
Zenteno said she ultimately hopes this STEAM program will result in more students understanding the value of online learning and knowing about 91制片厂as an option for university for students anywhere in Canada.
Shad Virtual students will have the amazing opportunity to learn about 91制片厂as a university option, open and distributed learning, new technologies, innovative research, and the talented faculty members we have at AU.
Dr. Shauna Zenteno, Dean, Faculty of Science and Technology
Online summer science program
Students who take part in the online program can expect a variety of lectures and activities from AU's faculty focused on all aspects of STEAM, a high ratio of instructors to students, and plenty of hands-on learning opportunities. The program culminates with a design challenge for participants to tackle.
Participants commit to one month of activities, totally 120 hours over 20 days. Days typically consist of workshops and small group sessions, delivered through videoconferencing and collaborating platforms like Zoom, Google, and Miro. Students need a quiet place to work, appropriate computer equipment, and a stable internet connection.
Shad Virtual benefits for students
Alumni of the Shad program, both in-person and virtual, have in their personal and professional lives, and gone on to accomplish some remarkable things.