Mar 16, 2021

Vancouver, BC – The move to online learning, in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic, has impacted teaching and learning in many programs at Langara College. For students learning English, in-person instruction has traditionally been an expectation for normal course delivery. Our LEAP instructors have adapted the virtual classroom to deliver an active online experience that supports English language learning.

LEAP classes meet on Zoom during scheduled times, same as they would in a face-to-face class. To encourage participation in class activities students are often placed in smaller groups to work on projects together. The Brightspace learning management system, used for most programs at Langara Colleges, is also used for course materials, daily homework, and other assignments. 

Course materials may include videos to introduce material that is covered in class and reading assignments posted on group discussion boards. Students are also asked to create their own videos and to participate in online discussion topics. 

“The benefit of using Brightspace is it allows students to actively participate in the course outside of the Zoom classroom. It provides flexibility for unscheduled self-study which is really important for fostering independent learning and prepares students for future studies,” says Brenda Marson, LEAP Program Coordinator. 

Learning experiences in the LEAP program prepares students for future academic programs at Langara College or at other institutions where the language of instruction is English. “While the students are in class, we keep them very busy and engaged in different activities. Students get to practice a lot of communication skills while they are in the class,” says Melodee Quan, an instructor in the LEAP program. 

Students in the LEAP program come from around the world and benefit from these international connections. By working together, the students develop intercultural competencies that are highly valued by future employers. “In LEAP I have learned how to make an outline, organize ideas, and organize information,” says Jose Arteaga Gonzales, a LEAP 7 student. “Also, there are other skills you develop in virtual classes such as self-discipline and self-responsibility that have helped with time management of different activities.” 

LEAP classes are currently being delivered remotely through Langara's online learning platform. Until further notice, there are no LEAP classes on campus. LEAP students' virtual classrooms consist of teacher-led instruction, interactive group work, projects, and other activities especially designed for remote learning. For questions about the LEAP program or class schedule, please email leap@langara.ca.

Watch the recording of a LEAP information session.

About Langara College 

Located in beautiful Vancouver, B.C., Canada, snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓ Langara College provides University, Career, and Continuing Studies education to more than 23,000 students annually. With more than 1,700 courses and 130 programs, Langara’s expansive academic breadth and depth allows students of all ages, backgrounds, and life stages to choose their own educational path. Langara is also known as 'house of teachings', a name given to it by the Musqueam people on whose unceded traditional territory the College is located. 

Learn more. 
Lynette Hawksley
Communications Officer
lhawksley@langara.ca 

Joyce Forrester 
Program Manager, LEAP 
leap@langara.ca