Challenges and Impacts of Emergency Remote Teaching (ERT) of LINC Classes during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey of Learners and Educators at SPOs and PSIs in Western Canada

In consultation with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and various LINC-
provider institutions in Western Canada, NorQuest College conducted a study to identify the challenges and impacts of Emergency Remote Teaching (ERT) of LINC classes during the COVID-19
Pandemic.

Surveys were developed with the aim of examining students’ and instructors’ experiences with online/remote delivery and were distributed in early March 2021 to participating service providers in Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. A total of 2,323 and 195 instructors from 25 LINC-provider institutions had consented and participated in the study. The student survey included questions on student demographics, technology use and access, challenges during ERT, childcare, and satisfaction with support, services, and learning progress. The instructor survey included questions on instructors’ challenges, successes, and support/needs, as well as general reflections on their experience.