Case Study: Ilinniapaa Skills Development Centre (iSDC) delivers culturally tailored, flexible training for Inuit community support workers with D2L Brightspace

iSDC Combines Traditional Oral Knowledge with Online Learning to Support Professional Development in Inuit Communities

Ilinniapaa Skills Development Centre (iSDC), based in Iqaluit, Nunavut, created a college-level diploma to address a shortage of frontline social care workers in Inuit communities. The challenge was to deliver culturally safe, competency-based training that built on oral and traditional knowledge while removing barriers for learners who cannot attend in-person classes because of work, family, or remote location.

iSDC adopted D2L’s Brightspace platform—using quizzes, game-based Storyboard activities, release conditions and mobile-friendly delivery—to blend Inuit oral knowledge with modern instructional design. The solution supports oral-adapted assessment, interactive scenario practice, faster course creation and automated grading; the first cohort of ~50 students reported strong engagement, flexible learning at home, improved accessibility across devices, and reduced instructor admin work.

Ilinniapaa Skills Development Centre (iSDC)

Trish Rennie

Former Technical Coordinator