Case Study: Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies achieves equitable, accessible online learning for First Nations learners with D2L Brightspace

Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies - Customer Case Study

Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) supports First Nations learners across Saskatchewan through its JobSeries career and skills programs. When COVID-19 made in-person community delivery impossible, SIIT faced the challenge of maintaining equitable access for learners who often live in remote communities with limited internet, devices, and digital literacy, while still providing a competency-based, user-friendly learning experience.

SIIT partnered with D2L to implement Brightspace (with Bongo integration and the Pulse mobile app), redesigning delivery around guided study, virtual classrooms, daily one-to-ones, and engagement tools like badges. SIIT launched new online programs quickly, scaled to 20 programs within a year, and saw strong outcomes and satisfaction—completion rates rose from about 70% pre-COVID to 88% for the first six online programs, with many students reporting a preference for the virtual format.

Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies

Derrick Sych

Facilitator