Foundational Learning Instructor Program

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Practitioners working with foundational learners will become more purposeful in their approach and intentional in their instruction. They will support learners through extending their thinking, building understanding, developing new competencies, or reinforcing existing proficiencies in a chosen specialization.

Participants will begin their respective programs with a short 3 hour introductory course. Once completed, they will be able select a micro-credential of specialization in Numeracy, Literacy, Skills for Learning or Digital Skills. Each micro-credential will take 21 hours to complete and participants can work at their own pace. All online courses are facilitated by faculty with extensive experience in adult education. 

Upon successful completion of all the requirements, the participants  will be granted a micro-certificate from Portage College in the associated stream.

Anyone associated with an Alberta Community Adult Learning Program ( CALP) as a staff member, board member or volunteer.

Oct 6, 2025 – May 15, 2026 (online and self paced).

FLIP is tuition-free, thanks to the generous support of the Alberta Government.

The introduction course is three hours. Each micro-credential will take 21 hours to complete and participants can work at their own pace. All online courses are facilitated by faculty with extensive experience in adult education.

Foundational Learning Instructor Program Application.

Please email application to training@portagecollege.ca.

For more information or questions about FLIP, contact Meghan Ostertag at 780-639-7174 or email  Meghan.Ostertag@PortageCollege.ca.

FLIP Course Listing

In this course, instructors will learn evidence-based strategies to support the literacy learning of diverse adult learners. Literacy skills are essential for success and participation in the knowledge economy. As you partner with your literacy learners, you will be able to use the knowledge and skills acquired in this course to help your learners reach their work, learning, and life literacy goals. Course topics include: Building Blocks of Literacy, Perspectives on Literacy Instruction, Oral Language Instruction, Foundational Reading Instruction, and Foundational Writing Instruction.
Hours: 21

During your time in this course, you will become better acquainted with a wide variety of mathematical and educational concepts designed to improve your confidence with teaching mathematics as well as basic numeracy. Course topics include: Introduction to Foundational Numeracy, Developing Number Sense, Developing Skills with Fractions, Developing Proportional Reasoning Skills, Developing Algebraic Thinking Skills, Developing Measurement Skills, and Developing Skills in Data Analysis.
Hours: 21

In this course, instructors will learn evidence-based strategies to support the learning of diverse adult learners. They will also learn how to coach learners to develop the six Skills for Learning. Course topics include: Recognizing oneself as a learner, Taking risks in learning, Engaging in the act of learning, Developing Learning Strategies, Building Collaboration Skills in Learning, and Strengthening Communication Skills.
Hours: 21

In this course, Instructors will explore several techniques for teaching digital skills including brain-based strategies. Instructors will identify specific digital skills within the context of the Community Adult Learning Program Guide, as well as self-reflect and assess their own personal competencies to facilitate Digital Skills for learning instruction. Learners will also learn a variety of strategies to facilitate a safe, welcoming classroom environment, especially for those learners with technology anxiety. Course topics include: Engaging With Technology, Developing Digital Confidence, Accessing and Navigating Digital Information, Digital Communication, Online Safety and Protection, and Digital Accessibility.
Hours: 21