At BCB Learning, we’re passionate about creating learning experiences that are not only informative but also transformative for our clients and their audiences. Recently, we had the pleasure of designing a blended learning course for the BC Non-Profit Housing Association (BCNPHA), a leading voice in the non-profit housing sector.
The Ready, Set, Operate! course, aimed at professionals working within British Columbia’s non-profit housing sector, is designed to provide a high-level overview of all of the operational functions of a non-profit housing society.
Our graphic designer, Emily, created stunning images throughout the course that match BCNPHA’s brand.
Why This Course Was Needed
BCNPHA recognized a growing need for training to help housing professionals address the complexities of their work while fostering a strong sense of community and shared learning among their peers. As BC’s housing landscape becomes increasingly challenging, with rising demand and limited resources, it’s critical for professionals to have access to ongoing training that equips them to navigate these issues effectively.
BCNPHA’s goal was to create a course that provides key knowledge and skills, and allows learners to connect with one another, share experiences, and build lasting relationships.
Our Approach: A Blended Learning Model
To meet the needs of BCNPHA and their learner audience, we designed a blended learning course that combines the flexibility of asynchronous learning with the interactive experience of facilitated synchronous (virtual) sessions.
- Asynchronous Learning for Foundation Building: We structured the asynchronous portions of the course to focus on the essential knowledge learners need to understand before diving into real-time discussions. Participants can engage with the content at their own pace, building a strong foundation before joining live sessions.
- Synchronous Sessions for Peer Learning and Connection: The synchronous components of the course bring the cohort together for rich discussions, peer learning, and opportunities to apply knowledge to real-world scenarios. This cohort model encourages a sense of community and support, which is essential for professionals working in the challenging field of non-profit housing
Highlighting Partnership: Cultural Safety in Focus
One of the most exciting aspects of this project was BCNPHA’s partnership with the Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA). We worked closely with AHMA to incorporate their cultural safety framework into the course content.
AHMA’s Four Pillars framework provides critical guidance for housing professionals on how to approach their work with cultural sensitivity and awareness, particularly when working with Indigenous communities. By embedding this framework into the course, we aimed to deepen learners’ understanding of the importance of cultural safety in housing and to encourage practices that foster respect and collaboration with Indigenous Peoples. This partnership underscores BCNPHA’s commitment to building more inclusive and culturally aware housing practices across the sector.
Looking Ahead
We are proud of the work we’ve done with BCNPHA in designing this course. By using a blended model, we’ve created a dynamic learning experience that is both flexible and impactful, giving learners the tools they need to succeed in their roles while fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration.
We’re excited to see how Ready, Set, Operate! will continue to support BCNPHA’s mission of strengthening the non-profit housing sector in BC, and we look forward to future collaborations that will allow us to push the boundaries of learning design even further.