In May 2000, the world of Ontario’s drinking water treatment system operators was literally transformed overnight due to the negligent acts of public servants operating the Town of Walkerton’s water treatment system, resulting in the deaths of seven people and the illness of thousands of others.

As a result, Justice O'Connor (2002) was commissioned by the Province of Ontario to investigate the tragedy; his report made over 90 recommendations that resulted in new regulations and tougher drinking water standards, additional controls and monitoring; clarification of responsibilities for operators, public health officials, and other drinking water agencies; and higher standards of care for municipal officials who oversee the Ontario’s drinking water systems.

In 2005, I began my studies at Athabasca University in Distance Education and almost immediately I was struck with the influence that the Walkerton Tragedy has had on both my personal and professional life. It started with an assignment in my first course (MDE 601 - Introduction to Distance Education) and carried through to my last formal course (MDE 618 - Instructional Project Management).

Distance Education and Ontario’s Drinking Water Operators: Helping the Walkerton Clean Water Centre Achieve its Objectives

I applied my personal and work experiences to my learning experience. Using this experience to broaden and deepen the distance education experience. In this way I discovered the importance of "valuing and respecting" the learner's experience and the significant and dramatic effects that social context have on the educational experience. 

In the accompanying pages you will find artefacts that were heavily influenced by the Walkerton Tragedy. By using my work-related experiences enabled me to gain deeper knowledge and understanding of about the practice and theory of Distance Education. 

Competency Categories Exhibited - 

1. Problem Solving, Analysis, & Decision Making

2. Instructional Design & Development

4. Communication & Interpersonal Skills