TECHNOLOGY BRINGS EDUCATION TO STUDENTS

Released on February 28, 2001

Adults in rural Saskatchewan are taking training in their own communities,

thanks to a pilot program called the Rural Access Project. The project uses

innovative video conferencing technology to deliver Basic Education programs to

people in Kamsack, Biggar and surrounding areas.



A 'virtual instructor' is located at Parkland Regional College in Esterhazy.

The instructor is electronically connected with 21 students through the

Internet and video conferencing, assisted by a teacher aide in Kamsack.

Learners also have access to other community resources, including career and

employment services and public health services.



"We are working with the federal government and our post-secondary partners to

bring the campus to the student," Post-Secondary Education and Skills Training

Minister Glenn Hagel said. "Delivering Basic Education in an interactive,

multi-media format to areas where regular programs are not available, is the

critical first step towards higher education and employment. At the same time,

learners are gaining valuable computer skills."



"The Rural Access Pilot Progam is truly a multi-media distance education

delivery model," Parkland Regional College CEO Fay Myers said. "It provides

clients with access to basic education and training through the use of

technology and on-site support and resources. Parkland Regional College has

extended the opportunities for training through an innovative, highly technical

environment of learning."



"The pilot provides valuable, first-hand research on using distance education

technology to reach rural and remote communities," Prairie West Regional

College CEO Bruce Probert said.



Now in the second year of a two-year pilot, the project is funded by Human

Resources Development Canada (HRDC) Office of Learning Technologies, $100,000;

the Saskatchewan Department of Post-Secondary Education and Skills Training,

$70,000; and Agriculture Canada's Rural Initiatives Program, $18,750. Other

partners include Parkland Regional College, Prairie West Regional College, the

Saskatchewan Communications Network (SCN) and SaskTel.



There has been a high interest and demand for the program so far. The pilot

program's success is being monitored and will be evaluated upon completion.



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For more information, contact:



Nola Woods Maynard Quewezance

Parkland Regional College Post-Secondary Education and Skills Training

Yorkton Regina

Phone: (306)786-2586 Phone: (306)787-5596