EDUCATION MINISTERS TO FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY

Released on September 21, 2001

On-line learning is on the agenda for Canada's education ministers when

they meet in Moose Jaw for three days beginning October 1st.



Saskatchewan's Post-Secondary Education and Skills Training Minister Glenn

Hagel says he is pleased that one of Saskatchewan's priorities in education

is also a national priority. Some of the discussion will focus on making

the best use of technology to expand access to learning.



The coming meeting of the Council of Ministers of Education Canada (CMEC)

marks the end of Hagel's two year term as chair of the council.



"I am proud that during my term as chair, the CMEC reaffirmed its

responsibility for providing leadership in education," Hagel said.

"Agreeing to promote on-line learning across Canada is one expression of

that leadership."



Hagel says Saskatchewan's excellent telecommunications infrastructure,

which includes CommunityNet, and highly qualified educators have helped

boost this province's on-line learning capacity. Hagel made the comment at

SIAST Palliser Campus while reviewing an on-line course developed by SIAST,

to guide instructors in the process of on-line education.



The Saskatchewan budget this year included more than $4 million to develop

Campus Saskatchewan, the province's foremost initiative to expand the use

of technology for learning at the post-secondary level.



Ministers of education from across Canada will spend October 1st, 2nd and

3rd in Moose Jaw discussing issues that deal directly with their

relationship with the federal government.



-30-



For more information, contact:



Neil Yeates

Post-Secondary Education and Skills Training

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-5586