SCHOOLS PILOT LEARNING VILLAGE

Released on October 1, 2003

A new computer program will strengthen ties among teachers, students and parents in Saskatchewan by using Saskatchewan's award winning CommunityNet.

Through Learning Village, parents will be able to find out about upcoming events, homework, or even attendance. They can also chat with teachers online in an effort to deal with issues and concerns as they arise.

"When we launched CommunityNet two years ago, we knew it had the potential to change the way schools operate – far beyond using the Internet to do research for class projects," Minister Responsible for Information Technology Andrew Thomson said. "Learning Village is an example of how emerging technologies can improve the educational experience for everyone."

The new Learning Village software pilot project, which will make it easier for students, parents and teachers to share information online, was announced today at St. Francis School in Regina. The project is led by the Information Technology Office with support from Saskatchewan Learning.

Up to 73 schools will be involved in the pilot involving 25,000 students and their families. Four school divisions are participating: Regina Catholic, Holy Family Catholic (Weyburn/Radville/Estevan), Yorkton Public, and Saskatchewan Rivers Public (Prince Albert).

The pilot will run for the remainder of the school year, at which time it will be evaluated and assessed for possible inclusion in other schools in the province.

"Learning Village expands online collaboration between teachers and parents," Learning Minister Judy Junor said. "We feel this project will provide an innovative forum that will lead to tremendous opportunities for greater parent and teacher involvement to enhance the learning environment for our students.

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For More Information, Contact:

Richard Murray Information Technology Office Regina Phone: (306)787-9586

Denise Gelech Learning Regina Phone: (306)787-9167