ON-LINE BUSINESS DIPLOMA PROGRAM DEMONSTRATED AT SIAST

Released on October 21, 2004

Saskatchewan Learning Minister Andrew Thomson attended Education Week celebrations today at SIAST Wascana Campus in Regina, focused on post-secondary distance education opportunities available throughout the province. The event was highlighted with a demonstration of an online course in the Business Administration and Marketing diploma programs offered by SIAST.

"Advancing the use of technology to enhance teaching and learning in Saskatchewan post-secondary institutions is essential to the social and economic development of individuals, communities, and the province. By collaborating with SIAST and other institutions, together as a sector, we are offering E-learning alternatives designed to best meet the needs of Saskatchewan learners," Thomson said.

"By launching our Virtual Campus three years ago, we've expanded access to programs and courses in a way that best suits our students' learning needs and lifestyles," SIAST's Virtual Campus Academic Director David Francis said. "Last year, online learning at SIAST drew 1700 course registrations. We offer more than 80 courses in diverse subject areas including business, technology, and nursing, and we are continuing to build capacity."

"Saskatchewan Learning is committed to increasing the accessibility and enriching the quality of post-secondary training available to students in rural, remote and northern communities," Thomson said. "Flexible E-learning options for in-demand courses and programs offered through partner institutions like SIAST help all students achieve, leading to greater student success and the success of our province."

For more information on Education Week celebrations please visit:
http://www.learning.gov.sk.ca/edweek/index.shtml.
Additional information on post-secondary distance and online education opportunities in Saskatchewan is available from SIAST Virtual Campus at http://www.siast.sk.ca/virtualcampus/index.htm or Campus Saskatchewan at www.campussaskatchewan.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

Jacquie McLean Learning Regina Phone: (306) 787-5609