First Nation students are "connecting to a world of learning"
The fall 2004 issue of UPDATE, the quarterly "news of interest to Aboriginal people from the Government of Canada", contains a set of articles about education opportunities available for First Nation students. The first story, entitled "Connecting to a world of learning" describes the work of the Regional Management Organizations from Industry Canada's First Nations SchoolNet program. Click here to read the Update news on-line.
First Nation schools are now getting connected to broadband networks so they are able to access information and share resources using a variety of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). Some of the teaching and learning tools now available in First Nation schools include:
- video conferencing - http://streaming.knet.ca/schoolnet
- web conferencing - http://breeze.knet.ca
- e-learning platforms - http://g8.firstnationschools.ca or http://kihs.knet.ca
- web site development tools - click here for example
- discussion forums, chat and e-mail services
- multi-media production tools (video, camera, scanner, printer, etc)
- helpdesk services
- broadband and high speed connectivity solutions
- professional development activities
- training and support services
- along with the networking and peer-to-peer work that happens once a school gets connected into a high quality network service.
For more information about the Ontario Regional Management Organization or for ICT support, contact:
- Keewaytinook Okimakanak, K-Net Office, Sioux Lookout, Toll-free 877-737-KNET (5638)
- Jeannie Carpenter, RMO Administrator, ext 51250
- Brian Beaton, RMO Coordinator, ext 51251
- John Moreau, K-Net Helpdesk, ext 51253
- Jamie Ray, K-Net Helpdesk, ext 51256
- Cal Kenny, Web Site Development, ext 51254
- Dan Pellerin, Network Manager, ext 51258
- Adi Linden, Systems Analysis, ext 51257
- Lars Dixon, Video Conferencing Bridge, ext 51264