First Nations SchoolNet RMOs and Cisco Launch Distance Learning initiative
First Nations SchoolNet RMO's and Cisco Systems Networking Academy Launch Distance Learning Initiative
Partnership to Bring Technology Training to Remote Communities
TORONTO, Canada – April 26, 2005 –– Cisco Systems Networking Academy and First Nation groups across Canada have launched an innovative and unique initiative designed to bring IT educational opportunities to remote First Nations communities. Over the past year, Cisco Networking Academy, Industry Canada (IC), Human Resource Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) and First Nations SchoolNet Regional Management Organizations (RMOs) have collaborated to develop a customized distance learning program. Based on the Cisco Networking Academy HP IT Essentials curriculum, the First Nations Distance Learning Program incorporates a number of blended learning methodologies including in-classroom, instructor lead and online learning, enabling First Nations instructors and students to gain the necessary information communications technology (ICT) skills essential in today’s economy.
“Educational resources and employment opportunities remain a formidable challenge for First Nations communities, primarily due to our isolation and limited access to specialized programs,” said Randy Johns, General Manager for Keewatin Career Development Corporation, lead RMO for the project. “With Cisco’s leadership and unwavering commitment to this project, we are launching a program that can have a tremendously positive impact on the future of our youth and our communities. With the support of Industry Canada and Human Resource Skills Development Canada, we have developed a distance IT training program for First Nations students, taught by First Nations instructors, which takes advantage of world leading curriculum from the Cisco Networking Academy, and allows our students to gain knowledge and experience, regardless of their location.”
“Industry Canada is pleased to collaborate with our SchoolNet RMOs, HRSDC, and Cisco Systems Networking Academy to support educational opportunities for remote First Nations communities,” said the Honourable David L. Emerson, Minister of Industry. “Distance education is an important initiative enabling First Nations to access education, life long learning services and important economic opportunities without leaving their communities.”
“The development of this unique program has been a true collaboration,” said Anne Miller, Canadian Education Marketing Manager for Cisco Systems Canada. “Over the past year, we have together developed a program that is a first-of-its-kind in terms of private/public sector partnership. The Cisco Networking Academy is pleased to continue its global role of supporting and facilitating information technology education by assisting Canada’s First Nations students in expanding their educational horizons and working to realize their career goals.”
Customized blended distance learning
The First Nations Distance Learning Program customizes and delivers Cisco Networking Academy HP IT Essentials I and II curriculum through blended distance learning - an instructor-facilitated learning environment that combines both in-person and remote access to equipment, curriculum, and other instructional materials. The RMO teams have developed and implemented the technology infrastructure required to support the program, including integrated educational software platforms, web-based collaboration tools, and integrated videoconferencing.
The program aims to eliminate distance barriers through instructional classes that use information and communication technologies to enable students to interact with instructors via web-based video, audio, and text conference. All educational materials are posted on the Web and students interact with instructors and peers through Internet enabled communications. Instructors are able to track student progress and perform assessments online and demonstrate the practicability of the curriculum regardless of geographic location.
The First Nations’ Distance Learning Program is also providing students with training to become qualified Cisco Academy instructors within their communities, in order to reach an even greater student base.
The curriculum
The Cisco Networking Academy HP IT Essentials I and II are comprehensive e-learning programs that provide students with Internet technology skills essential in a global economy. The introductory course is a 70-hour, hands-on practical experience for students to learn about hardware and software.
Specifically, students learn how to build a computer, install and run operating systems and gain a base understanding of local area network (LAN) architecture and networking protocols. IT Essentials II is an introduction to multi-user, multi-tasking network operating systems. The IT Essentials II course is also 70-hours in length and incorporates hands-on learning to give students an overview of network operating systems. The course is a stepping stone to help prepare students for careers in the IT field.
“For our community, programs like this are a solid first step in helping put our young people on the road to success,” said Martin Sacher, Principal, Sunchild Cyber School. “An ongoing challenge has been access to programs and resources that provide educational content that will help our students be prepared for and compete in the job market. The Cisco Networking Academy program has allowed our students to become skilled in IT technology and to develop our own IT business to maintain and grow a network infrastructure for the entire community."
The SchoolNet Regional Management Organizations involved with the First Nations Distance Learning Program include:
- Keewatin Career Development Corporation, La Ronge, Saskatchewan, and Sunchild Cyber School, Alberta
- First Nations Education Steering Committee, British Columbia
- Keewatin Tribal Council, Thompson, Manitoba
- Keewaytinook Okimakanak, K-Net, Sioux Lookout, Ontario
- First Nations Education Council, Wendake, Quebec, and
- Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey in the Maritimes.
For more information about the Cisco Networking Academy Program, visit: http://www.cisco.com/go/netacad
About Cisco Systems Canada
Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO), the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet, this year celebrates 20 years of commitment to technology innovation, industry leadership and corporate social responsibility. Cisco Systems Canada Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of Cisco Systems, Inc., has offices across Canada dedicated to customer support, sales and service. In addition, Cisco has a significant research and development centre in Ottawa, Ontario. Information about Cisco can be found at http://www.cisco.com/ca. For ongoing news, go to http://newsroom.cisco.com/canada.
About First Nations SchoolNet
Computers and Internet access are important tools for creating stimulating learning environments. Recognizing the challenges that First Nations schools may face in accessing and applying these technologies, Industry Canada created the First Nations SchoolNet program.
Six non-profit Regional Management Organizations work with Industry Canada to deliver the program to First Nations schools. Any First Nations school under the Government of Canada's jurisdiction is eligible to participate in the program. For more information, http://www.schoolnet.ca/aboriginal/
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