TECHNOLOGY ENHANCED LEARNING SUPPORT FOR ABORIGINAL INSTITUTIONS

The Government of Saskatchewan is providing $300,000 in support of continued development of technology-enhanced learning (TEL) at three Aboriginal Institutions in Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert.

"These Aboriginal Institutions have been creatively and effectively using technology to enhance access to post-secondary education and training," Advanced Education and Employment Minister Pat Atkinson said. "This ensures that our young people gain the skills necessary to enter our work force and pursue a career here at home. It improves the quality of life for our families and builds a better future for our youth. Technology is also being used to enhance the quality and the cultural relevance of the learning resources available."

The 2006-07 TEL funding for the Aboriginal institutions is being applied toward the following and builds on previous TEL work over the past six years:

• First Nations University of Canada: three online courses: two second-year Indigenous Studies, and one Indian Social Work. These courses complement the courses that are televised on SCN in conjunction with the University of Regina Centre for Continuing Education, such as Cree, English and Art History.

• Dumont Technical Institute: online Métis Studies Adult 10 course, and services and support for learners in TEL courses; Gabriel Dumont Institute: digitizing special collections for the Virtual Museum of Métis History and Culture, a collection of resources of interest to all levels of education, K-12 and post-secondary, as well as the general public.

• Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies: two online courses toward an Aboriginal child care program.

This $300,000 is part of our governments increased funding of $4.9 million to TEL funding provided by the last provincial budget this year for our post-secondary institutions, including universities, SIAST and regional colleges. This funding also strengthens our commitment to provide more courses online and provide job-oriented training spaces at Saskatchewan technical schools and regional colleges.

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For More Information, Contact:

Terry White Advanced Education and Employment Regina Phone: (306) 787-7791 Email: twhite@sasked.gov.sk.ca