$10 MILLION FUNDING TO SUPPORT TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE

To launch Education Week, Deputy Premier and Education Minister Ken Krawetz today announced nearly $10 million in funding to enhance technology infrastructure in Saskatchewan's public library systems, schools and regional colleges.

"Improving and maintaining our province's infrastructure is closely linked with growing our economy, improving our quality of life, and taking pride in where we live," Krawetz said. "Saskatchewan schools, public libraries and regional colleges are now receiving much-deserved technology improvements. By investing in technology infrastructure, our government wants to ensure that all citizens have access to information resources and learning opportunities that prepare them for the future."

"Government is committed to building a stronger Saskatchewan through innovative approaches to training delivery," Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris said. "Today's investment in technology infrastructure recognizes the integral role Regional Colleges play in building our province's skilled workforce and will enhance their capacity and increase opportunities for all students."

The province is investing $5.2 million over four years to implement a Single Integrated Library System (SILS). This includes $1.3 million for purchasing local branch library computers. SILS is a cost-effective, sustainable computer platform that allows the 317 local public library branches in the province's 10 public library systems to share their resources. The new system will allow for easier and equally accessible library services for the province's 500,000 registered users.

"Funding for the single integrated library system will create the technological base for the library services of the future that all Saskatchewan people need and deserve, and will make a significant difference as library boards prepare for the growth of our province," Multi-type Library board chair Zenon Zuzak said.

The education technology infrastructure funding of more than $4 million will benefit three primary infrastructure components: the LIVE Satellite Network, CommunityNet and the Blackboard Learning Management System.

• LIVE Satellite Network will be upgraded and enhanced to provide audio and video-conferencing interactive broadcasts, and will be expanded so all PreK-12 schools can participate in education programming delivered through the network. 
• CommunityNet connections across the province will be upgraded in many locations and made available in all schools, public libraries and regional colleges. 
• Blackboard Learning Management System will be available to more students and teachers, and will offer new features such as collaborative tools, courses and resources.

"School boards in Saskatchewan welcome this infusion of funding for educational technology," Saskatchewan School Boards Association executive director Ernie Cychmistruk said. "Saskatchewan school divisions will benefit from the CommunityNet upgrades and we are very pleased to learn that all Saskatchewan schools - rural and urban - will soon have access to the LIVE Satellite Network. These developments will contribute to better communication in the education sector and enhanced learning opportunities for students."

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For more information, contact:

Jacquie Mclean
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5609
Email: jacquie.mclean@gov.sk.ca