IT career awareness and educational software donated to province's schools

Operation ONLINE, Nati and CIPS Viking today announced the donation of two pieces of software to the province�s schools. A copy of both products will go to each elementary and junior high school in Newfoundland and Labrador. "Get With IT: The Big Idea" and "The Missing Link" are designed to encourage young people to explore the many career opportunities available in the field of information technology (IT) and to gain an understanding of how technology impacts our daily life.

The donations were made during the opening remarks at "Women in IT" day at St. Paul�s School in St. John's. The event, organized by CIPS Viking, was part of Canada�s first IT Week being held from May 4-13 and was modeled after similar "Women in IT" events which have been held in other CIPS sections across the county.

"The reality of global economics and developing information and communication technologies is that more and more jobs require IT skills," Education Minister Judy Foote said. "I am pleased to participate in today�s event because it promotes IT, a traditionally male-dominated field, as a viable career option to girls."

"Women in IT: Traveling Towards the Future" was open to Grade 9 girls in the Avalon East School Board. It focused on the benefits and opportunities of careers in IT for women, with the aim of encouraging more female students entering high school to enroll in math, sciences and computing sciences in post-secondary.

Jack Botsford, President & CEO of Operation ONLINE, said, "Educating both our young men and women throughout the province about the range of opportunities available in information technology is crucial in stimulating their interest in this rapidly expanding sector. Our young people hold great promise for advancing the adoption of information technology and fueling the growth of this sector in the years to come."

Cathy Favre, incoming chair of Nati, said, "We feel that it is very important for our youth to gain an early appreciation of the opportunities available to them in the technology industry. This donation is one step in contributing to this goal."

Rojean Williams, incoming president of CIPS Viking, said, "These software products are meant to increase the awareness amongst students in elementary and junior high schools about the opportunities that the information and communications technology sector can provide. We hope that these products, combined with the awareness building we are doing for young girls, will help maintain a steady stream of talent into our industry."

Canada�s IT Week is an Industry Canada initiative, organized in collaboration with the Information Technology Association of Canada (ITAC). The week is designed to showcase and recognize community, industry, education and government achievements, help forge and celebrate partnerships, and highlight the benefits of developing the critical skills Canadians need to succeed.

"Information technology affects every career path our young people may choose, from forestry to music to space exploration," said Industry Minister Brian Tobin. "It is important that we make youth, especially our young women, aware of the numerous opportunities open to them through IT and provide them with the tools necessary to take full advantage of those opportunities."

"Get With IT: The Big Idea" was developed through a partnership between the Newfoundland Science Centre, INNOVA Multimedia of Stephenville and Integrated Communications and Entertainment Inc. (ICE) of Toronto. Funding for this project was provided by Operation ONLINE through the Canada/Newfoundland Agreement on Economic Renewal. "Get With IT" is a multimedia curriculum tool targeted at grades four to nine which explores what information technology is and incorporates technology education curriculum in a fun, interactive and problem-solving way.

"The Missing Link" was developed nationally by the Software Human Resource Council (SHRC) with support from the Youth Employment Strategy. It is designed to teach young people about career opportunities in software, what skills and thinking processes are involved in software careers, and to engage them in problem-solving, critical thinking and team building.

Operation ONLINE Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation established to advance growth in Newfoundland and Labrador�s information technology sector. Activities involve partnering and business development, accessing national and international markets, promotion and awareness, building human resources and enabling other economic sectors through information technology. Areas of particular focus include tele-health, distance education, new media and e-business. Operation ONLINE is supported by the Canada/Newfoundland Agreement on Economic Renewal.

Nati

As the technology industry association for Newfoundland and Labrador, Nati is committed to providing highly competent enabling support to this sector. Since its inception in 1991, Nati has experienced steady growth and heightened recognition as the voice of the technology industry in our province. Nati�s vision focuses on several key areas for our network of over 180 companies and organizations: leadership; market development; corporate development; and networking and communications. Nati is an energetic, focused and forward-looking force that is accelerating the business of technology in Newfoundland and Labrador.

CIPS Viking

CIPS Viking is a local section of the Canadian Information Processing Society, a national organization which represents the interests of information technology professionals. CIPS Viking has been active in Newfoundland and Labrador�s IT sector since 1991 and offers a number of benefits to members. CIPS provides IT professionals from many business sectors the opportunity to meet and discuss important issues and challenges that are unique to Newfoundland and Labrador. Through luncheons, educational and social events, CIPS members can network with other professionals in the industry and keep abreast of developments and trends in IT. CIPS also certifies individual IT practitioners (Information Systems Professional designation) and accredits computer science and MIS programs in Canadian colleges and universities.

For more information contact:

Lori Churchill
Operation ONLINE Inc.
(709) 729-4230

Leah Whelan
CIPS Viking
(709) 754-9300, ext. 303

Andrea Maunder
Department of Education
(709) 729-0048

Julie Clarke
Industry Canada
(709) 772-4793

2001 05 09                                                   11:25 a.m.