Government launches Centre for Distance Learning and Innovation

Premier Roger Grimes and Education Minister Judy Foote launched today one of the most progressive initiatives ever established in the education system in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Centre for Distance Learning and Innovation (CDLI) will assist the province�s K-12 schools capitalize on the tremendous advances in information and communications technologies.

"CDLI will allow us to greatly expand our distance education programs in small schools and give many more students an opportunity to access a broader range of course options," said Premier Grimes. "We are able to take advantage of new technologies to provide the same quality programs and services to all our students, no matter where they live. This is part of our government�s commitment to prepare our young people for the ever-increasing opportunities in this province and elsewhere."

CDLI uses a web-based approach to deliver a new form of distance education called e-learning. This model of distance learning involves a teacher and a group of students who are free from the limitations of geography and schedules, brought together by telecommunications systems and computer networks. The technology permits students from any number of schools in different districts to enroll together in a given course. Most communications are through an Internet-based system incorporating e-mail, audio conferencing, Internet fax and conference forums.

"Government has committed $6.5 million to establish this new model of e-learning," said Premier Grimes. "CDLI offers an innovative solution to ensure equal access to educational programs for rural students. Our collective efforts are working to improve the education system which must evolve to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow."

In the 2002-2003 school year, the Department of Education is offering 18 high school courses online to 74 sites across Newfoundland and Labrador. Each site is equipped with computers, headsets, graphire tablets, workstations, software and multi-function machines for printing, faxing, scanning and copying. These courses span most of the subject areas including math, science, languages, social studies, and art. By 2005, the department plans to triple the current level of course offerings and include courses in music and the humanities.

"I am very excited about the opportunities CDLI provides for our students and our teachers," said Minister Foote. "This is a very creative response to the challenge of ensuring all high school students across this province have access to the course selections they want and need to pursue post-secondary education. Through this e-teaching model, students in the smallest schools are being taught by some of the most qualified teachers in the province."

Minister Foote also noted CDLI courses have the potential to be taught to students who are in hospital or house-bound to ensure they are able to keep up with their school work. There is also flexibility for adult learners to complete courses towards their high school certification, to improve literacy skills through adult basic education programs, and for the professional development of the province�s teachers.

"CDLI is a tremendous resource for the department, teachers and our students," said Minister Foote. "We have worked co-operatively throughout the education system to bring this new model of distance education on-line and I commend all of those involved for their efforts."

Minister Foote also announced today that the Department of Education has reached an agreement with Aliant Telecom to provide an e-learning network that will connect schools together and provide bandwidth speeds up to 20 times the current levels. This faster, more reliable connection will allow schools to effectively participate in e-learning. For a small number of sites, CDLI is partnering with the Burgeo Broadcasting System to provide radio and satellite technology and Smart Labrador to provide satellite technology.

"As educators, our focus is on the curriculum," said Minister Foote. "I am pleased we are able to draw on the telecommunications expertise of Aliant Telecom to ensure we can effectively deliver these on-line programs to our students."

"Education is so vitally important, the fact that we can help disseminate knowledge beyond geographic boundaries is just a taste of the possibilities information technology is capable of providing," said Frank Fagan, Executive Vice-President and COO of Aliant. "By working together, we look forward to building upon our commitment to continued investment in Newfoundland and Labrador."

Media contact:

Carl Cooper, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960
Carmel Turpin, Department of Education (709) 729-0048

Backgrounder
List of CDLI Activity Sites 2002-03

2002 10 30                                        4:45 p.m.