Teams from Newfoundland and Labrador have proven once again that they can succeed on the international stage. From June 26-28, high school teams from Stephenville High, Heritage Collegiate and Eric G. Lambert, and the post-secondary Eastern Edge Robotics team, were at the University of California, San Diego, competing at the International Remote Operating Vehicle (ROV) Competition. Eastern Edge Robotics came first in engineering evaluation, the technical report and overall performance, meaning the team won the overall competition at its level, while the Heritage Collegiate team won the Sharkpedo Award for innovation and creativity.

"These students and their coaches spent countless hours preparing for this competition," said the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education. "Indeed, they had a reputation to uphold, as two teams from this province placed second in last year�s competition in their respective categories. I am pleased that this province is once again recognized for producing students who are world champs in ROV design."

The ROV Competition features teams from Canada, the United States, Scotland and Hong Kong. The competition consists of four components � underwater mission tasks, technical reports, engineering presentations and poster displays. Actual construction of the vehicles, and the complex electrical and software components, are entirely done by the students. The intent of the competition is to expose students to the many different careers and to scientific and technical advances taking place in the marine industry.

Over the past four years there has been a resurgence in science and technology programming and equipment at the secondary level, exposing students to the new and exciting opportunities and leading them to participate in such events as the ROV competition. The $11 million Futures in Skilled Trades and Technology program allows students to use state-of-the-art equipment similar to that used on job sites. In addition, new courses are under development such as Robotic Production Technology and Energy and Power, which will provide students with a foundation of knowledge for advanced technology courses at the post-secondary level.

Other investments include $500,000 in a technology plan which is enhancing the use of technology from Kindergarten through Grade 12. This initiative includes the acquisition of state-of-the-art science and computer equipment, reflecting the Provincial Government�s bluebook commitment to ensure there is opportunity to strengthen students� information technology skills.

Minister Burke noted that last year the ROV competition was held in St. John�s � the first time the competition had ever been held outside the United States. "The organizers recognized that we have world-class facilities at Memorial University and the Marine Institute, and were truly amazed at what we had to offer. We are extremely proud of our facilities and continue to make significant investments to ensure they continue to offer world-class teaching and learning opportunities."

Budget 2008 included an allocation of $1.1 million to expand the Schools of Engineering and Business, among other professional schools at MUN, and to introduce new graduate programs at the Marine Institute. Another $1 million was provided to the Ocean Science Centre to ensure it has access to a stable, high-quality water supply. Last year, the Marine Institute was provided $1 million towards the establishment of a School of Ocean Technology, which has increased its capacity in such areas as ROV operations, ocean instrumentation, and marine information and communications technology.

"In total, an additional $70 million has been invested in our K-12 and post-secondary system this year," said Minister Burke. "It is critical that our students have the highest quality learning resources and facilities. We look to them to ensure the province�s future remains bright. Clearly, these are investments well-spent, as our students� results at the ROV competition demonstrate. I offer congratulations to the team members, their advisors, and everyone who helped contribute to their success."

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Media contact:
Nora Daly
Communications Consultant
Department of Education
709-729-1906, 728-2819
noradaly@gov.nl.ca

2008 07 03                                                  11:55 a.m.