Government of Yukon
Archives
FOR RELEASE #08-007
January 17, 2008
Yukon Government Continues to Increase Learning Opportunities
WHITEHORSE – Education Minister Patrick Rouble has announced that students and staff in Yukon schools are enjoying increased learning opportunities, as a result of continued Yukon government investment in video conferencing technology and computer networks.
Over the past five years, $4,019,632 was directed toward Technology Assisted Learning and the effects of this investment are apparent. Yukon students now enjoy the highest level of internet connectivity when compared to their peers across Canada.
“Due to the relative isolation of many Yukon schools, we see video conferencing technology as a good way of increasing education opportunities for Yukoners,” Rouble said. “Continued investment in this kind of technology is essential to providing the best possible classroom environment for our students."
This new technology is particularly critical to learning enhancement in rural schools.
"Video conferencing keeps our students and staff better connected and increases our programming capacity," Principal of Chief Zzeh Gittlit School, Vaino Latvala said. "We are pleased with the quality and speed of the video conferencing connection we receive at the school."
Through video conferencing, students can take a course with their peers from Whitehorse or from most rural community schools. The technology also provides students with an opportunity to participate in virtual field trips or to invite guest speakers from around the world to present to their class.
Staff members also benefit from being connected through video conferencing:
"There are often challenges to include rural staff in regular professional development activities," Coordinator of Technology Assisted Learning at the Department of Education, JoAnn Davidson said.
"For a rural teacher or administrator to attend a one day in-service in Whitehorse, it may involve being away from their students for three days or longer," Davidson added. "Video conferencing promotes the inclusion of educators, both urban and rural, to be more involved in regular professional development."
The Department of Education has video conferencing access in schools at Watson Lake, Haines Junction, Dawson City, Mayo, Pelly Crossing, Faro, Ross River, Carmacks, Old Crow and Whitehorse.
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| Contact: | |
| Roxanne Vallevand Cabinet Communications (867) 633-7949 roxanne.vallevand@gov.yk.ca |
Clea Roberts |