Schools investigate learning through innovative use of technology
Government announces recipients of Supporting Innovative Classrooms funding
Edmonton... A number of schools across the province will test innovative uses of technology to advance learning across the education K-12 system.
“Technology can make learning a richer and more exciting experience for students and teachers alike,” said Minister of Education Dave Hancock. “These technology projects will provide valuable insights into innovative teaching and learning approaches that will benefit the education system.”
A call for proposals was issued to all publicly funded school jurisdictions and charter schools in June 2008 for research-supported projects on innovative and effective practices in the area of technology leadership and technology management.
Twenty-six project proposals were approved and will share $6.8 million in provincial funding. Projects will explore five themes that include:
- enhancing educational technology leadership capacity;
- enhancing information technology leadership capacity;
- software as a service;
- innovative technology management solutions; and
- shared services solutions.
Individual projects are being funded to a maximum of $300,000. The successful jurisdictions are also required to commit monetary or in-kind funding towards the total cost of their projects. Projects begin in the 2009/2010 school year and run until the end of the 2010/2011 school year.
Each project will be evaluated at the local level, and Alberta Education will also be conducting research into best practices.
The Supporting Innovative Classrooms projects support the $56 million Innovative Classrooms Technology Funding announced in Budget 2008. This funding will help meet Education’s vision that all Alberta classrooms support innovative teaching and learning.
For a listing of the projects, click on education.alberta.ca/admin/technology/sic/participants.aspx
