Minister Oberg explores new advances in learning technologies
Edmonton... Alberta Learning Minister Dr. Lyle Oberg will explore further possibilities for supporting the learning system through the use of technology while meeting with high tech industry leaders in San Francisco and San Jose California, February 24-25.
"Alberta continues to receive a lot of attention from around the world for the innovation in our learning system. To stay ahead, we need to continue to look at how new technology can further enhance student learning. This will be an opportunity to explore and discuss future trends in technology," said Dr. Oberg.
Minister Oberg will discuss a potential pilot project with Sun Microsystems, Inc. using its Sun RayTM desktop system. The pilot project would connect the desktop systems to a central server and will investigate the effectiveness of this new technology over the Alberta SuperNet.
The pilot is the latest in a string of on-going collaborations between Sun Microsystems and the Government of Alberta. Sun Microsystems has invested in Alberta to designate the University of Calgary a Sun Centre of Excellence for Visual Genomics, select the University of Alberta a Sun Centre of Excellence for E-Learning, and support the Life Sciences Proteome Analytical Project at the University of Alberta. Most recently, Sun Microsystems, Alberta Innovation and Science, and the University of Alberta agreed to establish a Centre for Excellence in Integrated Nano Tools. Initial discussions on the Sun Ray technology began a year-and-a-half ago on a technology mission by Alberta Innovation and Science Minister Victor Doerksen.
Minister Oberg will also meet with representatives from Cisco Systems, Inc. in San Jose. Alberta is looking at expanding its partnerships with Cisco Systems, which already works within our education system. Cisco Systems has already committed a million dollars toward the masters degree program in Internet technology at the University of Alberta and through their Networking Academies and Labs, Cisco Systems Canada provides educational discounts to high schools and post-secondary institutions.
The Minister will also attend the 2003 Worldwide Education and Research Conference in San Francisco. This conference will include education leaders and experts in primary and secondary education technology.
The Minister will be joined by his executive assistant. Estimated cost for their travel is $3,100.
Backgrounder
Minister Oberg's Itinerary
CaliforniaFebruary 24-25, 2003
| Monday, February 24 | |
| Departure for San Jose, California Minister meets VP America's International and VP Western Canada, Cisco Systems, Inc. in San Jose California Tour facilities at Cisco Systems | |
| Tuesday, February 25 | |
| Minister meets VP International Americas and VP Global, Education and Research, Sun Microsystems, Inc. 2003 Worldwide Education and Research Conference in San Francisco Round table with international education technology leaders Departure for Edmonton | |
Sun, Sun Microsystems, and Sun Ray are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries.
