Technology pilot aimed at supporting student learning
Innisfail, AB... Alberta Learning has teamed up with Sun Microsystems, Inc. and Chinook's Edge School Division to pilot the latest in available desktop computing technology. The pilot project will begin this fall and investigate the benefits for students in the classroom. 
"Alberta is a world leader in using technology to support our learning system and this pilot project is another example of how we're looking at innovative solutions to benefit student learning. We need to explore the potential for new technologies to simplify computer use in the classroom and to help teachers do what they do best - teach," said Learning Minister Dr. Lyle Oberg.
"We're pleased to support the Sun Ray thin client project as part of an on-going collaboration with Sun Microsystems," said Victor Doerksen, Minister of Alberta Innovation and Science. "When you consider that Sun also designated the University of Alberta a Sun Centre of Excellence for E-Learning, or imagine all the educational possibilities that come with our own Alberta SuperNet, it is clear that our schools and Albertans of all ages have the best in education thanks to our innovative embrace of technology."
Minister Oberg and Minister Doerksen worked collectively to finalize the details of the pilot project with Sun Microsystems at meetings in their California headquarters earlier this year.
The pilot project will be supported by Sun Microsystems and network Sun RayTM 150 thin client desktop systems throughout the school to a central Sun FireTM server and investigate the effectiveness of using this technology over the Alberta SuperNet. The flat panel display of the Sun Ray 150 thin client's all-in-one design saves space in the classroom. This technology, known as thin client computing, moves all the computer processing and data storage to a central server.
"This pilot will allow elementary school students to experience Sun technology that previously was found only in post-secondary institutions in Alberta," noted Stéphane Boisvert, President, Sun Microsystems of Canada Inc. "We're pleased to support this Sun Ray pilot project in Alberta and look forward to the positive benefits this technology can yield for student learning."
Alberta Learning will lead the pilot project and investigate how Sun Ray thin clients can be used to support the learning activities of elementary students. The pilot will look at the ease of use by students and teachers, teacher preparation, and the impact on technical upgrades, administrative support, and operational costs. For example, the use of smart cards and Sun's Hot Desking technology with the Sun Ray thin clients will be investigated to understand the impact on teacher and student mobility and access to online learning resources.
The research pilot will consist of two phases to be completed by June 2004. The first phase of the research pilot will involve the implementation of Sun Ray thin clients into C.P. Blakely elementary school in Sylvan Lake.
"To be selected to participate in the project is a real compliment to C.P. Blakely School and to Chinook's Edge School Division," said Jim Gibbons, Superintendent, Chinook's Edge School Division. "Chinook's Edge has a goal to make technology a seamless and transparent tool in the hands of our students. This project fits right in with that goal, and we're excited to see how this new tool will benefit students in their learning."
The second phase will investigate the use of Sun Ray thin clients over SuperNet. Alberta SuperNet is a high-speed, high-capacity fibre-optic network that will link 4700 government offices, schools, health-care facilities, and libraries in 422 communities.
The Sun Ray thin client pilot project will investigate the effectiveness of thin client computing technology in Alberta schools. By engaging in this pilot project, Alberta Learning does not guarantee that the products will be adopted as standards for the learning system. Where applicable, future product purchases would adhere to the Agreement on Internal Trade.
Sun, Sun Microsystems, the Sun logo, Sun Fire, Sun Ray, iForce and The Network Is The Computer are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries.
