The Canadian Space Agency and Alberta Education use video-conferencing to enhance science education
 

Longueuil, Quebec, November 15, 2006 – Industry Canada and Alberta Education signed a four-year collaborative agreement to enhance science education through video-conference sessions with the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).

As a result of the agreement, Alberta’s Kindergarten to Grade 12 students will benefit from classroom sessions with CSA scientists and engineers, Alberta’s pre-service teachers will receive additional training in the area of science education, and the CSA will support Alberta Education as they conduct a three-year study on the overall impact of the CSA’s tele-learning workshops on science education in Alberta.

“The Government of Canada, through the efforts of the Canadian Space Agency, is proud to be in a position to share our passion for discovery and scientific expertise with our country’s youth,” declared Rahim Jaffer, Member of Parliament for the the Edmonton-Strathcona constituency, on behalf of the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the Canadian Space Agency.  “We firmly believe that the immersion of students in these hands-on workshops will spark an increased interest in science, math and technology among Canada’s youth”.

“Alberta’s students and teachers are benefiting from unique learning opportunities thanks to our advanced investment in technology,” said Minister Zwozdesky.  “These curriculum-focused virtual sessions will spark the imaginations of our students making science classes even more engaging and meaningful.  Future students will also benefit as the teacher-training sessions will develop a legacy of knowledge that will be felt in the classroom for many years to come.”

The CSA tele-learning program, based in Longueuil, Quebec, provides educators with access to the CSA’s pool of over 60 scientists and engineers who offer dynamic and interactive workshops.  They use space-related concepts to help students and educators explore and apply scientific principles.

The CSA classroom programs, professional development sessions and research will be carried out by the CSA via video-conferencing.  Alberta’s investment in the SuperNet and video-conferencing capacity across the province’s Kindergarten to Grade 12 system makes it possible for Alberta schools to be able to take advantage of the CSA’s unique programs and expertise which are delivered through high speed internet technology.

Rahim Jaffer Member of Parliament for the the Edmonton-Strathcona constituency represented the Government of Canada at an event in Edmonton, Alberta today to celebrate the collaborative agreement.

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  Media enquiries may be directed to:

Julie Simard
Media Relations, Canadian Space Agency
(450) 926-4370
julie.simard@space.gc.ca

Gene Zwozdesky, Minister
Alberta Education

(780) 427-5010, Cell: (780) 446-1144 To call toll-free within Alberta dial 310-0000.