News Release Archive
EDUCATION/CULTURE--COMPUTERS IN SCHOOLS PROGRAM GETS BIG BOOST
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A partnership project that has put more than 1700 computers into
Nova Scotia classrooms was celebrated at a Halifax school today.
The "Computers in Schools" technology recycling project puts
"used but useful" computers into the classroom, where they are
being used by students for word processing, electronic
spreadsheets and desktop publishing. Another important
application will be linking the students to Schoolnet, an
Internet-based educational resource.
As part of the celebration, 100 computers and 40 printers were
presented to the Halifax Regional School Board. The school board
will allocate the equipment among its schools, based on need.
Nova Scotia has already received more computers per capita than
any other province in Canada, with these computers reaching
school boards and schools right across the province.
A Boston company, New Deal Inc., has given permission to use its
Geoworks software on all the computers. The software updates the
computers to today's standards, with "window-like" capabilities.
Education and Culture Minister Robbie Harrison said Nova Scotia
has received a national innovation award for this project. "This
award was given by the other provinces, in recognition of the
tremendous volunteer effort, the extent of our partnerships, and
our links with the IWK Hospital and the Nova Scotia Community
College. All of our partners should be extremely proud of this
accomplishment, as we keep Nova Scotia and our students in the
lead."
Dr. Jon Gerrard, Secretary of State for Science, Research and
Development, and Western Economic Diversification, said the
federal government supports this project in several ways. "We
provide funding, and our surplus computers are distributed across
Canada. As well, Industry Canada funded summer jobs for six
students to work on the Nova Scotia project."
Other technology initiatives in Nova Scotia were also
highlighted. Last year, $3 million was invested in computer
systems, networks and software for 46 junior high schools across
the province. This, and other initiatives, will help provide the
right mix of new technology for the most advanced applications,
along with previously-used computers for word processing,
spreadsheets, desktop publishing and other operations.
Computers are allocated among school boards by a project steering
committee on a per capita basis. School boards then decide what
schools within their region will benefit most from what is
available. Other benefits of the program include supporting other
projects such as the delivery of laptop computers to the IWK to
help hospitalized children continue their studies, and providing
on-the-job training to Nova Scotia Community College students.
The five main partners are the Department of Education and
Culture, Industry Canada, NovaKnowledge, the Nova Scotia School
Boards Association and the Telephone Pioneers. The provincial
government also donates its surplus computers to the project.
Private sector companies, including Maritime Tel & Tel, All
Cities North American Van Lines and others in the province, have
also been important partners.
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Contact: Donna MacDonald 902-424-2615
Joann Sampson 902-426-3120
trp Sept. 27, 1996 - 10:10 a.m.
