July 25, 2000 For Immediate Release

 Government of Canada funds learning technology project in Kingston

(KINGSTON) – Peter Milliken, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands, on behalf of the Hon. Jane Stewart, Minister of Human Resources Development Canada, is pleased to announce funding of $99,700 through the Office of Learning Technologies for Computers and Lifelong Learning: From Graduand to Employee in Kingston, Ontario.

Under the project which is well underway, Queen’s University and St. Lawrence College will evaluate the use of networked computers to support the learning activities of students in transition from their final year post-secondary study to their first year of work. The study will develop a set of evaluation procedures and instruments for monitoring the success of computer-based learning in school in preparing adults for computer-based learning in the workplace. The support for computer-based learning in both school and the workplace will be measured.

"For many people, technologies offer the most convenient, most appropriate way to learn valuable skills," said Mr. Milliken. "These skills will be crucial to our success in the new economy."

"As the project unfolds, we will be working closely with groups of post-secondary institutions, graduands, employers, and employees to develop effective instruments to assess the ways in which computers support graduands and new employees adapt to an ever changing workplace" said Dr. William J. Egnatoff, Assistant Professor, Computers in Education.

Since 1996, the Government of Canada’s Office of Learning Technologies has worked in partnership with other governments, businesses, labour and learning institutions to raise awareness and expand the use of innovative technologies for adult learning.

Projects are designed to increase understanding of how adults learn and how technologies can best support their learning needs. Learning technologies can range from traditional print materials to newer technologies such as multimedia and the Internet. Research has shown that people who are familiar with technologies and are willing to pursue lifelong learning will have the greatest opportunities in our emerging knowledge-based economy and society.

This project is an example of how the Government of Canada is prioritizing its spending so that it can better serve Canadians by making efficient use of their tax dollars.

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For further information:

Jeff Garrah

Constituency Assistant

(613) 542-3243