October 9, 2008
Olds College News
Bell e-Learning Centre officially opens- connecting rural Albertans to e-learning opportunities through the SuperNet
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The official opening of the Bell e-Learning Centre took place today at the Community Learning Campus (CLC) on the grounds of Olds College. The Bell e-Learning Centre provides a wide range of innovative e-learning opportunities and resources to students, businesses and communities in rural Alberta through the SuperNet.
“The Bell e-Learning Centre reinforces our commitment to bring new technologies to rural communities in Alberta and to our partnership with the Government of Alberta in building and leveraging the SuperNet,” said Allan MacDonald, Vice President of Bell Western Business Operations. “This facility demonstrates our commitment to growth in Western Canada and increasing connectivity to support local needs- in this case bridging the urban-rural digital divide.”
Through a combination of distance and on site program, the Bell e-Learning Centre is the hub for e-learning and the connected community. It provides new connectivity and e-learning opportunities to students, community members and businesses, including improved rural access to broadband technologies such as video conferencing, webcasts, technology courses, video editing and new business applications through the SuperNet.
“Olds College has a clear vision and strategy to expand learning opportunities and enhance rural community capacity, and we see Bell as the best technology partner to accomplish this goal,” said Dr. H.J. (Tom) Thompson, President and CEO of Olds College and Chair of the CLC. “The Bell e-Learning Centre is about realizing the potential of creating a shared space that brings people together and provides learning opportunities for everyone.”
The Honourable, Doug Horner, Minister of Advanced Education and Technology praised the collaborative work being done at the Bell e-Learning Centre. “The Bell e-Learning Centre is a great example of how our government’s Campus Alberta concept, and innovative partnerships, ensure quality education is accessible for learners everywhere in Alberta,” said Horner. “This is how Alberta is moving quickly into the knowledge-based economy young Albertans want to participate in.”
Students from Olds Junior Senior High School began taking computer and media arts classes at the Bell e-Learning Centre in May. For teachers and students alike, the Centre provides the highest level of technology applications in a magnificent facility. “It is the best atmosphere that I have ever been in,” said Jim Gibbons, Chinook’s Edge Superintendent and CLC Vice-Chair. “The real strength is the ability to move from a formal classroom setting to an informal gathering space to collaborate on projects as a group. The Bell e-Learning Centre is delivering exactly what we envisioned when we began the planning the Community Learning Campus.”
For more information please contact:
Communications Coordinator, Rick Overwater (403) 507-7717, roverwater@oldscollege.ca
