Government of News Release

March 27, 1996

"I am pleased to release the Framework for Technology Integration in Education, prepared by the MLA Team on Business Involvement and Technology Integration. Determining the overall direction for technology integration in Alberta has been a critical step in improving our education system. Now we must take steps to turn vision into action." Halvar C. Jonson Minister of Education EDUCATION MINISTER RELEASES MLA TEAM'S FRAMEWORK FOR TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION

Today, Education Minister released the Framework for Technology Integration in Education. The Framework will provide the basis for further long term planning for technology integration in education. The report is the result of extensive consultations conducted by the Business Involvement and Technology Integration MLA Team, chaired by Denis Herard, -Egmont and including Hung Pham, Calgary-Montrose. The Minister of Education established the MLA Team in March of 1994 to find out how best to integrate technology in education. The MLAs were assisted by an Advisory Committee of experts in technology and education, and the input of hundreds of Albertans. The MLA Team distributed a discussion paper in July of 1995, receiving over 600 responses and 40 briefs from interested Albertans. "We found that Albertans overwhelmingly support better technology in our schools and improved learning and teaching through technology. Together with interested Albertans and other partners in education, we have developed recommendations for technology integration that have the potential to benefit all students and schools in the province," said Denis Herard, MLA Team Chair. Recommendations of the Framework Report:

All Alberta schools and classrooms be equipped with modern computer technology to achieve a minimum student to computer ratio of 5:1. Schools and school boards be required to develop technology integration plans. Minimum provincial standards be set for technology. All schools have access to the information highway within one year. High school graduation requirements include technology-related skills. Classroom teachers have access to computers to improve their technology skills and to integrate technology into their teaching. Revisions to teacher certification include information technology competencies. Multi-media resources be used to help students learn difficult concepts. Progress is regularly reported to parents and the public to ensure accountability in technology integration. Partnerships with other provinces and the private sector be used to acquire, develop and fund technology-based learning resources and learning management tools. "As a government we have already taken steps in the directions recommended in this report with our recent announcement of $45 million in technology funding. With $5 million being provided to school boards this week every school in the province will have access to network services this year. An additional $40 million will be provided over the next three years for technology enhancement in schools," said Jonson. "In the coming months we will release our Implementation Plan for Technology in Education and then begin more detailed consultation on the implementation of some of the Framework Report's specific recommendations," added Jonson. School boards, principals, school councils, discussion paper respondents, and stakeholder groups will each receive a copy of the report. Copies may also be obtained by contacting Alberta Education's Communications Branch at (403)427-2285. To be connected toll free from outside of Edmonton, dial 310-0000. The Framework for Technology Integration in Education is on the Internet at http://ednet.edc.gov.ab.ca Tune in to "Education On-Line" on the Access Network Tuesday, April 16 at 7:00 p.m. to see technology working in Alberta schools. A panel discussion with Denis Herard and representatives from the education community will follow.

Robb Stoddard Stacey Little Denis Herard Minister's Communications MLA, Calgary-Egmont Office Alberta Edmonton: Alberta Education (403)422-5378 Education (403)427-2285 Calgary: (403)427-2025 (403)640-1363 (e-mail: dherard@asse mbly.ab.ca)

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