OLM Education Series: Higher Learning

Armed with laptops and other mobile devices, students at the Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) are instructed using interactive whiteboards with touch sensitive screens. Schools across the Board will also soon be equipped with computers in every classroom to ensure technology is readily available at all times as they move away from the concept of computer labs. It is this new wireless classroom, created for every subject of learning from English to Math and History, that the Board believes will ensure success for the 21st Century student.

“Today’s technology is valuable for the Board to use and leverage. Many students already have these tools and are using them – the only place they weren’t allowed to use them was school. What we’re trying to do is to take advantage of these tools. We still put filters against dangerous and inappropriate content and policies on social media like Facebook,” said Robert Long, Coordinator of Learning Technologies at OCSB.

Adapting modern technologies for educational purposes have even gone so far as to include the use of cell phones, which were once strictly prohibited in classrooms. The Board is currently looking at creating policies to allow the use of cell phones with Internet capabilities but still putting stringent guidelines in place for responsible and respectful use. Previously a Nortel employee, Long has worked with school Boards throughout North America, analyzing successfully implemented technological strategies.

“We have to ask how these technologies ensure student success,” he said. “Realistically, it's difficult to get to a one-to-one ratio of computers per child on a Board budget. Many of our kids already have technology or mobile devices and are willing to bring them to school. Our move was to open it up and go wireless.” In phasing out computer labs, students will be able to check out mobile devices from the library like a book. This is especially important for creating equity among the student body as those who cannot afford computers and other devices can take checked out laptops home. Using Google and other advanced software, students create projects online, collaborate and submit completed assignments electronically. Many of the Board’s high schools also offer information technology focused programs where students design video games and advanced websites, offering them a competitive edge towards obtaining employment. Replacing dusty chalkboards, new SMART Boards use a projector to display images from a computer screen that can be manipulated with the touch of a finger, engaging students in a fully interactive learning experience. Implementing these new technologies is also dependent upon teachers and how comfortable they feel using the new devices. Teachers receive proper training and instruction, ensuring they can maximize the capability of technology to engage their students.

As technology creates critical thinkers and fuels creative problem solving, it also calls for responsible management. Joanne Gosselin, Coordinator of Student Success says the OCSB creates a safe environment of trust and respect to ensure students achieve their full potential while using technology productively. “The 21st Century learner has the technology piece but the relationship piece is also important,” she said. “I take a look at how to be a communicator and good citizen – being more globally aware and understanding the diversity of our people on various different levels culturally, religiously and academically. Students need to ask what is good information and what is questionable information and use it in a responsible manner.”

Student success is of paramount importance at the Board with focus on meeting the diverse needs and learning style of each student.

“Within that area, one of the things we’re focusing in on is looking at the 21st Century learner and how technology is impacting education. The idea behind it is that we want the curriculum to be driving the use of technology and not the other way around – we want it to enhance what we do,” said Julian Hanlon, Director of Education.

Next year, the Board is focusing on introducing full day kindergarten, which will be phased in over five years with a teacher and early childhood educator placed in each classroom. As the English Catholic school Board in Ottawa, OCSB serves over 40,000 students and has 4,000 employees, making it one of the top ten employers in the city. With a core mandate including student success, staff success and stewardship of resources, the Board has consistently passed balanced budgets and maximized dollars to ensure money is returned to schools. They also operate around a central spiritual theme every year to remain focused and create purpose.

“We have always prided ourselves on helping our community as we’ve run a successful United Way campaign, assisted Shepherds of Good Hope and other partnerships as well. It’s important to us to be seen not just as a school, but as vibrant member of the community,” said Hanlon.

One of the great ways that software giant Adobe gives back to the community is through the Adobe Foundation’s global signature philanthropy program, Adobe Youth Voices (AYV). Launched in June 2006, AYV provides youth in underserved communities with the critical skills they need to become active and engaged members of their communities. The Adobe Foundation invests over $7 million CAD per year in the program, primarily through training, educational resources, and grants. The program also leverages software donations and employee volunteers from Adobe Systems Incorporated.

With a focus on empowering youth, Adobe Youth Voices supports young people in and out of school and encourages the use of cutting-edge multimedia tools to communicate and share their ideas, demonstrate their potential, and take action where they live.

The Adobe Youth Voices global network currently includes more than 500 sites and a large, expanding number of grantees and organizations in 32 countries. Since its inception, Adobe Youth Voices has engaged over 27,000 youth and 1,500 educators in schools and out-of-school programs. This past June, some of the participating local schools showcased their projects. Many thought-provoking graphic design posters were on display at the event.

The goal is to spark creativity by assisting students in communicating their ideas and prompting active participation within their respective communities.

“It’s not about using a flashy new tool or new programs - it’s really about using technology for power, connecting with people and expressing your passion. When the young people speak about their projects and give advice to their peers, they’re not saying, ‘learn the latest technology, stay up-to-date,’ they’re telling them to find their passion, be creative, patient and work hard,” explained Patricia Cogley, AYV Program Manager.

Covering topics like depression, abuse, recycling practices, culture, teen pregnancy, Habitat for Humanity and cancer, students created posters or interactive short films using various rotoscoping animation, stop motion or flash. These technical skills are invaluable for students and by using critical thinking skills during the creative process, students are able to understand positive and appropriate uses for technology and avoid using it negatively.

“By playing with the technology and using it to talk about social messages that are important to them, they can also see how technology can be a hindrance. Some of the pieces here were about cyber bullying and the problems of cellphone use in schools. In a way, we’re helping young people become more responsible with technology,” added Cogley.

Other local schools involved in the program included Rideau High School, Vincent Massey Public School, Woodroffe High School and St. Paul Catholic High School as well as the Overbrook-Forbes Community Services Association. Cogley noted youth in the capital tended to choose topics related to dispelling racial and ethnic stereotypes.

“We see similarities among young people around the world participating in AYV as they are all concerned about the environment, relationships, poverty and education. In each region there is a bit of a different emphasis and in Ottawa I have seen Ottawa students particularly conscious of the city’s diversity,” she said. “Last year there was a really moving experience where a young woman in high school did a piece about wearing a hijab. There were elementary school students who went up to her afterwards and thanked her for the piece and admitted they weren’t as confident. In a lot of ways, young people are making media pieces for other young people and being leaders for one another.”

Often referred to as a generation so connected that they are disconnected from reality, today’s young people are mass consumers of new media. They can feel detached, unengaged with their current curriculum and not see its relevance in an increasing technology-driven world. While criticisms abound regarding social networking media use among youth, AYV hopes to show students how they can use technology to create with purpose. With AYV, youth learn to use technology in a productive way and be aware of consequences to abusing it, as in the case of cyber bullying.

Cogley said AYV gives young people a chance to have a real world experience as they learn to work collaboratively during the design process, defining a message, identifying an audience and conducting research. She said the program would continue to expand as Adobe hopes to further bridge the digital divide by reaching even more schools and countries.

Ottawa is host to a number of specialized colleges and universities providing education in bilingual programs that compete with the city’s larger institutions. The regal Dominican University College (DUC), a hidden treasure of academia, atop Lebreton Hill on Empress Avenue, offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in philosophy and theology. While Dominican University College (DUC) is heir to a long tradition of teaching that dates back to the 13th century, it has positioned itself at the forefront of philosophical and theological thought by offering an exceptionally modern and specialized learning environment.

Smaller institutions, such as DUC, demonstrate that learning centres focusing on particular disciplines offer students the truest sense of concentration and immersion in their programs. DUC’s students are taught analytical thinking, effective communication, and organizational skills. They graduate armed with creative minds combined with a developed sense of justice and love of truth. Many seek postgraduate degrees in law and education. Notable alumni include Geneviève Dubois-Flynn, Director of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research’s Ethics Office, Chantal Beauvais, Rector of Ottawa’s Saint Paul University, and Lorraine Caza, former leader of the Notre- Dame Congregation.

Dominican University College maintains an ancient heritage of pedagogy, philosophy, and theology. In 1215, visionary Dominique de Guzman (Saint Dominic) recognized that a dedicated system was required to unite traditional education with new philosophical and theological ideas. He founded the Order of Preachers, commonly known as the Dominican Order. In 1260, the studium generale was established, exerting a beneficial influence on the first universities. Since its foundation, the Dominican Order has been acknowledged for its contribution to education and exploration of the humanities. During the 19th and 20th centuries, it engaged in an array of charitable works throughout the world.

In 1900, the Dominicans brought their School of Theology to Ottawa. The stately 19th century DUC campus is constructed of limestone and initially served as a House of Studies, where young Dominican Friars received their training. Over a century later, DUC continues to provide an auspicious and balanced program of study. This includes the College’s stewardship and contact with a number of very ancient texts (the oldest was printed in 1488).

The Dominicans remain a vital component of the College. Their number, though diminishing, still accounts for 20 per cent of the faculty. Each day, students interact with their teachers in a peaceful and stimulating environment conducive to learning, research and the sharing of ideas. The Dominican tradition emphasizes a thorough knowledge of philosophical and theological sources combined with a genuine openness when approaching vital contemporary issues such as health, justice, peace, poverty, and faith.

“Our students engage first-hand contact with the important texts,” says Gabor Csepregi, DUC’s President and Regent of Studies. “They gradually develop a versatile and critical mind that allows them to face the challenges of our globalized and rapidly changing world. They are not followers, but mature, independent, and imaginative thinkers. They gradually become aware of complex issues, and are not afraid of proposing changes and new solutions.” Csepregi underlines that “most importantly, they are able to apply abstract and theoretical knowledge to concrete cases. We teach them to think well, speak well, and write well (a major objective). Individual mentoring is also offered.”

A polyglot author, Csepregi has published articles and essays on education, music, and sport. His latest book is entitled The Clever Body. Before setting out on an academic career, he was captain and, later, coach, of the Canadian Water Polo Team and participated in the 1972, 1976, and 1984 Olympic Games.

DUC students enjoy personalized teaching in large classrooms with vaulted ceilings, hallowed halls and committed educators who favour discussion and the exchange of ideas. Students from across Canada and abroad come to the college to savour this unique study experience. DUC’s student housing is affordable and its tuition fees are among the lowest in Ontario ($1,645 per semester in the undergraduate program and $1,780 in the graduate program). With public service playing a central role in the Capital, the College provides a bilingual education.

If full or part-time study is not an option, DUC also offers a variety of interesting community programs and lectures. In November, Sr. Eileen Schuller, Professor of McMaster’s Department of Religious Studies, presented Women in the Dead Sea Scrolls, one of the Anne Tanenbaum Lecture Series featured at the Royal Ontario Museum. On February 25, 2010, College faculty member Dr. Louis Roy will question whether faith can integrate individual beliefs, practices and behaviour with traditional ‘obedience’ in his presentation, Does Christian Faith Rule out Human Autonomy? For more information visit:www.collegedominicain.ca. DUC has received significant financial support from the Dominican Order of Canada and from other generous benefactors but, as the College grows and develops new programs, Regent Csepregi has to look for alternate sources of funding. Fortunately, a local industry leader has stepped up. “Larger academic institutions have a long history of financial aid coming from the corporate world. It is wonderful to see that some other important companies, like the Assaly Group, take an interest in smaller and specialized university colleges. They realize that the study of philosophy and theology (and humanities in general) has a profound ethical and spiritual effect on people. Leaders of the business world are increasingly aware of the lasting value of that sort of impact.”

In an October announcement, The Thomas C. Assaly Charitable Foundation (www.assaly.org) set a target for an $800,000 Dominican University College annual endowment. The Foundation assists organizations and charities raise much needed financial support through their AID Program. The program combines the benefits of real estate and the ability to donate that real estate through a deed of gift. The investor/donor enjoys excellent returns through ownership while funding charities with endowments. The Foundation has embarked on the DUC endowment initiative in a joint venture with the Assaly Group of Companies (www.assaly.com). The Assaly Group is known for real estate development in the National Capital Region such as, Les Suites Hotel, The Novotel Hotel, and the Albion Place Executive Tower.

“The Assaly Group has been building communities in Ottawa for over half a century,” explains Thomas Assaly, Assaly Group CEO. “With the accumulation of this expertise, we can offer a real estate investment opportunity that simultaneously builds wealth for our investors and funds the growth of DUC’s programs. By purchasing our prime real estate and donating 20 years in the future, investors can maximize their tax credits, have minimal equity invested, and virtually no debt in the investment. The cash flow produced from the prime real estate gives the investor a minimum 10 per cent (with a maximum 17%) return and DUC an equal cash flow to fund their programs.”

The majestic Dominican University College invites interest in its mission and programs and welcomes visitors to the beautiful campus off Somerset Street. In addition to its current philosophy and theology courses, the college endeavours to offer expanded programs of study in the future. DUC is praised for its contribution to the advancement of knowledge, its commitment to serve society, and the formation of exceptional students adept in critical thinking, intelligence of faith, ecumenism, ethics, and aesthetics.

The Ontario College of Art & Design (www.ocad.ca) is Canada’s self proclaimed “university of the imagination” and is dedicated to art and design education, practice, research and invention across a wide range of disciplines. Founded in 1876, OCAD is among the nation’s most cutting edge visual arts and design schools. Programs, such as the Digital Futures Initiative, offer students a cross disciplinary curriculum with opportunities to push the boundaries of artistry and technology.

In both the real and virtual classrooms of OCAD, the interplay of design, art and technology reflects a world where art drives advancements in technology and technology allows for creative processes once never imagined. Technological developments have led to new forms of contemporary media that redefine the nature of art while bolstering the artists’ ability to practice and present their work. At one time, photography was not considered an art form yet, over the 20th century, master photographers such as Ansel Adams, Edward Burtynsky, and Henri Cartier-Bresson were undeniably creating contemporary art that had a massive appeal to an emerging audience. Cutting edge technologies are continually adopted by artists who in turn challenge our definition of art. Innovation has been adopted by artists since the dawn of man whether painting cave walls with a concoction of pigments or in the creation of tools with which to paint or sculpt. Presently, the ubiquitous utilization of digital media tools has augmented the analog practice of cutting and pasting images for both professional artists and Rick Mercer Photo Challengers (www.rickmercer. com) alike. The goal of presenting an interesting montage of images has never been easier with technology acting as a tool to develop and share our artistic creations. In turn, art is valued in technology; artists have helped to bridge the interactivity of man and machine by humanizing the tools we rely on every day. Artistry permits a richer tapestry to impart information in the most cutting edge environments whether for medical research or training.

Read more: OCAD: THE INTERPLAY OF ART & TECHNOLOGY