MINISTER, SCHOOL DIVISIONS UNVEIL YOUTUBE-INSPIRED TECHNOLOGY TO HELP INCREASE STUDENT SUCCESS
Education Minister Nancy Allan today announced a pilot project that offers innovative technology-based teaching tools to assist students tackle difficult math concepts and help them succeed in school.
“The Pembina Trails and Frontier school divisions are pilot testing a new way to teach students about difficult concepts using short, informal video presentations in a YouTube-inspired format that is familiar to today’s youth,” Allan said. “This innovative approach has been spearheaded by the Pembina Trails School Division working with key industry partners to develop solutions that are expected to have a significant important impact on the way students receive help with in-class learning and homework.”
Recently-announced improvements to broadband and high-speed Internet services will benefit rural, northern and remote communities and benefit students and teachers by increasing access to learning and teaching resources, the minister said. Students will be able to use any computer connected to the Internet to access lessons whether they are at home, at school or at a public library.
“Manitoba Ed-U-Tube leverages the combination of teaching and technology to reach out and help students in a familiar, intuitive format that invites collaboration and self-paced learning,” said Dianne Zuk, board vice-chair, Pembina Trails School Division.
The Ed-U-Tube tutorials have been developed by a working group that included industry partners from Microsoft, Dell, Xerox, Smart Technology and Polycom. Students can choose to watch short animated or videotaped lessons produced in a YouTube-like video format. They will also be able to download notes, watch the lesson presented by a different teacher or see a fellow student explain a concept he or she also had difficulty understanding. Through technology such as the Office Communicator email program, students and teachers can participate in real-time tutoring sessions. The tutorials relate specifically to Manitoba school curricula, which ensures students have access to relevant, useful information tailored to their needs, the minister said.
“This pilot project is another way in which education stakeholders are working together to help students perform well in school because success in the classroom gives students more incentive to stay in school,” Allan said.
- 30 -
No comments:
Post a Comment