September 16, 2014
Province Announces Sisler High School Recognized as a National Leader, Receives Award for Learning and Innovation
Education and Advanced Learning Minister James Allum was at Sisler High School today to congratulate students and staff being awarded the Shifting Minds National Award for Educational Technology from C21 Canada, a national not-for-profit organization that recognizes innovative leaders in education.
“By integrating technology into education, Sisler is preparing students for the jobs of today and tomorrow,” said Minister Allum. “The teachers and programs for which Sisler is being recognized are creating real opportunities for young Manitobans to follow a path to rewarding careers in
high-demand, growing industries, right here at home.”
Sisler High School received the School Team Award recognizing the value of educators working together to advance new models of learning. Sisler, for example, has Wi-Fi available throughout the building so students can bring and use their own devices, and offers HD videoconferencing capabilities. Students at Sisler use technology in a variety of innovative ways including:
- observing and interacting with medical teams during live surgeries as part of their Soapbox.ED series, a program designed to bridge the gaps between education and community, and enabling students to participate in debates between schools located around the world; and
- participating in storytelling activities with students throughout the world thanks to Digital Voices, a digital media course designed for students interested in indigenous education and digital storytelling through e-collaboration.
C21 Canada is a national organization made up of education associations and partners with major private corporations, like Microsoft, Adobe and IBM. It provides collaborative vision and support to help Canadian education organizations enhance learning in reading, writing, math and science while infusing 21st century skills such as global citizenship and digital competency into everyday learning.
“The Manitoba government has made significant investments in technology education and training to ensure students who want to pursue careers in our growing technology industries have the skills they need to hit the ground running,” said Minister Allum. “Weare helping develop curriculum that is leading edge in Canada and puts students on the forefront of ever-changing technology and programming. These programs help students develop the business skills sought after by many Manitoban employers.
“We will continue to partner with the school and division to grow and expand this innovative program so that it can serve even more students,” the minister concluded.
The Manitoba government provides all school divisions with $60 per student for purchase of information and computer technology hardware through the funding of schools.
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