In British Columbia, rural learners make up approximately 15 per cent of the student population but they often lack the same course options as students living in urban areas.
To bridge the digital divide in rural BC, the Ministry of Education established E-learning Research Sites - part of its response to the report of the Task Force on Rural Education.
In 2003, the Ministry granted $75,000 to School Districts No. 57 (Prince George), No. 70 (Alberni), and No. 82 (Coast Mountains) to expand course options for students in rural communities by using technology. In 2004, the Ministry announced a project expansion to the following school districts, focussing on course delivery between two or more classrooms utilizing interactive technology:
School District No. 10 (Arrow Lakes)
School District No. 60 (Peace River North)
School District No. 64 (Gulf Islands)
School District No. 72 (Campbell River)
School District No. 73 (Kamloops/Thompson)
At the end of each semester, districts submitted reports on implementation and best practices. This information was shared with other districts contemplating the use of technology for full course delivery.
This project is now concluded.
Find out more about a similar project and tools developed for teachers in Alberta.
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