August 2004
ABEL success story embraced nationally
Model continues to evolve...
An Ontario broadband educational success story, now fully embraced in Alberta and elsewhere, is having a measurable impact on the way teachers are incorporating technology and broadband connectivity in the classroom.
Advanced Broadband Enabled Learning (ABEL), an innovative program housed at York University, seeks to improve student success and transform teacher professional practice through the use of broadband technology in schools in Canada.
Over 100 educators from the K-12 and post secondary institutions joined ABEL at its annual Summer Institute. The theme for this year's conference, in Canmore, Alberta, was a call to action to "Innovate, Collaborate and Transform."
Teachers, administrators, researchers and faculty collaborated between new and existing sites. With an emphasis on broadband collaborative tools, participants created projects in areas such as Science, Math, English, Leadership and the Arts that will continue to transform the way education is delivered to their students.
"The energy and excitement of all participants was paramount to the success of the three day institute," said ABLE Project Manager Janet Murphy, who has led the project since its inception in 2002.
Feedback from participants was indicative of the transformation that technology is bringing to Canada's educational environment. "I now know the possibilities of videoconferencing and have a community of support to call upon," said one Alberta teacher. One Ontario teacher, participating over a broadband connection, said, "collaboration is the best part. The opportunity to build on new ideas, and continue to improve is invaluable."
While the original CANARIE funding for the ABEL initiative wrapped up in March, the ABEL model continues to evolve with its focus on educational practitioner, job-embedded, professional development.
Professional development opportunities exist through ABEL university partner institutions (York University, University of Alberta, Seneca College) and have recently expanded to include the University of Calgary, graduate division of Educational Research. Acadia University has also joined ABEL and is contributing to professional learning opportunities and expertise.
ABEL is led by York University's Office of Research and Innovation and includes public and private partners, including ORION.
Educators who are interested to joining or participating in the program are encouraged to get in touch with Ms. Murphy directly. For contact information, program information and highlights, visit the ABEL web site at www.abelearn.ca.
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