November 2006
VROC connects research mentors with high school students
Aims to raise awareness of science among youth
A number of Ontario high school science students are now interacting with mentors from among the top researchers in Ontario, thanks to a new program linking schools and researchers through advanced networks and videoconference technology.
The Virtual Researcher On Call (VROC) project, being delivered in five Ontario school boards this fall, has struck a positive chord with both the education and the scientific research communities, says Dr. Doug Jones, Chair of the VROC Planning Committee.
Several postsecondary, research and private sector organizations are already supporting and working with the VROC team, including ORION and the LARG-net regional network organization in London.
The new program can have a major impact in addressing scientific misinformation or reducing the risk of providing students with scientific information that may be out of date, says Dr. Jones. VROC also helps teachers present research or scientific information in a much more engaging way, he says.
Managed by Partners in Research in cooperation with the University of Western Ontario in London, VROC links university and other researchers directly in real time with secondary school students through videoconference over high-speed networks.
As well as providing an interactive web-based session between researchers and students in a classroom, VROC partnerships may also enhance mentorship between specific researchers and students on their science projects. VROC may also facilitate the opportunity for qualified students to work with researchers for summer placements in their laboratories.
"This is the educational adventure of the future," said Ron Calhoun, Executive Director of Partners in Research, which launched the new program earlier this year with $200,000 in funding provided by the Province of Ontario.
VROC sessions are being scheduled this fall at the Thames Valley District School Board. Other participating boards include Kawartha Pine Ridge, Peel Region District, Toronto District and the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Boards.
VROC staff are fielding enquires from other schools and potential partners eager to become involved says the Project Manager, Kevin Cougler. The group hopes to secure funding to help expand the program in other regions of Ontario, and eventually, Canada-wide.
Other program partners include the University of Toronto, and several institutions and professional associations. Learn more at the VROC web site at www.vroc.ca.
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