November 2007


First in Canada to offer MSc in computer gaming

Algoma U connects to ORION

Hooking up to ORION has enabled a northern Ontario university college to become the exclusive North American host site of an internationally renowned Master's program in computer gaming.

Sault Ste. Marie's Algoma University College is plugging into the global grid of advanced research and education networks by connecting to ORION, recently joining the list of Ontario postsecondary institutions enjoying enhanced distance learning capabilities and increased access to global collaboration opportunities.

The collaborative program sees Algoma U students in Sault Ste. Marie participate remotely in classes taking place in Scotland over an advanced videoconferencing system supported by connections over ORION, CANARIE and JANET (the U.K. national R&E backbone). The University of Abertay Dundee's (UAD) computer arts division is internationally renowned and was the first in the world to offer a Master of Science degree in Computer Games Technology (CGT). Teaming up with UAD, Algoma U is the first North American university to offer this unique program.

In the 12-month MSc CGT program, students study game design and development, programming for the Xbox and PC, console games programming, and artificial intelligence for games, among other topics. Students who successfully complete the program will graduate with an internationally recognized degree from UAD. Lectures and instruction are mainly provided interactively by the professors in Scotland over videoconference, with a CGT academic coordinator (a graduate of the UAD program) on the Algoma U campus available for project and technical assistance.


Algoma U student in a live computer gaming learning session with instructors overseas, over an ORION network link.

"Graduates with specialized training are needed as popularity in gaming continues to grow," said Danny Reid, Divisional Director of Information Technology Services at Algoma U and program coordinator of MSc CGT. Approximately four to five years in the works, this collaboration was spearheaded by Algoma U from the recognition of the need in the Canadian academic environment for a hands-on, comprehensive degree program in computer gaming. "This program is a way for Algoma U to distinguish itself as the leading institution offering degree training in the field."

A special onsite Game Technology Lab is equipped with the latest game technology, with cutting-edge development software including the Microsoft Visual C++ system, 3D modeling, photo editing, and music editing software with piano keyboards and supporting media libraries; several gaming platforms; console development kits; and a large format entertainment centre with the room wired for Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound.

In its first year of being offered at Algoma, the CGT program has just six students - four Canadian (two from the local area) and two international (one from India and one from Brazil) - and will expand to a maximum of 30 students per year as the program grows and gains awareness. In just the third month of study, student feedback has been positive, especially with the quality that the ultra high-bandwidth of advanced networks provides.

"We have been impressed by the high quality of the videoconference connections to Scotland over the R&E networks, including ORION," said Reid. "There haven't been any breaks or disruptions as there would normally be videoconferencing over regular Internet, which is important for the students' concentration. It's as though we're interacting with people who are in the classroom next door."

"ORION has also enabled us, through its VLAN service, to increase our Internet bandwidth tenfold for students and faculty," continued Reid.

Algoma University College will also use ORION to expand its distance learning delivery across the northern Ontario region through its connection to Contact North/Contact Nord.

Currently an affiliate college of Laurentian University, Algoma U is on the path towards becoming Ontario's 20th independent university. The Ontario government recently announced its intention to introduce legislation to establish Algoma as an independent university, offering a wider array of degree programs and improving teaching and research capacity.

Read the official release here.

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