By:  Corry Demeris, Jack Miner Public School

Jack Miner Public School has been very fortunate to be chosen as a site for the EDU*tec project. This actually translates to a project that is trying to incorporate the increased use of Computer Technology into the Science Program.

Through EDU*tec, the "Sanctuary" has already gained some major technological advances that makes it a cutting edge school along with about 24 other such sites throughout Ontario. We now have complete access to TVO Virtual Classroom. This is an amazing feature that allows students to be directly on-line with an instructor in Toronto. This technology consists of a satellite dish, a specialized computer that controls the active use of telephones in real time with the broadcast program. The Virtual Classroom is just beginning to firm up a broadcast schedule. Shortly after March Break, Ms. Rumball's and my classes will begin World of Motion II with our students, with augmentation to the program from the Virtual Classroom. It may become a great resource for many schools to eventually buy in to.

Another function of this project is the integration of computers at the classroom level. Four computers will be functional with the regular programs now on our school networks. These machines are also set up to run specialized Science Software in the "Steps for Success" program from CCCT Software. This program will also track student performance when they use the programs. These computers will also be able to access the Internet through a Web Page designed for Science use at the school.

The program will also be able to use Science Probes furnished by Tandex Corporation. These will be interfaced with the computers in the classroom. These probes are designed to measure: light, sound, and temperature. Various applications will incorpate these probes.

EDU*tec has also provided the school with the complete Nelson Science Series of books. These will be helpful, even as new curriculum is incorporated.

The school has also purchased into the Galaxy Science Program for Grades 2, 4 and 6 because of a specialized offer from TVO Virtual Classroom.

EDU*tec has also sought funding for the placement of a PRS person on site. This means a Project Resource Person is on site to assist with the many facets of incorporating all these new items into the Science Program. Chris Hutchison has been a great inspiration as our first PRS. He has provided a lot of hours and much sweat in organizing as much as he has been able to on the project. After March Break, we are welcoming our second PRS, Sandra Fields. She will be taking over the role that Chris is leaving.

The EDU*tec project has been a tremendous learning experience. Even though, some of the facets of the intended program are slow into getting in place, the experience and the knowledge already gained has been well worth the investment. At times we feel we are spinning our wheels, but we do see progress.

My personal thanks go out to Jack Breaton for having the courage to invest in this program and for trusting me with all these new ideas, personnel and hardware in such a unique program.

Congratulations to John Braun and Fred Driedger of Kingsville District High School and Corry Demeris of Jack Miner Public School for being selected winners of the 1998 Educational Computing Organisation of Ontario's award for "educators who are making significant contributions in the field of educational computing". This award is in recognition of the efforts that have been made in integrating the computer and various science probes into the curriculum from Grade 8 through the OAC years and the various partnerships that have been fostered along the way.

John, Fred, and Corry will be featured speakers at this year's ECOO conference in Toronto on May 1, 2 1998. Their session is scheduled for Saturday, May 2 at 10:30.

To read more about the award, visit http://www.enoreo.on.ca/ecoo/awards.htm .

For more information, contact Corry at Corry_Demeris@gecdsb.on.ca or visit Jack Miner Public School on the web.

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