In January 1998, seven school boards amalgamated to form the Toronto District School Board, a board responsible for 600 schools. To deal with the complexities of the new entity, researchers have been using geographical information systems (GIS). GIS are computer-based tools for mapping. They store information as a collection of thematic layers or…

This report documents research that was carried out on a sample of Ontario secondary school principals in May 1986 to investigate the ways in which educational administrators, as planners, can use the computer. By means of a questionnaire, data were obtained to describe the current situation and the state of the art, and also to identify a future…

This paper describes case studies of 15 schools in one Canadian province that have been involved in a national project directed at the integration of information and communication technology (ICT) into teaching and learning. By focusing on a specific change related to the integration of ICT, the research explored two primary questions: (1) What…

A great deal of experimentation with telecommunications technologies is occurring in both New Zealand and Atlantic Canadian rural schools. New Zealand has developed a National Information and Communications Technology Strategy, the objectives and initiatives of which are described. On both the North and South Islands, small rural schools have…

Environmental factors currently affecting today's community colleges either will cause irreparable damage to their fiscal health and organizational structure or contribute to their rebirth--transforming systems and processes to meet current and future challenges successfully. Community colleges are facing challenges on many levels: (1) In 2003,…

This study presents preliminary information about how Alberta school jurisdictions are currently providing technical support to schools and administrative offices. The focus of the study is on costs, planning and management practices, and key issues. Six "case study" jurisdictions were examined in depth, and a questionnaire was used to…

To successfully create a Web site, schools and jurisdictions must plan for the site's content, design and development and learn the principles of effective page design. This report contains technical advice on implementing and managing Web site development in schools. Following an introduction which discusses functions of jurisdiction and school…

The information in this document is based on a study that Alberta Education commissioned on establishing technology systems that are responsive to the requirements of Alberta's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPP). This document provides an overview of key issues and suggested strategies in the following areas: (1)…

This report examines access to lifelong learning opportunities on Canada's information highway. The report begins with a glossary and a learner-centered model in which the information highway links learners with learning opportunities provided through educational institutions, community organizations, government, and business and industry.…

This study examined how technology funding is planned, deployed and managed in six Alberta school jurisdictions and identified best practices and recommended strategies. Specific objectives were to research and examine, via interviews with technology personnel in each jurisdiction, the funding frameworks in place, and to report on commonalties,…

This study provides suggestions and best practices for superintendents, Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIPP) coordinators and school information technologists in dealing with the impact of Alberta's FOIPP Act on the application of information technologies within their organizations. The study explores the relationship between…

Part of the postsecondary educational system in Canada, community colleges offer several types of programs to both students leaving the secondary system and adults who want occupational training or education in the applied arts and human service professions. Like other educational institutions, these two-year colleges have sought to use new…

This paper provides a snapshot of the computer network security industry and addresses specific issues related to network security in public education. The following topics are covered: (1) security policy, including reasons for establishing a policy, risk assessment, areas to consider, audit tools; (2) workstations, including physical security,…

The successful implementation of Alberta's learner outcomes in information and communication technology will depend on the ability of educators across the province to understand how change occurs and what change means for those who are involved. Schools and school jurisdictions also must have a clear vision for the future and provide effective…

Electronic networking can help postsecondary institutions with distance education (DE) programs respond to increasing pressures to improve the services they offer and make them more cost-effective. Some institutions immediately accepted the need for electronic networking and began to develop and implement technology plans focused primarily on…