Interactive distance ed program breaks new ground

By Aaron Epp  |  Tuesday, July 27, 2010

WINNIPEG, MB—Providence College and Seminary is shrinking its environmental footprint and expanding its reach with a new interactive distance education program that will allow students to participate in classes from anywhere in the world.

Providence launched its eProv program with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, July 7. The program—the first of its kind in Manitoba—broadcasts seminars and lectures live from the college's Otterburne, Manitoba campus via the Internet. Students in remote areas can participate by using webcams and microphones, meaning they do not need to travel to specifically equipped video-conferencing centres or classrooms in order to take a distance education course.

"The most common concern I hear when talking to prospective students is, 'I'd like to take a class, but I can't leave where I am,'" said Gus Konkel, president of Providence College and Seminary, who joined the press conference from San Diego, California, using the eProv system. "Well, now they don't have to leave.

Students will be able to join classes from anywhere … around the world."

Beginning September 8, Providence will have two rooms dedicated to the eProv program: the first one for seminars, as well as a second room for lectures and larger gatherings.

Funding for the program was made possible in part by the Buller Foundation, as well as the federal government's Knowledge Infrastructure Program, which gave Providence $550,000. Half of that amount was designated for interactive distance education.

"Investments made through the [Knowledge Infrastructure] Program will not only generate economic benefits and support job creation, they will enhance the research capacity, support the attraction of new students and provide a better educational experience for the highly skilled workers of tomorrow," said Vic Toews, minister of public safety and member of parliament for Provencher, who was on hand to cut the ribbon. "I am pleased to be a part of the official launch of eProv today."

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