Human Resources Development Canada: Government of Canada Funds Novanet Inc. Project

The Government of Canada will provide $90,000 in funding to Novanet Inc. to provide better support to distance education learners. Mr. Geoff Regan, Member of Parliament for Halifax West, on behalf of the Honourable Jane Stewart, Minister of Human Resources Development Canada, today announced funding for the Remote Distance/Continuing Education – Information Support Project, through the Office of Learning Technologies.

Novanet is a consortium of 10 Nova Scotia libraries that work together to enhance services for users in 9 universities and 14 community college campuses. Under this project, Novanet will develop a new collaborative online model of library services that will provide better support to distance education learners. This project will develop and maintain a distance education Web portal that will give all distance learners enrolled in member institutions access to interactive library reference services, research tutorials and digital collections. It will also develop an online information literacy program that will provide distance learners with opportunities to develop technology skills and competencies.

“This project will help distance education learners upgrade their skills and knowledge, which will help them to respond to the introduction of new technologies in their work environment,” said Mr. Regan. “Projects such as this one demonstrate the Government of Canada’s commitment to improving accessibility for all Canadians to learning opportunities.”

Since 1996, the Government of Canada’s Office of Learning Technologies has worked in partnership with other governments, business, labour and learning institutions to raise awareness and expand the use of innovative technologies for adult learning.

Projects are designed to increase understanding of how adults learn and how technologies can best support their learning needs. Research has shown that people who are familiar with technologies and are willing to pursue lifelong learning will have the greatest opportunities in our emerging knowledge-based economy and society.

The Office of Learning Technologies (OLT) approved projects are subject to the terms and conditions of a contribution agreement being signed between OLT and recipients.

Funding for this project was provided for in the December 2001 budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.

This project has been reviewed to ensure compliance with the Department’s administration of its grant and contribution programs.