Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

POLAR:WMT Paving the way for Online Learning in Arctic Regions using Wireless & Mobile Technologies  (POLAR:WMT)

Outline
Paving the way for Online Learning in Arctic Regions using Wireless & Mobile Technologies -- POLAR:WMTAs a result of vast distances, extreme climate, and lack of present day infrastructure, the North is critically lacking in education and training opportunities. With modern technology, and by incorporating recent advances in communications and computers, these barriers can be overcome resulting in a transforming impact in polar communities. As a global leader in online distance education (elearning), Athabasca University – Canada’s Open University (AU) – with its partners in the University of the Arctic and allied institutions in other countries, is the natural choice to implement viable learning programs. For example, AU’s exemplary programs in Health sciences, nursing, education, policing, and management, all address subject areas in which there is a critical lack of skilled personnel in the North, and in particular among the indigenous communities. By combining this internationally recognized educational leadership in elearning, which is eminently appropriate for reaching the North, with the exploration of new and appropriate technologies including satellite and mobile media, the major obstacles to learning in the North can be overcome.Building from AU’s experience working with information and communication technologies for learning and from its international partnerships, the participants in this project propose to develop an advanced learning network. The network will use the Internet via satellite access technologies to reach remote communities and will utilize wireless devices for dissemination and communication within communities. This high tech delivery will be used to support a learning-centred methodological approach to learning, teaching, and community development. This will promote an online learning culture in rural communities which in turn will improve digital literacy, access to local and external educational resources, and promote lifelong community-centred learning. In addition, technology resistance will be reduced in dozens of pilot sites in up to eight Arctic countries using the partnerships developed through AU’s membership in the University of the Arctic. The ultimate goals are growth, and the transfer of knowledge at various levels, in a range of relevant subject areas. This transfer of knowledge will start with a specific, and particularly appropriate module in e-portfolio development for prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR) as well as a first year university course in polar astronomy/space science. This course will take advantage of the internet accessible geophysical observatory (AUGO) at Athabasca University. A full range of programmes for polar students is envisioned. This POLAR WMT learning network can also be accessed by scientists for the training of highly qualified personnel (HQP), to disseminate their research and to popularize their activities through online workshops, seminars, learning modules, and lectures.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Change: This project brings hitherto inaccessible learning opportunities to remote settlements, documenting the impact of resulting social changes. Satellite-linked communities with wireless technologies supporting learning provide insights into Arctic operations. Global linkages: Linking students and faculty in different countries, this project provides insights in advancing the understanding of differences in learning cultures in disparate remote Arctic communities. New Frontiers: Technologically, wireless access to satellite delivered Internet-based learning is applied. Problems of Arctic implementation, including pedagogical and social implications, are studied. Human Dimension: The principal theme area, investigating the techno/pedagogical (elearning) processes that will shape the sustainability of circumpolar human societies.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
AU will work with University of the Arctic (45 universities) Morten Flate Paulsen, NKI Fjernundervisning, Norway The European 6th Framework Project Northern Rural Wings -Institute for International Education/Multimedia – StockholmFinnish Open University Claudia Fedorova, Sakha State University of RussiaOther programmes aiding in delivering education, disseminating information on IPY projects

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
The learning modules to be created for this project will be available worldwide on the Internet. There will be mobile wireless access test sites in at least five remote northern Canadian communities located in the NWT and Nunavut. Broadband access will be used wherever available in the arctic.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 04/07 – 08/07      09/07 – 12/08      
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
This project will use satellite communications provided by the Communications Research Centre Canada. This infrastructure will be shared with other projects. TR Labs and our telecommunications partners will provide the wireless infrastructure in five communities. CANARIE will provide Canadian Broadband access to some of the Centres in Canada’s arctic.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
The satellite communications are already available. These will be extended during the life of the project. The wireless infrastructure will remain in place in the remote communities. The broadband access to some communities will be maintained.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Consortium
National agency
Commercial operator
Own support
Other sources of support

U of the Arctic will provide local support for international delivery. In remote Canadian settlements, local communities will provide needed support. AU is in discussions with Bell and Inukshuk regarding working with us for the local implementation of wireless networks. The CRC will provide satellite support.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
NOT YET

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
yes

This is a new autonomous proposal that will build on the U of the Arctic consortium. AU has a mandate to serve remote communities using the Internet across Canada and internationally. This special project fits into our mandate.

How will the project be organised and managed?
This project will be self-managed and free-standing and will be overseen by a Project Steering Committee consisting of representatives of the principal partners and the key test communities. The multimedia modules will be managed, based on the existing infrastructure available at AU. There are established management structures in place for the U of the Arctic and Athabasca University. The project management will be based on an iterative methodology to ensure that scope is limited and then expanded as it is tested.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
This is an education outreach project. It will work with other projects to aid in fulfilling educational outreach obligations in northern communities. Besides reaching northern communities, the learning and information modules will be available worldwide on the Internet. Presentations on the project will be made at appropriate scholarly conferences and public events. Popular and scholarly articles will be published.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
The modules created, and the research results obtained, will be placed in Athabasca University’s Learning Object Repository and in the World Bank Gateway using international standards for interoperability namely IEEE LOM, Dublin Core metadata specifications.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Non-secured funding: Province of Alberta Innovation & Science: $100 000 Canadian Space Agency: $ 50 000 Industry Canada aid to Industry grant: $ 50 000 CANARIE (in kind) $100 000 Athabasca University (in kind) $ 50 000 Others?

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
This is a pre-proposal. In addition to delivering our own learning modules using this system, we also intend, in the next month and beyond, to contact and work with other IPY proposers to see what synergies can be developed for working together. This will assist all stakeholders to meet their education and dissemination obligations in polar regions.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Professor, Associate Vice President Research Rory McGreal
Athabasca University – Canada’s Open University
1 University Drive, Athabasca
Alberta
T9S 3A3
CANADA

Tel: +1 780 675-6821
Mobile: +1 780 940-7407
Fax: +1 780 675-6722
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation