The Honourable Michael F. Currie, Minister of Development and Technology, and the Honourable J. Chester Gillan, Minister of Education, today announced that a new multimedia design and development program is being introduced at Kinkora Regional High School.
The Technology Arts course is a pilot project that will begin in February 2003. It will introduce students to the exciting new field of multimedia design and will be open to students in grades 11 and 12 . Students will receive a hands-on introduction to industry standard software such as Director 8, Flash, Dreamweaver and Fireworks. They will learn how to use digital video cameras and audio recording equipment that is used in multimedia development.
Students will also explore the different kinds of careers that are encompassed in multimedia development, such as computer animator, computer audio technician, interface designer, software engineer, graphic designer and Webmaster.
The pilot program is designed to help address an issue raised in the Knowledge Worker Demand Survey Final Report. In the report, employers indicated they were experiencing difficulty recruiting information technology staff for positions in software development and multimedia production.
"We anticipate this is going to increasingly become a career option for young Islanders," said Minister Currie. "One of the focuses in the Atlantic Technology Centre is multimedia development, and it's important for business that we have a skilled workforce, and important for Islanders that the training is available for those who may want to explore and follow this career path."
The Technology Arts course is the latest IT program to be introduced at Kinkora Regional High School. Last year the school added a Computer Repair and Troubleshooting course to its full slate of computer courses. The course has been recognized as far away as Iqaluit where a local school is receiving mentoring from a teacher at Kinkora Regional High School to assist with the introduction of the program.
"Kinkora Regional High School is a leader in providing information technology learning opportunities," said Minister Gillan. "I am confident that students will enjoy this new course and perhaps even develop an interest in furthering their computer and IT education upon graduation."
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to format web pages with advanced multimedia tools, use software products found in the multimedia software industry, create interactive CDs and effectively manage elements and materials developed for product.
The pilot program is funded by the Department of Development and Technology, through Technology PEI Inc., the Department of Education and the Western School Board.