Two programs are being introduced by Technology PEI to give young Islanders a taste of the world of information technology.
"Youth of a Digital Age" will be co-sponsored by the Morell Region Community Learning Centre and Technology PEI. It teaches students from grades 7 to 10 the techniques of designing a web page.
This project will give 250 Island students the opportunity to learn the tools and skills required for today's advancing technology. One hundred young people will be employed to run weekend workshops to teach the skills. Five schools will be selected as hosts for the projects.
Students will be taught web design skills and will then be able to design a site based on a subject of their choice. Upon completion, family, friends and other guests will be invited to the site launching where they can see the final product. The students will develop the skills to continue their education in technology or to apply in whatever path they decide to take in the future.
A co-ordinator will be hired to visit Island schools to assess the level of interest in hosting the program.
The "IT Generation" network program will be established in communities interested in helping youth gain skills in the technical digital area.
Grants will be provided to 10 community groups to assist them in the purchase of equipment. The program will be run by Digital Innovations of Tignish. They will provide basic training to any of the sites who have purchased equipment through the program.
A provincial IT Generation program web site will be produced and participants will be encouraged to complete web sites of their own. The network will provide information to youth in all communities across the Island.
Organizations involved in the program must have a person or group who will be responsible for the IT Generation club as well as demonstrate a commitment to youth.
For more information on "Youth in a Digital Age," contact the Morell Regional Community Learning Centre at (902) 961-2642 or by e-mail: mrclc@isn.net
For more information on "IT Generation," contact Digital Innovations at (902) 882-2392 or visit the Digital Innovations website: http://tigcap.peicaps.org/