A summer of discovery: Ontario's newest university opens the world of technology to local elementary students

OSHAWA, Ont. - Dozens of students from across Durham Region are discovering the wonders of technology this summer thanks to a new association between the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) and Toronto-based Children's Technology Workshop.

The children from Grades 2 to 8 are attending week-long day camps on the Oshawa campus of UOIT and Durham College. Known as icamp ™, the program gives children the opportunity to tackle fun, applied-technology projects in the context of an adventure chosen by them. Camp activities occur both on and off the computer, and focus on engineering and robotics, video game creation, animation and graphic design.

Families may choose the full or half-day program. On the first day, participants choose a topic from among 10 theme-based adventures. Over the course of the week, they complete between three and six projects depending on their age, area of interest, and skill level. The program is geared to individualized learning, and helps foster computer skills, storyboarding, creative problem solving, and other skills. The classes are limited to 20 children, and icamp's three instructors are all university students.

"We believe that the University of Ontario Institute of Technology and the Children's Technology Workshop have a very similar vision, even though we deal with different age groups," said Richard Levin, the university's Registrar and Vice-President, Strategic Enrolment Management. "Our shared focus on engineering, science, and control systems presents a unique opportunity for us to work together to promote technology literacy and creativity with children and youth."

UOIT's Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science is also collaborating with the Children's Technology Workshop to offer workshops during the school year, said Marc Rosen, the Dean of the faculty. "I'm convinced that icamp truly helps today's youth better understand engineering and technology in an exciting way," he said. "That helps our efforts to interest them in further studies and careers in engineering and related fields."

Cindy Froud-Smith, Regional Director for the Children's Technology Workshop (CTW) in Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa, estimates that approximately 100 children will participate in the program at UOIT this summer. Spaces are still available, and parents may call CTW's toll-free number (1-866-704-2267) to register their child. "Our goal is simple - to pique the interest of children in the areas of science, engineering and technology, and to change the way that children use technology," said Froud-Smith. "Today, most children only use technology for e-mailing, surfing or instant messaging. They barely scratch the surface of technology's potential, as well as their own."

About the University of Ontario Institute of Technology

As the province's newest university, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology provides a unique combination of academic knowledge, vibrant student life, leading-edge research, and hands-on skills. The university offers career-focused undergraduate degree

programs in the fields of business and information technology, health sciences, social science, applied science, the pure sciences, engineering, and education. It is also developing leading-edge research and graduate programs, and is Ontario's first laptop-based university. UOIT welcomed its first students in September 2003. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 1.866.844.8648.

About Children's Technology Workshop

Established in 1997 by Darryl Reiter, a former science and technology teacher, Children's Technology Workshop has grown to include 20 locations in Ontario, six of which are franchised. There are also franchise locations in Manitoba and Hong Kong. CTW offers a variety of programs, including after-school, camp, academic and group workshops. Programs are divided by age and are available in different formats to meet scheduling needs of parents and group facilitators. The company's staff of educators, engineers and technologists continually reviews and updates its content and technology to ensure children receive the best technology learning available.

Media contacts:

Cindy Froud-Smith
Regional Director, Ajax-Whitby-Oshawa
The Children's Technology Workshop
416.520.4998
cfroudsmith@ctworkshop.com

About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.

Media contact
John Schofield
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.3111, ext. 2162
john.schofield@uoit.ca.