Durham College and UOIT named 2006 Canadian Information Productivity Awards finalist
October 27, 2006
Canada's highest-prestige and longest-running IT awards program recognizes college and university's innovative use of technology
OSHAWA, Ont. - The Canadian Information Productivity Awards (CIPA) has announced that Durham College and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) have been awarded finalist status for their state-of-the-art Mobile Learning program as part of the CIPA 2006 Awards of Excellence program.In recognition of this achievement, the college and university will be recognized with a CIPA Finalist Achievement award at the organization's Gala Banquet being held in Toronto on November 1. Winners of the CIPA 2006 Awards of Excellence will also be announced at the event.
Durham College and UOIT operate as two separate academic institutions that uniquely share one campus and co-operate within a shared services model. The university - which opened its doors in the fall of 2003 - provides over 30 undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of high-demand areas to approximately 4,300 students. UOIT's leading-edge learning environment allows students to connect with their professors and peers any time, anywhere through the use of high-end laptops loaded with program-specific software that enables them to conduct research, make presentations, and access course material. Professors develop sophisticated course content using a powerful campus-wide online learning management system ensuring that all students have equal access to the same technology, resources and services, in- or outside the classroom.
Durham College has provided students with exceptional post-secondary education for close to 40 years. College students utilizing the Mobile Learning program use a current laptop and curriculum-based software on- and off campus that allows them to make quality computer-based presentations, conduct Internet research, work electronically on their own and with other students, and have electronic access to a range of online resources.
"To be recognized by CIPA as a finalist for our work on Durham College and UOIT's Mobile Learning program is an honour, considering CIPA is the premier information technology and innovation awards program in Canada," said Gerry Pinkney, vice-president of Information Technology for Durham College and UOIT. "It is rewarding to have our efforts to improve our enterprise through innovative technology acknowledged on a national scale."
CIPA's awards program recognizes organizations that have applied IT innovation to improve productivity and efficiency throughout the organization. Finalists for the annual awards are selected from entries submitted by public and private organizations of all sizes and types across Canada.
Durham College and UOIT were selected as a finalist based on the way their Mobile Learning program uses technology to transform each institution including giving students access to teaching and learning opportunities that would not otherwise be possible. The program also provides faculty with a platform for using innovative technology to further course delivery and expand learning opportunities for students.
Although several colleges and universities offer academic programs that require students to purchase a laptop, UOIT is Ontario's only laptop-based university and one of the few academic institutions in Canada that bases program delivery on technology standards, requiring all students be part of a Mobile Learning program.
Almost one-third of Durham College's academic programs are part of the Mobile Learning program including courses offered through the Schools of Design and Communication Arts, which integrate top-level graphic design and media software with state-of-the-art Macintosh laptops - providing students with anywhere, any time access to the latest educational tools needed to succeed.
"CIPA is pleased to acknowledge Durham College and UOIT's accomplishment," said Norm Kirkpatrick, president and CEO of CIPA. "The college and university have capitalized on their Mobile program to establish a platform to further the use of applications in support of teaching and learning, and increase the productivity and competitiveness of their organization."
CIPA promotes best practices from private and public sector organizations as examples for other Canadian organizations, highlighting ways to transform the operations of their organizations through the adoption of new processes and technologies. Above all, the awards prove year after year that Canada is a growing hub for global innovation.
About Durham College
For close to 40 years, Durham College has provided high-demand programs, professors with real-world experience, the latest technology, and an unwavering commitment to student success. Number one in the Greater Toronto Area based on a combined ranking in the areas of student, graduate, and employer satisfaction; graduate employment; and graduation rate for seven years running according to the provincial government's indicator surveys, the college also has the highest graduate employment rate - 93.1 per cent - of all six GTA colleges. The college has close to 6,000 full-time and 23,000 part-time students enrolled in over 100 programs and courses and over 1,500 apprentices. For more information, visit the website at www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.
About UOIT
As an innovative university, UOIT delivers a leading-edge learning environment that uniquely combines academic knowledge, research opportunities, hands-on skills and a vibrant student life. UOIT's 4,300 students are taught by professors who are experts in their fields from around the world. As Ontario's first laptop-based university, UOIT offers more than 30 challenging undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of Business and Information Technology, Criminology, Justice and Policy Studies, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, and Sciences. UOIT's commitment to research excellence has resulted in millions of dollars in grants and awards, including several Canada Research Chairs. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 905.721.8668.
About the Canadian Information Productivity Awards
CIPA is Canada's oldest and largest awards program in the field of information technology and the premier showcase for Canadian IT and innovation. It is supported by Managing Sponsor CGI Group Inc., and leading industry technology companies Hewlett-Packard (Canada) Co. and CA Canada, as well as: IDC Canada, research partner; Rogers Communications Inc., IT World Canada and High Road Communications, media partners, and allied technology associations CATA, CHITTA, CIPS, COACH, CME, FiQ and ITAC.
The mission of CIPA is to recognize and celebrate excellence that fosters innovation and enhanced global competitiveness in Canada. This is achieved through recognizing organizations that have successfully developed and implemented innovative IT-based projects in the areas of customer care, operations and efficiency, organizational transformation and exceptional innovation that achieve significant productivity gains for their organizations.
Winners of the annual competition gain national and international recognition at the CIPA Gala Banquet in November and through extensive media exposure and on www.cipa.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
Allison Rosnak
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.8668 ext. 2513
alison.rosnak@dc-uoit.ca
