KAMLOOPS – Thompson Rivers University is the lead institution on two successful BCcampus proposals, one originating from the Faculty of Science, and one from the School of Tourism.

TRU’s science and tourism proposals were among 16 successful proposals selected from a total of 55 in 2006.

TRU Sciences aims to develop an integrated laboratory network to allow students to complete science labs online, anytime/anyplace, with shared access to scientific instrumentation, instructional materials and expertise, while Tourism will develop five courses to complete an on line Bachelor of Tourism Management program.

TRU is also collaborating with ten BC post-secondary institutions to revise and update four courses (Adult Basic Education Intermediate Math, Provincial Technical and Professional English, Advanced English and Provincial Biology) for an Adult Basic Education Online Program, and is partnering with UBC and UNBC to develop a virtual teaching tool on specific soil forming processes consisting of four learning objects for use in soil, agriculture, forestry, and natural resource management courses across BC.

Integrated laboratory network (ILN) partners UBC, UNBC, and Western Washington University will meet at TRU Aug. 21 and 22 for an orientation workshop; The group plans to complete the development of and pilot-test new learning and laboratory activities at partner institutions between Sept. 2007 and April 30, 2008, with an evaluation and development of a sustainable business model to be completed by July 31, 2009. Once established, the BC-ILN will allow additional development of tailor-made lecture learning activities and laboratory courses that can be completed through distance offerings. The cost-effectiveness of increased utilization of instrumentation and the sharing of instructional materials and expertise between institutions will provide students with access to a wider spectrum of relevant modern equipment and learning activities to support their education.

“To help us overcome the challenges we see in teaching our analytical chemistry courses as well as expand the choices available for learning by utilizing technology, we will develop and operate an Integrated Laboratory Network (ILN) in the province of BC that will provide online, anytime/anyplace, shared access to scientific instrumentation, instructional materials and expertise to enhance excellence in science education,” explained TRU assistant chemistry professor Sharon Brewer.

“This project builds on the successful research collaboration between UBC Pharmacy and Western Washington University (WWU) to develop the ILN concept. We feel that a BC-ILN has significant potential to enhance student learning, access and teaching practice in science programs.”

Building on six upper-level online courses for the Bachelor of Tourism Management developed in 2002, TRU’s School of Tourism, along with partners Malaspina University College and Capilano College, will develop five additional courses complementary to the completion of the university’s tourism degree program related to tourism research methods, management of festivals and events, sport tourism, and community and rural tourism development.

The tourism program team will hold a meeting October 30th, to review of learning outcomes, discuss course design models, track copyrights, and share templates and ideas, with the project due for completion Jan. 30, 2008.

BCcampus, the public post-secondary system’s web-based portal that supports educators and connects students to online learning programs and services offered at B.C.’s public institutions, created its annual Online Program Development Fund (OPDF) in 2003 to encourage and support inter-institutional collaboration and partnerships for development of online learning resources to give students access to more programs that will help them complete degrees, diplomas and certificates. Since 2003, $5.5 million has been made available through the BCcampus Online Program Development Fund to institutions for developing online resources.

Once many of these projects have completed their development process producing online learning resources that are now in operational use, they become available for sharing and reuse by others.

BCcampus is also a partner in TRU’s “Mapping quality of life and the culture of small cities” project, which received $1,000,000 in funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council earlier this year.

For more information, visit BC Campus or contact:
Dr. Dave Twynam (Dean, TRU School of Tourism) at 250-371-5861 or by email.
Dr. Sharon Brewer (Assistant Professor, TRU Faculty of Science) at 250-371-5548 or by email.
Ms. Kathryn MacDonald (BCcampus Communications and Partner Relations) at 250-661-8888 or by email.