Congratulations to all those Communities Without Boundaries folks involved in setting up the October 31 videoconference event in conjunction with the SuperNet.  I only attended the afternoon sessions but found them to be terrific.  Lots of great presenters with lots of knowledge to share. 

Things are changing rapidly in the broadband issues-sphere, including rural connectivity and access.  It has to be a central public policy issue in Alberta especially with the advent of the SuperNet. 

I blog on a array of public policy issues but assure you that net neutrality, access, connectivity, competition and regulation as well as free speech and consumer concerns will be a large part of my postings going forward.  Here is a sample.   http://ken-chapman.blogspot.com/2008/11/rual-alberta-broadband-access-more-than.html

Ken Chapman

www.ken-chapman.blogspot.com

The Alberta SuperNet was more about me than Rural Alberta at least that's how it began. It began one day in 1998 when my daughter now married moved to Rural Alberta. The internet was still in it's infancy but I was on the bleeding edge of the technology in the City. I became personally frustrated at no-internet access for my daughter and felt somewhat robbed of her love. Five months ago from Mirror, Alberta I was able to purchase on-line tickets for my Daughter to go to the Madonna Concert in Vancouver. As I write this she is at the concert tonight. The tickets sold out in 10 minutes. Without The Alberta SuperNet this would not have been possible. The digital divide gap is closing. So this story is about a Mother that wanted to give something to her daughter...it was about love. A Mother's love to a Daughter and how now even thought I live in the City (once again) we are connected. Ah, but the story grows because now my Grand-daughter is in Kindergarten in Rural Alberta and she too will enjoy the benefits of being connected. But, I learned so much about Alberta and the beauty and wonderment and some where along the line it became about Rural Alberta. Enjoy your conference -- wish I was there! See you all again soon. PS: Glad the math question was easy on CAPTCHA

My name is Christina Mandrusiak.  I am currently working with the Good Samaritan Society.  GSS has about 35 locations across AB and BC (some rural) and employs about 4500 people.  Our focus is healthcare, specifically assisted living, complex/continuing care, and rehabilitative services.  I am presently implementing learning management and content management systems, a virtual learning environment, and developing face to face, blended, and online learning.  My role is new to GSS so it's a great opportunity to affect change.  I wouldn't call myself an expert, but in previous positions (Microsoft and Dell Canada) I was tasked with building local L&D/training departments.  At GSS I am faced with a number of challenges/opportunties ranging from low digital literacy to ESL to accessibility and connectivity.  I have just achieved a Master of Arts Degree in Learning & Technology, and am looking forward to participating in this conference to gain insight and learn from the experiences and knowledge of those attending.

This summer the Cold Lake Public Library had the pleasure of participating in 6 video conferencing sessions with the Royal Tyrrell Museum. I was VERY impressed at the quality and content of these sessions. The children loved them especially PIQ: Test Your Paleo Intelligence where they were able to interact with children from other areas. It is quite amazing how comfortable the children were communicating with the other libraries using video conferencing equipment. After each session the kids would excitedly ask when they could come again. I look forward to more interactive sessions from the Royal Tyrrell Museum and hope other museums will follow their outstanding example by bringing knowledge to people in areas that may not have been able to visit in person. Thank You

Coral Kratchmer

Cold Lake Library