Agencies work hand in hand

Times Contributor

 

Need to know about financing for Bow Valley College (BVC) online and part time funding but cannot get into the city to get the details?

BVC and Marigold Library are collaborating to bring the information to rural residents through interactive video conference sessions, shared between several participating libraries, and taping those sessions so residents can access the information at any time through the RISE website.

“It is very time saving and is convenient for potential students as they don’t need to wait to make an appointment to have some of their questions answered,” said Stacie Baker, lecturer on Student Financing and Budgets.

There are four sessions in all: Intro to distance learning ran Jan. 18th, Student Finance ran Jan. 25th, Career Exploration Techniques ran on Feb. 1 and Essential Online Skills will take place Feb. 8th. Response to these will determine the effectiveness of the initiative and break paths for future use of video conferencing through the Library system, perhaps in course content delivery and tutoring. 

If people are interested in viewing these, the Strathmore Library has the ability to link into the sessions, but you must call ahead of time. All sessions and posters are also available for download at http://www.risenetwork.ca.

Michelle Toombs, Director of Marigold Library, noted the network is very accessible as it can access all types of hardware interfaces, whereas something like Skype is reliant on the other party having Skype as well. She noted one of the other advantages is that it can be designed for groups of people. 

A large screen makes for easy viewing and can simultaneously post the presentation, the speaker and audience on one screen. If there are technical difficulties there is on-site staff, or staff at Marigold head office can link in and solve technical issues.

Toombs said patrons have successfully used videoconferencing for meetings, medical consultations, distance education, as well as personal growth and lifelong learning opportunities. 

For example, RISE facilitated a conversation between local farmers and the Agriculture Canada Research Station, thus exchanging valuable information while saving time and money. Also, women business entrepreneurs in and around the town of Strathmore held a videoconferencing session with a business leader in Colorado. English Language Learning students in Nanton and Hanna connected with offsite instructors. Worldwide locations such as Hawaii and Australia have been accessed.

The Library system itself has saved more than 5,000 hours of travel time and reduced their carbon footprint by not travelling more than 225,000 kilometers. 

Jesse Traquair of the Strathmore Library encourages everyone to book the facility. 

“There hasn’t been a high interest to date, but that is largely due to awareness. Those that have used the system have been blown away by its capabilities,” said Traquair.

Strathmore Library can accommodate 69 to 165 people depending on room setup. He said people do not have to be members to utilize the system, but would need to call ahead to book the equipment and room. Staff would be on hand for setup and technical help. There is some information such as dialing strings that users will need to make connection, but Traquair will advise users of those when they book. For more information call Jesse Traquair at 403-934-5540.