History

The IT for Dominica Project originated in the fall of the year 2000 as Dr. Gordon Campbell (Professor Emeritus, University of Lethbridge) sought educational computers on behalf of the Prime Minister’s office in the Commonwealth of Dominica. Following several conversations with the Commonwealth of Dominica, a partnership was formed with the Ministry of Education in Dominica. This partnership extended across both corporate and public entities in several ensuing years.  The project is founded upon a partnership principle – namely that it takes a coordinated team of Dominicans and Canadians working diligently to provide the intended services. Generous teacher and technical volunteers have worked ongoing, both on the island and off the island, to provide professional development, technical training, computing resources, networking resources and systems.

Partners in the IT for Dominica Project
Starting in 2000, Dr. Maurice Hollingsworth has worked closely with the Ministry of Education in Dominica and supporting Canadian partners in the interest of supporting IT in Education for Dominican students. Through generous donations, talented volunteers, and a willingness to share, this project continues to serve a role for students and educators in the Commonwealth of Dominica.

Funds and resources within the project have been contributed by the Alberta Teachers’ Association, corporate donations, ATA Local #19, and numerous educational organizations. Until Hurricane Maria, the project progressively focused more on professional development needs, as the partnership needs and support structures shifted. However, Hurricane Maria has robbed today's students of an education that serves them tomorrow. Gone are the learning resources needed by students.

Progression of Activities
2001
  • IT for Dominica Summer Institute and installation of a school network.
2003 (Spring)
  • Installation of 100 computers, networks, and Internet connections where possible
2003 (Summer)
  • IT for Dominica Summer Institute
2003 (Fall)
  • IT for Dominica hosts Mr. Abraham Durand to share Dominican culture and learn of IT in Education approaches in Canada.
2004
  • IT for Dominica Summer Institute
2005
  • IT for Dominica Summer Institute
2006 (Spring)
  • Installation of over 200 computers and 20 networks with connection to the Internet.
2006 (Summer)
  • IT for Dominica Summer Institute
2007
  • IT for Dominica Summer Institute
2008 (Spring)
  • Placement of University of Lethbridge advanced practicum student for four months
2008
  • IT for Dominica Summer Institute
2009
  • IT for Dominica Summer Institute
2010
  • Placement of four University of Lethbridge Graduate Students as part of their Master’s Degree Internship Program in IT Leadership.
2010
  • IT for Dominica Summer Institute
2011
  • IT for Dominica Summer Institute
2012
  • IT for Dominica Summer Institute
2013
  • IT for Dominica Summer Institute
2014
  • IT for Dominica Summer Institute
2015
  • IT for Dominica Summer Institute & Planning with the Dominican Ministry of Education
2016
  • IT for Dominica Summer Institute
2017
  • IT for Dominica Summer Institute
Partners Supporting IT for Dominica
Key partners supporting the project have included the following:
  • Alberta Teachers Association
  • Dominican Prime Minister’s office and Ministry of Education
  • ATA Local #19, Palliser Regional Schools
  • University of Lethbridge
  • Dr. Gordon Campbell
  • Foothills School Division #38
  • Lethbridge School District #51
  • Prairieland School Division #25
  • Prairie Rose Regional Division #88
  • The Banff Center
  • Wolf Creek School Division
  • MicroAge Computers
  • Hewlett Packard (Compaq) through the Southern Alberta Computer Consortium
  • TLD (London Drugs)
  • Telus Corp.
  • Air Canada
  • Faronics Software
  • Alcatel Canada
  • Tropical Shipping
  • West Jet
Key Activities - 2001 to 2017
  • Through the keen interest of Dominican educators and volunteer work by Alberta teachers, almost 1000 Dominican teachers have learned about various aspects of technology integration through the IT for Dominica Summer Institute program.
  • Numerous Alberta educators have voluntarily dedicated part of their summer to teaching about integrating information technology into classrooms as part of the IT for Dominica Summer Institute. As well, spin-off activities have included university graduate and undergraduate students learning in Dominica as part of their practicum experiences.
  • Over 300 computers have been delivered to schools on the island in addition to networking equipment, printers, electrical supplies, and instructional resources.  Through volunteer support from several technical staff-members, computing systems were networked within 35 schools across the island. Ongoing technical training and advisement also assisted in the support of learning with these technologies.
Feedback from Summer Institute Teacher:
There are only a handful of moments in my life that I can clearly identify as being profoundly ‘life-changing’, but within that elite group falls the time I spent teaching in
Dominica. Beyond a simple instructional experience, the process was rejuvenating on a deep, human level. I have never worked as hard as I did during those two weeks when I provided technology instruction to a diverse group of participants. But no matter the challenge, I always left my classroom smiling, excited for what the next day would bring.