February 24, 2000 For Immediate Release

A $50,000 contribution by BC Gas has allowed the University of Northern British Columbia to acquire high-tech equipment that is being used to develop more on-line courses.

A reception was held at the Prince George campus to acknowledge the BC Gas gift and officially name a web development lab in honour of the company. The lab is part of the University's Centre for Teaching and Learning, a department that facilitates the use of technology in the classroom.

There are currently dozens of UNBC web courses either complete or in development (the complete list is available by accessing ctl.unbc.ca, and clicking on the WebCT icon). A number of classes also use the web for course materials. Courses that use web materials have about 1,000 registrations.

"We know that to compete in a global market and to be successful, it's important that we provide our students - the leaders of tomorrow - with the tools to learn," says Graham Henderson, BC Gas Regional Business Leader - North. "We're particularly proud to assist UNBC in enhancing the delivery of courses throughout northern British Columbia and to prepare students for the technology of tomorrow."

The Centre for Teaching and Learning is located on the main floor of the Administration Building.