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by Maria Driscoll

A leading-edge, post-graduate program in interactive multimedia applications will be launched in P.E.I. this fall thanks to a partnership agreement announced today. The agreement includes the federal and provincial governments, the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI), Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ, and Sheridan ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ.

Beginning in September at Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ, approximately 25 students a year will be trained in the design and production of multimedia products for use in the expanding business, educational and consumer markets. The state-of-the-art training will provide students with a broad range of integrated technical and design skills, as well as project management expertise. Training will focus on such areas as interactive design, advanced web development, digital audio/video, and animation and modelling. Graduates of the program will be able to create and manage the production of multimedia products.

"Education and training of this calibre will form the centrepiece for the development of technology-based industries in PEI," stated the Honourable Robert Thibault, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). "Such innovative programs will increase the availability of highly qualified staff for existing IT companies planning to diversify or expand in P.E.I. They will also lead to more start-ups in knowledge-based industries as entrepreneurial students graduate."

The new Interactive Multimedia Program is the same highly successful program currently offered at Sheridan ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ. Upon graduation, students of the new program will receive a joint credential issued by Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ and Sheridan. Sheridan ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ has an internationally respected reputation as an educator in the high-growth field of multimedia. The new training will also build on, and complement, existing programs and expertise now available through Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ and UPEI. CISCO Systems, a world business leader in technology, supports this program and will offer technical and professional support.

"We are anxious to provide more opportunities for young Islanders to become involved in this field," said the Honourable Mike Currie, P.E.I. Minister of Development and Technology. "This program will give them the chance to take advantage of the very best educational opportunities available - and to do so right here on the Island."

Wade MacLauchlan, president of UPEI noted that, "this program will be good for the Island. It will build capacity and provide talented graduates with advanced learning opportunities in the growing field of multimedia applications. UPEI is pleased to be an active partner."

"The Interactive Multimedia program will raise the current standard of multimedia development and training available in Atlantic Canada," commented Dr. Brian McMillan, Executive Director of Program Operations at Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ. "The program will also provide the IT industry with the much needed skilled workforce to develop quality multimedia content for the internet. In addition, the three primary partners in this project will have further opportunities for training research and development in multimedia and e-learning."

The program is being cost-shared through the Canada/Prince Edward Island Regional Economic Development Program (REDA) which is contributing $600,000. Holland ¼â½ÐÊÓƵ and UPEI, together with CISCO Systems, will make a combined contribution of $200,000.