The Centre for Excellence in Advanced Learning and Technology (CEALT), Knowledge Park, Fredericton, New Brunswick
Technology and teaching unite The world has radically shifted from localized industrial, manufacturing and agrarian centers to knowledge-driven, global economics. Timothy Workman, Executive Director at The Centre for Excellence in Advanced Learning and Technology (CEALT), doesn’t think Canada is fully ready to play its part in this revolution. Located at the Knowledge Park in Fredericton, New Brunswick, CEALT is the result of an inspirational collaboration that began with Timothy Workman. The Centre of Excellence opened in August 2011. In this new facility, researchers are studying the benefits of new methodologies and technologies in the classroom and on the job site. Their end product? An agile and productive workforce ready to compete with the best the world has to offer. Timothy Workman’s challenge is to develop a national strategy to prepare an entire generation for today’s economics. CEALT is his preemptive strike against an impending crisis. He believes that the quality and efficacy of its education system is the key to Canada’s future success. Workman’s exposure to education came during 19 years of service as a major in the Canadian Armed Forces. He spent the latter part of his military career working on training and modernization projects which included studies on the merits of using simulation and gaming technology in the military. The research findings were positive; test subjects were able to work more efficiently and reduce errors via the influences of simulation and gaming. Workman extrapolated these findings beyond the military. He believed that using simulation and gaming, combined with other mainstream technologies, could challenge traditional learning strategies and potentially change the landscape of Canadian education. As Workman explains, “Transitioning out of the industrial age requires us to create an adaptable workforce equipped with 21st century skills. The way kids learn today has to do with the weaving of media and technology into day-to-day living. This generation is able to learn and memorize while immersed in media. The methodology isn’t in today’s classroom, and no one is taking advantage of what it has to offer.” Typically, new technologies are viewed as hindrances to productivity and traditional learning styles in offices and classrooms. Workman set out to reverse that ideology. Lacking a national strategy to overhaul the education system, he focused on creating the infrastructure to put the country’s greatest minds together to develop that missing blueprint. With ties in the New Brunswick area and the province’s focus on education, Workman felt it would be a good place to seek out investors. New Brunswick, also a tech savvy province, was home to world-class simulation technologies producer CAE, a company that decided to locate to New Brunswick as a result of the planned CEALT initiative. Other partners included the Knowledge Park, and the University of New Brunswick. Also close by was CPB Gagetown army base where Workman spent his military career and tested his 38
simulation strategies, made possible with products by CAE. For Larry Shaw, General Manager of Knowledge Park and a player in CEALT’s development, the serendipitous collaboration was indicative of Atlantic Canada’s work ethic. “We always feel we need to go that extra mile to be successful and to be better than the initiative next door,” he says. That mentality of maritime fraternity spread quickly; the federal government took note and wanted in on the project. Several other high profile government agencies quickly followed suit, including the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the National Research Council (NRC). Laura O’Blenis, former General Manager of the Knowledge Park, played a key role in the negotiations. She explains, “This initiative wouldn’t have happened without the province of New Brunswick and the location of the region itself. The reason we were able to succeed was because of the direct effort made by specific individuals here. That’s why it’s in Fredericton and not Ottawa.” Although O’Blenis has since moved on to the private sector as the CEO of her own consulting firm, she remains impressed by what has emerged from CEALT. “It is a total success story,” she says. “Bringing together a cluster of corporate, academic, and government partners clearly demonstrates the importance of collaboration in advancing the knowledge economy. Knowledge Park’s contribution in the process is a great testament to the gamechanging role research parks can have in building a better place for companies and industry sectors to start, grow and stay.” And as Shaw says, it’s easier to achieve results when the driving force to succeed takes root in the hearts and minds of the parties involved. “As Atlantic Canadians, we have a tendency to throw everything into the game. Historically, we only get one shot at things so we make sure we shine when we have the opportunity.” The 15,000 square foot CEALT building will be completed during the summer and see its first tenants move in during August. It’s a collective passion project that’s three years in the making and now these partners in innovation can somewhat sit back and see the benefits CEALT will bring to their country. DG