Tech centre opens doors.Algoma University College Algoma University College is a postsecondary institution in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada, offering undergraduate university degrees in more than 25 academic programs. Algoma is currently an affiliated college of Laurentian University in Sudbury. (AUC AUC area under curve ) will become the third university in the world to offer a master's degree master's degree n. An academic degree conferred by a college or university upon those who complete at least one year of prescribed study beyond the bachelor's degree. Noun 1. program in computer games. This is just one of the spinoff opportunities created from the $6.1 million ICT (1) (Information and Communications Technology) An umbrella term for the information technology field. See IT. (2) (International Computers and Tabulators) See ICL. 1. (testing) ICT - In Circuit Test. Centre at the university. The 40,000-square-foot facility houses a 20-seat amphitheatre, three computer labs and a fourth experimental lab, which will be used for the graduate program. "We will be the third university in the world to offer a (master's degree in computer games)," Bruno Barban director of university services and information technology says. Sault Ste. Marie Sault Sainte Marie — pronounced "Soo Saint Marie" (IPA /su seɪnt məˈɹi/) — is the name of two cities on the Saint Marys River, which forms part of the boundary between the United States and Canada. instructors will help students design and develop some of the highest level of computer games in the world with help from Scotland's University of Abertay professors. "They are the main university in the world that offers this program right now," Barban says. Graduating students will receive a University of Abertay degree once completed, but the program will be delivered here. That is the reason the high-tech ICT Centre classrooms are equipped with approximately 112 computers, which means there is one computer for every 90 users. The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre has occupied 4,000 square feet at the centre. Approximately 3,000 sq. ft. is being used as a business incubator Business incubators are organizations that support the entrepreneurial process, helping to increase survival rates for innovative startup companies. Entrepreneurs with feasible projects are selected and admitted into the incubators, where they are offered a specialized menu of for IT-related companies, while the remaining space is for a data storage and transfer centre. Inside, loads of redundancy with back up generators makes the facility a safe information haven. Insurance companies require law and accounting firms, financial institutions and credit card companies to have a back up storage facility off-site in the event of an accident or theft. "This place is virtually not shut down-able," he says. Sault Ste. Marie's PUC (Public Utility Commission) A regulatory body in every state in the U.S. that governs public utilities within its jurisdiction such as electricity, gas, oil, sewer, water, transportation and telephone service. Some states call it the Public Service Commission (PSC). Telecom Inc. is also housed under the ICT facility occupying 1,500 sq. ft. PUC owns up to 65 miles of fibre optic cabling around the city, which provides organizations like Algoma Steel, school boards and hospitals with Internet access. Recently, they have partnered with Ontera, so there are approximately six more employees working with PUC. "They are launching their Internet over hydro lines from here." The whole idea of the ICT facility is to create economic opportunities with computer science and business professors, students, IT technologist, incubation centre businesses, data warehouse users, IP and Internet providers. FedNor contributed $1.5 million, Northern Ontario Heritage Fund The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund is a division of the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines in the Canadian province of Ontario, whose purpose is to provide funding and program support to foster economic development in the economically disadvantaged Northern Ontario region. Corp. $2.5 million, the City of Sault Ste Marie $350,000 and the Sault Ste. Marie Public Utilities Commission $350,000. The AUC student union invested $1.2 million in a common room where a bar, cafeteria and lounge is situated. "They have all put money in the pot, they are all part of the deal," Barban says. The university is looking to increase its attractiveness to students. "If you come here we can provide you with a better IT experience. You can rub shoulders with other professionals. There is a possibility of getting hired upon graduation." For years the AUC instructors have played a significant part in establishing a technology cluster. In the first couple of years the institution hosted Future Play, an academic and recreational event which showcases the latest trends in computer programs and games. It was a way the business sector, academic and curios visitors were able to interchange ideas and create opportunities. The feedback became so positive, organizers decided to take it on the road and was recently held at the University of Michigan (body, education) University of Michigan - A large cosmopolitan university in the Midwest USA. Over 50000 students are enrolled at the University of Michigan's three campuses. The students come from 50 states and over 100 foreign countries. . www.auc.ca By KELLY LOUISEIZE Northern Ontario Business Northern Ontario Business is a Canadian magazine, which publishes monthly in Greater Sudbury, Ontario. The magazine covers business news and issues in Northern Ontario. |
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