LINCS: Learning through Interactive Networked Collaboration and Simulation

Network of Centres of Excellence--Letter of Intent

Cover Letters

THE UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY

Vice-President (Research)

29 August, 1994
Sue Milne
Networks of Centres of Excellence,
Natural Sciences and Engineering
Research Council of Canada
350 Albert Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 1H5

Dear Ms. Milne:

Re: LINCS (Learning through Networked Collaboration and Simulation)

Enclosed please find The University of Calgary's letter of intent to develop a proposal for a Network of Centres of Excellence in the area of technology-based learning. LINCS (Learning through Networked Collaboration and Simulation) will support Canada's transformation into a learning society by creating a network for research and development on technology-based lifelong learning.

LINCS accomplishes this by connecting industry leaders and academic researchers engaged in improving the quality of learning through effective use of high technology. The unifying theme of LINCS is research and development on learning processes and outcomes in active, collaborative networked environments that make systematic use of well-designed simulations and virtual reality formats.

This project requires diversity in research methodology, content area expertise and application environment. LINCS responds to this need by connecting a wide range of research specialists involved in training and retraining applications, technology development and cultural expression. We have also made systematic provision for technology transfer in employment, international development, commercialization and new ventures development.

LINCS is a project-in-development. Letters have been received from each of the industry and government partners indicating their firm commitment to the project and ways in which they plan to contribute to the research and development programme. Additional partnerships are currently under consideration, but any future additions will also be expected to demonstrate a clear fit with the LINCS programme.

We trust that you will see that LINCS addresses fundamental changes required to achieve systematic technology transfer to homes and schools from research on learning in leading edge industries. It will bring together a powerful combination of highly talented individuals and will channel their efforts toward questions that are vital to the economic and social change that will shape Canada's future.

Sincerely,

  C.H. Langford                              Brian Gaines
  Vice-President (Research)                  Killam Memorial Research Professor,
                                             Director, Knowledge Science Institute


THE UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY

Vice-President (Research)

29 August, 1994
Sue Milne
Networks of Centres of Excellence,
Natural Sciences and Engineering
Research Council of Canada
350 Albert Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 1H5

Dear Ms. Milne:

I am writing to express the unqualified support of The University of Calgary for the LINCS proposal for an NCE in educational technology. This proposal is characterized by its horizontal integration. The central issues it addresses range across the educational needs of Canada at this time. It provides the prospect of an attack on some of the deepest problems faced by our country. Moreover, it brings together a group of internationally respected educators and computer scientists. The Knowledge Science Institute led by Brian Gaines is one of the world's most remarkable "virtual institutes" and the launching of the geographically broadest high speed telecommunication network in North America, the WURC-Net initiative, sets the right stage.

The University of Calgary is sensitive to the responsibilities that go with the role of administrative centre. We accept these responsibilities and are prepared to find the resources necessary to carry them out successfully.

With best wishes,

Yours sincerely,

Cooper H. Langford
Vice-President (Research)

Contents, Participants, Budget, Research Proposal, NCE Page, University of Calgary Page, KSI Page
LINCS@acs.ucalgary.ca 1-Sep-94