Students from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan's elementary and high schools came together to enhance the 2003 Saskatchewan Teachers' Convention held in Moose Jaw February 24-25th.

From January 21st to the end of the convention, the e-journalism team developed their IT and journalism skills and worked together to produce a website featuring full coverage of the teachers' convention. This website (http://news.mjsd1.ca/~ejournalism/) features newsletters, photos and video on convention activities. Schools who participated in the e-journalism project were: Ecole Ross, Empire, King George, Palliser Heights, Sunningdale, Westmount, William Grayson, Riverview Collegiate, Central Collegiate and Albert E. Peacock Collegiate, all from Moose Jaw School Division No.1.

Though it meant not sleeping in during their vacation, 25 selected students and teachers looked forward to gaining new knowledge on newsletters, video and website production. After several workshops with the various Microsoft programs to be used, students looked forward to putting their knowledge to work in creating media and presenting information to the teachers.

After seeing the great aspects of the media center at the SACE (Saskatchewan Association for Computers in Education) Conference (http://www.saskschools.ca/~sace/), teachers Dean Shareski and Sandi Kitts thought this project would be a great addition to the Teachers' Convention.

‘It adds excitement", said Shareski. "It's authentic learning, this is how technology should be used."

Shareski and Kitts also decided on the E-Journalism approach because of the great learning experience it could provide for students and teachers.

"They will be using technology all their lives," said Shareski of the e-journalism team. "It's important to learn that technology isn't all just fun and games, it can be applied in real life."

Not only were students introduced to new computer programs, but new people as well. Eight high school students provided the leadership and worked together with the elementary students.

"This program is about being able to work in a new environment with people you don't know," said Shareski. "Students can come together as a team to produce something worthwhile."