New Fanshawe graduate programs support I.T. and Gaming

Fanshawe College is set to boost the London region’s growing technology sector. At a special event on Monday, March 30, the College introduced three graduate certificate programs in its School of Information Technology and School of Contemporary Media: Information Security Management; 3D Animation & Character Design; and Game Development – Advanced Programming. “The London region has become an Information Technology hub, especially for the gaming industry, and we are reminded everyday of the importance of information security” said Kevin Weaver, Chair of Fanshawe’s School of Information Technology. “These new programs will prepare students for exciting career opportunities that exist not only in our community, but right across the country. Our graduates will be very much in demand as they enter the workforce.” According to the October 2008 Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) report, Ontario will need between 61,780 and 85,972 technology workers between now and 2015. Fanshawe’s new graduate courses – which run eight months each and offered in Fall 2009 or 2010– will give students who have already earned degrees or diplomas a chance to develop highly specialized tech skills: - Information Security Management will prepare students to manage both the strategic and operational aspects of information security – a key consideration for businesses and organizations as they build safeguards to protect their sensitive data and customer information. This program will be offered in fall 2010, pending approval. - 3D Animation & Character Design provides advanced training in digital animation, including life drawing and storyboarding, 3D modelling and animation, shaders, texture mapping and lighting, character design, video editing, and audio effects. Graduates will be equipped to work in the film and gaming industries. This program will be offered in fall 2009. - Game Development – Advanced Programming focuses on unique aspects of video game development: graphics effects, animation systems, artificial intelligence, physical modelling, sound, and scripting systems. Students will work with current and custom game engines and components. This program will be offered in fall 2009. Fanshawe students were on hand to demonstrate their work and showcase the many hi-tech programs Fanshawe offers. The event provided a kick-off to London Tech Week, which celebrates technology in the Forest City. As part of that celebration, Marilyn Sinclair, President and CEO of TechAlliance, was on-hand to speak about technology issues and opportunities that exist in southwestern Ontario. She was joined by Michael Schmaltz of London-based video game developer Digital Extremes. “We are very happy to support TechAlliance and be a part of London Tech Week,” Weaver said. “We work closely with our partners in all areas of Information Technology, and we are always eager to spread the message that technology matters. There is tremendous growth potential in the tech sector. Fanshawe wants to help London stay on the cutting edge.” School of IT homepage: www.fanshawec.ca/EN/infotech School of Contemporary Media homepage: www.fanshawec.ca/EN/media For more information, contact: Leanne Perreault Manager, Corporate Communications lperreault@fanshawec.ca 519.452.4430 ext. 2950