University of Saskatchewan, Canada
June 21, 2004
Today the
University of Saskatchewan's
Division of Media and Technology hosted the launch of an
educational interactive CD-Rom entitled Canola Wars.
Developed by the University's College of Biotechnology, in
conjunction with faculty across campus, the CD-Rom is
interactive and uses text, graphics, animations, and video
interviews with key players to examine a case study in gene
patenting of an agricultural product.
Canola Wars features the events surrounding the case of Monsanto
versus Percy Schmeiser, a Saskatchewan farmer, and his alleged
use of glyphosate resistant canola. Recognizing that
biotechnology has significant potential to contribute to the
economic and social development of Saskatchewan, this
first-of-a-kind interdisciplinary project examines the
scientific, commercial, economic, legal and ethical issues of
genetic modification of an agricultural product. It also raises
the social implications of technological change. The CD-ROM is
designed to be a non-biased learning tool that stimulates the
viewer to navigate through the CD-ROM to gain insight into the
case by exploring the evidence. In the final analysis, it is the
viewer who decides the balance of justice.
Professor Peter Philips, Director of the College of
Biotechnology was the lead academic on the project and faculty
from several departments at the University of Saskatchewan were
involved in developing the program including, Biology,
Sociology, Marketing and Management, Agricultural Economics and
Philosophy.
The CD-Rom was produced by the University's Division of Media
and Technology. Financial support was provided by Saskatchewan
Learning and is one of the outcomes of provincial funding for
technology enhanced learning (TEL) in post-secondary education. |