MERLIN / MAETL
Connected MB Podcast – Episode Title: “Building the Backbone: Education & Infrastructure in Manitoba”
🎧 Episode Summary:
In this episode of Connected MB, hosts Joel Templeman and Dr. Wayne Kelly explore the technological infrastructure that supports Manitoba’s education system. They are joined by Kiley Bender, COO of MERLIN (Manitoba Education Research and Learning Information Network), and Kirsten Thompson from MAETL (Manitoba Association of Education Technology Leaders) to examine how digital infrastructure affects schools across urban and rural areas.
Kiley dives deep into MERLIN’s mission to provide cost-effective tech services to Manitoba’s educational institutions, including their role as the province’s largest internet bandwidth purchaser and their work facilitating Microsoft licensing and cybersecurity. She also explains MERLIN’s relationship with post-secondary institutions through MRnet and how Starlink is both a solution and a challenge in the north.
Kirsten provides a ground-level view from within school divisions. She outlines the equity challenges with devices, connectivity, and infrastructure, especially in rural and low-income communities. She speaks to the divide in digital access and digital literacy, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Kirsten also gives insights into the promise and risks of AI in education, emphasizing the importance of responsible use and media literacy.
Resources & Links:
- MERLIN: https://www.merlin.mb.ca
- MAETL: https://maetl.mb.ca
- Manitoba Education: gov.mb.ca/education
- Full Transcript & Community Research: Connected MB Project Website
📢 Get Involved:
Have a story about rural connectivity? Contact us to share your experience or get involved in the Connected MB research initiative.