Classification of Isodictya rigida by H.M. Reiswig

Identification of sponge fragment provided by G. Yahel, 15 June 2004, H. M. Reiswig, 26 July 2004 Label: “Iophon? 04.06.03 Race Rocks; Formalin 4%” First conclusion was tentative: Dictyonella sp., and unsatisfying since no species of this genus was known in B.C. waters; structure and body was more like Isodictya, but the rare isochelae spicules of that genus were not found in preliminary analysis.  After discussion with Bill Austin on Barkley Sound Cruise, I made a thorough examination of thick sections and found the rare isochela spicules, mainly in the atrial walls (older tissues).  I then made new spicule preparations of that region and was able to easily find 50 of the ‘rare’ spicules for measurement.

Revised conclusion (now with high confidence): Isodictya rigida (Lambe, 1893) [Originally Neoesperiopsis rigida; the same in Austin & Ott, 1997 (Kozlov)] Class: Demospongiae; Order: Poecilosclerida; Suborder: Mycalina;  Family: Isodictyidae; Genus: Isodictya Bowerbank, 1864

 

Commonwealth Of Learning Announces 2004 Award winners.

EXCELLENCE IN DISTANCE EDUCATION AWARDS

colawardGarry Fletcher receives an award from Sir John Daniel * for the website “racerocks.com” on behalf of Lester B. Pearson College. A Gala Awards banquet was held  to announce the 2004 recipients of the Excellence in Distance Education Awards (EDEA).

 

*(Sir John Daniel – President of the Commonwealth of Learning) Further information: http://www.col.org/edea

EDEA3_materials_webThe third EDEA were conferred at the third Pan-Commonwealth Forum on Open Learning in Dunedin New Zealand, 6 JULY 2004: The photo shows- left to right: Garry Fletcher, for Category B. Dr. Thomas Webster (U. of Papua New Guinea) and Chris Baker (the Open University, Gt Britain) for category A, and Prof Mohan Menon ( Chair of Selection Committee)

 

diploma goldstrgaz grouptable
The Diploma for the Excellence in Distance Education Award Coverage of COL Award in Goldstream Gazette Race Rocks as an example of
Distance Education and
Environmental Stewardship

COL

 

FROM THE “2004 CITATIONS”

COL award for excellence in distance education materials under category B: multimedia materials supporting non-formal education is awarded to Lester B. Pearson College, Victoria, Canada for its on-line materials “Racerocks.com”. We recommend this multi-media material for the award because:

it is fitting for a variety of clientele needs in non-formal education in the very important area of the environment
it has adopted a sound learning and instructional design, and
it uses a variety of media which can be integrated in a flexible manner according to individual learning needs and interests

An attractive, well-laid out site with a plethora of resources including quality content and activities providing a virtual tour of the ecosystem without actually being there. The website provides a variety of activities and resources for students and teachers at different levels, especially those in middle and high schools. The site has been designed to provide images to those who have slow computer and/or network connections thereby increasing the accessibility to the site. It enables learners to interact with a sensitive environmental area without affecting it. The nature of materials and their presentation is such that learners may either be guided to work through the site in a systematic or structured manner or they can proceed randomly, yet still learn something. It includes both current and archived material. Students are able to leave behind information for others to use and can take ownership of their learning. The topic covered by the site is and will continue to be of interest to a wide variety of people who want to learn about aquatic life and the environment.

Mr. President I ask you to confer the excellence in distance education materials award on the Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific, British Columbia, Canada. Mr. Garry Fletcher will accept the award on behalf of the College.
Speaker: Dr. Mohan Menon
> Commonwealth of Learning (COL)
> Suite 600 – 1285 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6H 3X8 CANADA
> COL is an intergovernmental organisation created by Commonwealth Heads of Government to encourage the development and sharing of open learning and distance education knowledge, resources and technologies.