Joel Schlesinger © Postmedia Network Inc.
Technology has always been the foundation of SAIT.
After all, its name is the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology for a reason.
Yet the polytechnic’s School for Advanced Digital Technology (SADT) takes SAIT’s leadership on teaching about tech to a new level.
Simply put, if it involves technology, the school has a program for it, says Dr. Raynie Wood, dean of SADT.
“We have a very large and diverse offering for education in technology — from broadcast media, and a new interactive design program launching in September, to IT management, data analytics and cybersecurity.”
Programs cater to a variety of learners, from students fresh out of high school seeking education to start their career journey, to more experienced individuals requiring upskilling credentials to advance their careers.
“The School for Advanced Digital Technology is one of the largest providers of skilled technology workers in Alberta,” Wood says, noting its reputation for providing workplace-ready graduates is well-known among employers in the province.
As well, SADT is constantly growing its program offerings, in part thanks to a $30-million gift from renowned philanthropist David Bissett in 2019 that helped found the school, investing in the youth of generations to come through technology education.
Case in point is its interactive design diploma offered starting this fall.
“The focus on technology-enabled graphic design really pushes the boundaries of how workers and consumers experience technology they use every day.”
Wood adds the program provides learners with the latest design know-how from app-based interfaces to augmented reality.
“Today’s digital design is all about facilitating the user experience.”
Taking a human-centred approach to technology is a core principle at the school.
“There are always concerns that technology like artificial intelligence (AI) will replace people, but these technologies can actually help people do more in their job roles,” Wood says. “Still, it’s like anything else with technology; it must be used ethically for the right reasons.”
While SADT will soon offer courses in AI to go with its current programs in data analytics and information technology, what will always remain constant is its focus on work-integrated learning.
All SADT programs are designed with industry input and involve work placements, helping graduates quickly find work by building on their on-the-job learning experiences, Wood says.
“We’ve done work-integrated learning with our students for years, but now more than ever, it has really become SAIT’s signature brand.”
This story was created by Content Works, Postmedia’s commercial content division, on behalf of Calgary Economic Development.