At Elk Island Catholic Schools (EICS), our mission is to inspire success, confidence and hope in each student. As leaders in the use of technology, we encourage creative and innovative learning. Today’s students are already technology leaders. They want to take the technology they use in their daily lives and make it a normal part of their classroom experience. Research tells us that if we reflect this in their learning experiences, we will increase engagement which leads to improved student success. Starting in September of 2016, EICS will be implementing One-to-One in EICS, which means students can bring their own devices to school for educational purposes. In the classroom, students will use devices responsibly, and only with the permission and direction of the teacher or other staff member. Of course, technology alone will not improve learning— when combined with the right instruction from skilled staff, amazing things can happen. The increased use of technology in EICS classrooms will “power up” student success today, and for the future. Here’s why personally owned devices work best:
- Students are usually experts with the device they have and customize it to their learning needs
- Students can use it to learn anytime, anywhere
- Students can collaborate with their peers after school, about their school work
- Student-owned devices are typically more up-to-date than those schools provide
- School-owned devices are expensive and can be hard to sustain
We know that not all parents can or want to send their child/ teen to school with a device. That’s why teachers continue to plan assuming that not every student will bring a personally owned device to school. Technology will not be used every day for every lesson. There is a right time and place.
Devices and other technology are available for students to use at school if they are not bringing one from home, and all students will have greater access to technology in their classrooms. In terms of what device we suggest recommend the Chromebook as the ideal device due to price, battery life, fast startup and usability. Students are welcome to use laptops, iOS and Android tablets and smartphones all accessing our WiFi.
If you would like to bring your own device - we certainly welcome that as well. A device brought for learning should meet the following requirements:
- Internet ready (preferably with the Chrome browser)
- Ability to type
- Battery life of a full school day (6 hours)
- Easily labelled for identification
We have created a Fact Sheet for parents on the One to One in EICS initiative that will provide more information. As well, on the EICS main website at www.eics.ab.ca please go to the Learning Technologies page under Parents for resources on how this initiative and technology in general can assist with your child’s educational journey.