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.
One-to-One in EICS means students in grade 4 and up can bring their own devices to school for educational purposes. In the classroom, students 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.
In terms of what device we recommend the Chromebook as the optimal device due to price, battery life, fast startup and usability.
A device brought for learning should meet the following requirements:
- Internet ready (preferably with the Chrome browser)
- Physical keyboard
- Battery life of a full school day (6 hours)
- Easily labelled for identification
- External keyboard
- Screen size larger than 7 inches
- GSuite for Education Friendly
- 802.11ac WiFi Support
Below are some documents that will provide you with more information. As well, on the EICS main website please go to the Educational Technology page on how this initiative and technology in general can assist with your child’s educational journey.