Classrooms across the Simcoe-Muskoka Catholic District School Board are getting much needed upgrades. Communications Coordinator Pauline Stevenson says the school board has put funds aside for over a year to make this happen.
Stevenson says the first of three phases will roll out in the next school year.
Director of Education Brian Beal says the staff is committed to providing students with the very best learning experience so that they are well-prepared for their future.
Details:
The first phase of Engage & Transform: 21st Century Learning will be rolled out for the 2015 – 2016 school year and highlights include:
- equipping all Grades 4 to 6 classrooms in the board with projectors, screen casting devices and iPads (an overall ration of one device for every three students)
- projectors, screen casting devices and mobile devices for Grades 9 and 10 religion, applied math and civics/careers courses
- 21st Century mathematics classrooms in all nine of the board’s secondary schools
- Upgrades to computer labs at secondary schools
- Internet access for student-owned devices in secondary schools
- Laptop computers for all teachers in the board
- Professional learning plans and training for staff
Phase two of the plan, which will be rolled out for the 2016 – 2017 school year, will see the expansion of the initiative to include projectors, screen casting and devices for Grades 7 and 8 classrooms as well as incorporating more technology into all applied and open courses at the secondary level. In year three, the remaining classrooms (Kindergarten to Grade 3 at the elementary level and all subjects and grades at the secondary level) will be outfitted with technology to enhance teaching and learning. Staff will be provided with training and professional learning plans so that they are equipped to incorporate technology, as a tool, to engage and transform the learning experience of their students.