Canada schools commit to e-learning

At the regular meeting of the Board on 27 March, Peel District School Board trustees approved the transfer of $7 million from its Working Fund Reserve to cover the cost of information technology infrastructure to support the board's Vision for Learning and Instructional Technology Plan, PR Newswire reports.

The result will transform access to technology in Peel schools.

"In global communities that are linked so closely through the Internet, it's critical that we provide our students and staff with the tools they need to build 21st century learning skills," says Tony Pontes, director of education. "The board's historic financial investment in the future of learning and instructional technology will provide access to learning anytime, anywhere - access we know will lead to innovation and exploration through learning and connecting with the world. We need to expand access to current technology and encourage students to BYOD - bring your own device - to engage them in learning. The plan will also ensure equity of access to technology for all students through classroom computers and tablets in schools."

Caledon Enterprise writes that the use of WiFi will allow students and staff to access learning and teaching resources and files on the Internet from anywhere in a school building, Pontes explained.

Implementation of the board plan is scheduled to begin in July.