Technology

Our vision is to engage learners in innovative experiences that build confident learners and caring citizens. One of our priorities is to optimize technology use to accelerate learning. Additionally, increasing the learning experiences of our students and enhancing communications through engagement is another high priority. 

In support of this vision, the Board invested in over 3,000 additional Winbooks for students to achieve a 1:1 allocation for all students in Grades 6–10 in all ADSB schools across the district. As well, an increased allocation for other grades meant an approximate 2:1 ratio for students in Grades 4 & 5 and Grades 11 & 12. This investment allowed students equitable access to help assist in their educational experience within our schools. Younger students in Grades JK to Grade 3 have access to iPads and other tactile-based technology. 

In the past year, amid unprecedented changes during the pandemic, we experienced an immediate acceleration of advances in technology, which allowed us to pivot to an online delivery of education to our students as needed. Staff and administration were quick to adapt to delivering online learning and are to be commended for their remarkable efforts to accommodate students in two modes of learning during such an unprecedented period in history. 

ADSB staff also responded in preparation for the initiative to upgrade Internet bandwidth at all schools and offices throughout the district, providing a robust environment that can handle the access required with the increased technology. With this infrastructure upgrade, schools have experienced improvements of approximately 5X the current bandwidth. The Board also invested in new document cameras and sound systems to support teachers and students within the hybrid learning model to help bridge the school and home learning experience. Across ADSB, the use of Edsby, Microsoft Office (Teams) and School Messenger software platforms have increased communications with both students and parents and continue to play a key role in the Board’s communications into the future. 

As a system, and guided in research, we know that technology is neither a solution nor a replacement for good teaching, rather it is an accelerant to learning through good teaching, as well as a tool to assist in preparing our students for success. As with any tool in a classroom, teachers will strike the balance for the use of technology with other learning strategies and modes.

As educators, we play a role in helping students understand balance, as we are also acutely aware of the amount of time children spend on screens. Therefore, we want to model effective use of technology, which includes helping students learn when to use it, how to use it effectively, and when and why it’s important to take a break from technology. These are important lessons and messages for students’ well-being. Technology will continue to be a part of their world, so we must embrace the opportunity to help them become responsible, healthy users.