Greater Essex County District Launches Technology Education Program

Greater Essex County District in Ontario, Canada has launched an initiative to provide teachers with professional development on educational technology and educate students about digital citizenship, according to a report in the Windsor Star of Windsor, ON.

The three-year program was launched on February 9. By the end of the current school year, each of the district's 35,000 students will receive a half day of digital citizenship training, teachers will each receive a half day of training on integrating technology into lesson plans and the classroom, and the district will hold information evenings for parents.

The program is expected to cost approximately $400,000 Canadian for the first year. Funding for the program is provided by the province's Technology and Learning Fund and from the Council of the Directors of Education. The district is hiring 14 elementary and 10 secondary school teachers to help with the program's implementation.

Chris Knight, teacher consultant for technology and learning in the district told the Windsor Star that while all Ontario school boards received the Technology and Learning grants, Greater Essex County District is investing 80 percent of its grant money "in staff, students and parents rather than infrastructure and equipment." However, the district already has Wi-Fi in every classroom and has already invested in devices and software to support student learning.

The district has partnered with Apple on a research project to measure the efficacy of the program and identify areas where the board needs help, according to the Star's report.

About the Author

Leila Meyer is a technology writer based in British Columbia. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • tutors helping young students with laptops against a vibrant abstract background

    K12 Tutoring Earns ESSA Level II Validation

    Online tutoring service K12 Tutoring recently announced that it has received Level II validation underneath the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The independently validated study provides evidence of K12 Tutoring's role in creating positive student outcomes through effective academic intervention and research-based solutions.

  • pattern of icons for math and reading, including a pi symbol, calculator, and open book

    HMH Launches Personalized Path Solution

    Adaptive learning company HMH has introduced HMH Personalized Path, a K-8 ELA and math product that combines intervention curriculum, adaptive practice, and assessment for students of all achievement levels.

  • computer science classroom featuring a desktop setup with code on the screen, a large wall display with charts, and a labeled book on a clean desk

    McGraw Hill Expands CTE Offerings

    Education company McGraw Hill has announced a host of new career and technical education courses, designed to help learners gain professional, technical, and academic skills for workforce success.

  • DreamBox Math

    Discovery Education Announces Updates to Experience, DreamBox Math

    K-12 learning solution provider Discovery Education has announced enhancements to its Discovery Education Experience and DreamBox Math products, designed to create a more personalized, engaging learning experience for students.