Technology is a powerful and useful tool for enhancing teaching and learning. In addition, many jobs and post-secondary schooling require technology skills from employees/students. Technology has been shown to have a positive impact on student engagement and achievement. Well planned and age appropriate learning activities that integrate technology will assist and support student learning in the areas of collaboration, critical thinking, engagement, independent learning and experience-based learning.
The use of technology in the classroom is governed by Administrative Procedure 351: The Use of Electronic Communication, Social Media, and Mobile Devices by Students, the classroom teacher, and is dependent on the activities occurring in class. Students will see more teachers incorporate more digital resources into some of their lessons.
Digital citizenship, responsibility and leadership is an important part of what we help students learn in school. Students need to cultivate a positive digital footprint. Students are responsible for their activity and content when using technology at school or at school functions. Appropriate use will continue to be an expectation as outlined in our Code of Conduct and related procedures. Teachers and administrators will continue to support the effective and appropriate use of technology in the classroom.
Electronic Devices/Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
The Board has introduced the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiative that allows students to use many of their own technology devices in their classrooms to support and enhance their learning. Schools are incorporating the use of items such as laptops, iPads, Chromebooks and tablets with browsing capabilities for educational purposes. Students are never required to bring outside technology to school. All students may continue to use school equipment, and will be fully supported in their learning.
Policies & Procedures
Using Wifi
The safety and well-being of our students and employees is a priority for the Limestone District School Board. In response to discussions about the safety of wireless technology in schools, we have examined the issue in more detail.
Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health has stated that “…wireless communications systems do not pose a public health risk,” a finding concurrent with that of the World Health Organization, Industry Canada and Health Canada. We continue to defer to the judgement of these officials and agencies when assessing our approach to the use of wireless networks in our school and office environments.
All electronic equipment purchased by the Board meets current Institute of Electric and Electronic Engineers and Department of Communications specifications, and Health Canada's Safety Code 6 standards.
As with all health issues, the Board takes advice from public health agencies and governing legislation. Moving forward, the Board will only respond to or adjust our current practices based on any new guidance and direction provided by Health Canada or Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health, or local KFL&A Public Health officials.