SD83 Technology Plan
The Board gave approval to its Education Technology Plan, which sets out goals and guidelines to help school district staff with technology acquisition, deployment and training in support of the District Strategic Plan.
Superintendent of Schools/CEO Peter Jory reported to the Board that the plan was the brainchild of the Technology Review Advisory (Sub) Advisory Committee (TRAC) which is made up of stakeholders from all employee groups.
The process included the consideration of previous educational technology reviews, other BC school district technology plans, a completed Strength Weakness Opportunities & Threats (SWOT) analysis of the district’s current and future needs, and feedback from stakeholders.
The Plan establishes the following goals:
- Students First – Provide and maintain appropriate technology for staff and students so they may access meaningful resources to support curricular goals and increase student achievement.
- Organizational Efficiency – Increase the technological capacity of District staff to allow the effective and efficient use of technology in all schools and departments.
- Culture of Health and Wellness – Engage and educate students, parents, and staff to be strong and safe digital citizens.
Jory noted some points in the plan including the important piece of work, and a growing problem, of helping students learn healthy habits when using technology. “When it comes to technology, we need to help our kids have balance and good sleep patterns.”
He was questioned about the ratios set out in the plan, which is one device per six students at the primary level and one in four for intermediate through to secondary, with a minimum of 28 per school, so smaller schools are guaranteed a class set.
Jory responded that many factors, including sustainability for purchase and regular refresh and how the devices are used were considered before this was determined. “If it is one to one or even one to two it is not a good use of district funds, as they (devices) are sitting idle a great deal of the time, and it actually works against the new curriculum to have students using them independently too much of the time. “Also, if the ratio is too high then it becomes a barrier to access for students to get access. “This [ratio] strikes a balance.”
Jory also commented the plan would bring some consistency to the district’s technology program. “In the past, it has been feast or famine. There would be a significant influx of funds for technology, and then it would be followed by some lean years. What we’d like to get to is a model that is much more predictable. As far as spending versus outcome, I think we’re on the sweet spot.”