V.J.M. is encouraging all students to bring a robust device to enhance their learning starting the fall of 2016. Read more about our "My Learning - My Device" initiative.
Update June 27, 2016
Over half of our student population has invested in a robust device(lap top, i pad). 90% of our teaching staff were using Google Apps for Education in at least one class by the end of the school year. Over half of our teaching staff were using it in the majority of their assignment. This has provided students with more access for any time time, any place learning. During the 2016/17 school year we will continue to look for ways to enhance pedagogy with the use of technology. Currently we have a fleet of 60 Chromebooks that can be signed out to use on a block by block basis within our school. Owning a device lets students customize their learning experience and not have to worry about arranging to sign out a device if it is available.
Update Oct. 18, 2015
So far our BYORD initiative has been very exciting. Students and staff are learning every day. All of our staff at VJM are committed to learning about the meaningful use of technology within the classroom with a focus on the use of personal learning devices. Much of our PD over the last year and the past six weeks has been centred around GAFE (Google Apps for Education). To find out more about GAFE and some of the benefits in the classroom click on the link below.
June 3, 2015
Re: “My Learning, My Device Initiative”
During the last twenty-five years in education we have witnessed the growing use of technology within the classroom. As the technology has advanced we have seen the potential that technology has to significantly impact the learning of all. With the use of technology teachers have found greater opportunities to personalize learning, provide students with more differentiated learning opportunities, flexible pathways to success, collaboration opportunities and any time any paced learning.
Over the last school year some teachers at VJM and around our District have been excited about the possibilities of the use of Google Apps for Education. This has led to the decision for two initiatives that GSACRD will support to enhance pedagogy to enrich the learning experience.
1.) Google Apps for Education (GAFE)
2.) “My Learning, My Device” (BYORD - Bring Your Own Robust Device)
During the past school year, much PD time within our school and District has been devoted to helping our staff learn how they can use technology including Google Apps for Education within their classrooms. While we are all at different levels in this learning, it has been exciting to see our staff explore and learn about the possibilities related to this. Our District has also upgraded and enhanced our network infrastructure in order that we can accommodate and utilize the technology to it’s fullest potential.
In order to move this initiative forward in the most effective way possible we need to have students with the technology “in hand” in every classroom. We are encouraging parents at VJM to consider the purchase of a robust device for their child beginning September of the 2015/16 school year. We have provided information on a robust device on the link below. While no device is perfect, following the guidelines provided would allow students to have a device that will allow them to make the most of Google Apps for Education and personalize their learning. Our District will be putting together a financing plan to purchase a device over an eight-month period. In addition, our school has the use of some Chrome Books and laptops that can be borrowed here at the school.
Our goal is to have every student bringing a device by the start of the 2016/17 school year. All of our staff is committed to use of Google Apps and increased integration of technology within their classrooms beginning in the fall of 2015. Depending on their training and subjects taught this could be to varying degrees.
We will be providing more information through the remainder of this school year and into the next. Be sure to check this link frequently and throughout this summer.
District Purchase Plan
Our District will provide parents with the opportunity to purchase a device at the best possible bulk pricing over an eight to ten month period. Parents have the option to purchase one of the following devices:
a. A Macbook Air with or without Apple Care
b. Acer Chromebook with 3 year warranty
For more information and to order online please click on the link http://bit.ly/1NbYnWM
Many hand held devices such as ipods, iphones and android phones are examples of student owned devices but they do have limitations. We strongly suggest that parents purchase devices that have more "robust" features. How to choose the best device for your child? Products like the iPad Mini, the Microsoft Surface, various Android tablets like the Nexus and the Galaxy, Netbooks, Chromebooks, MacBooks and other laptops, are adding a lot of choices and confusion. Choosing the right device begins first and foremost with at least two questions:
1. Which device will best support my child in achieving the learning outcomes that are presented in class?
2. Which tool fully supports the Chrome web browser so that my child can personalize their learning?
Because all students have unique strengths and talents what might be best for one student might not be best for another. We thought it might be helpful to outline some specifications about what any device you buy your children should have in order to take full advantage of the use of technology in their learning. Although we won't recommend specific models or kinds of devices, we encourage you to buy a device that features the following for best learning results.
-
Wireless networking capability (the district provides wireless access in all buildings for students)
-
A microphone
-
An external keyboard for entering text
-
An audio output for earbuds or headphones
-
A minimum of 6 hours of use from one battery charge
-
A full-functioning, recent Chrome web-browser that will allow access to Google Apps for Education tools and documents.
-
A sturdy carrying case that will protect the device
-
An integrated camera that takes both still photos and video
-
The ability to run Flash software