Technology in Schools
Alberta’s
education system is a leader in the use of technology in teaching and learning. New information technologies create options for how teachers teach, how students learn and how classrooms look and operate.
Examples of Alberta’s innovation in learning technology include such initiatives as Emerge One-to-One Laptop Learning, Technology in High School Success, Provincial Approach to Student Information (PASI) and LearnAlberta.ca.
News and Upcoming Events
Passport to the Internet License Renewal
Alberta Education has renewed a licensing agreement with MediaSmarts (formerly Media Awareness Network) for their Passport to the Internet online student resource, which is aimed at helping students to develop critical thinking skills for their online experiences. Through the licensing agreement, all schools with Grades 4 to 8 students will be able to access the resource at no cost until August 31, 2013. More information on this resource is available online.
Province-Wide License for MyWorld Student Resource
Alberta Education has licensed MediaSmarts' MyWorld online student resource for students in Grades 9 to 12. This resource simulates popular online environments and will help students use the Internet in a responsible and ethical manner. More information on this resource is available online.
Recent Publications
Cloud Computing Technology Briefing (April 2013)
Alberta Education, in consultation with the College of Alberta School Superintendents (CASS), has developed the first in a series of Technology Briefings to help school authority leadership become familiar with emerging technology trends. This first briefing will help superintendents and other school authority leaders prepare to make effective, well-informed decisions about Cloud Computing that will support student learning.
Digital Citizenship Policy Development Guide (August 2012)
This guide is intended to help school authorities develop their own unique digital citizenship policy, based on the needs of their students and schools. The guide follows the framework set out by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), that advocates educating students about appropriate online behaviour. The online Digital Citizenship Needs Assessment Tool is also available.
Bring Your Own Device: A Guide for Schools (June 2012)
A province-wide community of practice developed this guide that examines the use of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) models in schools. It looks at the potential opportunities and benefits, as well as the considerations, risks and implications that arise when schools allow students and staff to use personally owned devices.
iPads: What are we learning? (March 2012)
In Fall 2011, Alberta Education hosted the one-day iPads – What are we learning? event for school authorities exploring the use of iPads in schools. This report summarizes the findings of the day and how Alberta schools are using iPads for learning.
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) Best Practices Guide Update
An updated copy of the Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) Best Practices Guide is now available. The Guide, originally developed in 2007 to provide Information Technology staff in schools and school authorities with technical advice on implementing wireless networks, has been updated to reflect advancements in wireless network technology.
Recent Technology Initiatives
Emerge One-to-One Laptop Learning
Investigated educational benefits, technical merits and innovative practices in a one-to-one mobile computing environment.
Technology and High School Success
Investigated effective uses of technology to improve student engagement and success in high school.
Innovative Classrooms
Ensured that all Grade 1 to 12 classrooms in the province are equipped with key technologies that promote innovative teaching and learning.
Supporting Innovative Classrooms
Focused on innovative practices in the areas of technology management and leadership development for the effective use of technology.
Updated April 2013
