Technology Services
In Chinook's Edge, we believe that technology plays in important role in supporting student learning. In the past, computers were a subject of study; now communication technology has become a way of doing things and is an indispensable tool for inquiry, decision-making, critical thinking and problem solving.
Alberta Education has mandated the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Program of Studies. This important curriculum directs us to integrate communication technologies into all subjects of study, especially Language Arts, Social Studies, Science and Mathematics.
This program of studies says that "Technology will serve today’s students well—in entry-level work and beyond, in further study and lifelong learning, and in their personal lives as inquisitive, reflective, discerning and caring citizens. Advanced technologies are more pervasive today than they have ever been, and their uses are expanding continually. ICT is significantly enhancing and altering human activity, and enabling us to live, work and think in ways that most of us never thought possible."
In the 2006/07 school year, our board of trustees made a bold move; they designated $3.2 million to
- renew our entire fleet of over 2000 computers
- purchase software to support learning and
- upgrade core infrastructure
As a result, there is a great deal of excitement amongst our teachers and students about the use of technology in the classroom, and we have seen more technology integration occur in the classroom. From 2008 - 2009, we have installed an estimated 400 SMART Boards in our schools, with more to be installed in the 2010 school year. Teachers are provided with a variety of inservicing opportunities to be able to learn these technologies to use in their classroom.
In 2009, our school implemented a Virtual Desktop system in seven of our schools. This system will eventually allow all of our Grades 5-12 students to bring their technology from home, connect to our network and access all of our division programs whether they are at home or at school. As we journey forth with this innovation, it is important that both parents and teachers teach children about Digital Citizenship. A list of Digital Citizenship resources can be found here.