Learning Empowered by Technology
B.C. leads the country on internet connectivity – 85% of British Columbians use the internet on a regular basis. BC’s Education Plan will encourage smart use of technology in schools, better preparing students to thrive in an increasingly digital world. Students will have more opportunity to develop the competencies needed to use current and emerging technologies effectively, both in school and in life. Educators will be given the supports needed to use technology to empower the learning process, and to connect with each other, parents, and communities. Schools will have increased Internet connectivity to support learners and educators.
Action Items- Learners, educators and families will have improved access to digital tools and resources that support both face-to-face and online learning.
- The Province will promote the use of technology for both students and educators.
- The Province’s new agreement with TELUS to provide all telecommunications services for government will allow for improved access to the Internet in B.C. schools
- An improved provincial student information and reporting system will help teachers plan a more personalized learning experience with students and teachers.
Student Information System
Topic Description
Procure a new Common Student Information System (SIS) service to replace BCeSIS.
Actions Being Taken
- Develop and issue a Request For Information (RFI) to determine availability of suppliers prepared to deploy and operate a Common SIS as a service;
- Conduct an engagement process that ensures that stakeholders have an opportunity to articulate their requirements;
- Issue a Request For Proposals (RFP) and evaluate responses to select a supplier to deliver a Common SIS service.
Progress to Date
Gartner Canada was hired in spring 2011 to review BCeSIS. They recommended that the Province procure a new common SIS, while continuing to use BCeSIS until the new system can be deployed. In December 2011 partner organizations and other stakeholder groups participated in an open consultation process (Survey Results) that validated the recommendations made by the Gartner Report and gathered high-level requirements for a new common SIS.
Timeline
Complete RFI by June 2012. Select a new supplier by spring 2013.
Improved Access to Digital Tools
Topic Description
Work with districts and leverage the Telus agreement to build a province wide digitial resource for both students and teachers, in support of the personalized learning environment.
Actions Being Taken
- Identify opportunities within the new Telus agreement to develop and pilot projects that enable teachers and students to access high quality digital resources;
- Continue to collaborate with districts to provide easy access to high quality student achievement information.
Timeline
6 – 24 months * dependent on completion of new K-12 education program
Robust IT Infrastructure
Topic Description
Provide the technical infrastructure necessary to support personalized learning in schools, enabling anytime and anywhere connectivity.
Actions Being Taken
- Upgrade approximately 450 schools to high speed fibre-optics as part of the new Telus agreement;
- Establish a province-wide technology forum to support the new K-12 education program;
- Work with districts to pilot the use of personal devices in classrooms;
- Identify and quantify opportunities to lower district costs for voice and data services through the new agreement with Telus.
Timeline
6 – 24 month process
