People for Education released a new report today, based on responses to their Annual Ontario School Survey. Over 1250 principals participated in the survey this year, and the data reveal some potential challenges in implementing Ontario's new policy on e-learning and cellphones.
Among the findings:
- 87% of secondary schools provide students with the opportunity to participate in online learning, but on average, only 5% of students per school are enrolled in e-learning.
- 33% of all elementary schools, 40% of grade 7 and 8 schools, and 66% of secondary schools encourage students to “bring your own device” (BYOD) every day.
- 85% of elementary schools in high-income neighbourhoods fundraise for technology, compared to 54% of elementary schools in low-income neighbourhoods.
In order to ensure that technology can be successfully integrated into students' learning, the report calls for consultation on changes to e-learning requirements, funding for technology upgrades, and continued support for broadband access for all students.
People for Education is a unique organization in Canada: independent, non-partisan, and fueled by a belief in the power and promise of public education. They create evidence, instigate dialogue, and build links so that people can see – and act on – the connection between public education and a fair and prosperous society.
