The Engaged Learning Initiative (ELI) is a program that aims to expand the walls of the classroom by providing ubiquitous access to technology for students that in turn will increase learning engagement, collaborative learning and a digital skill set.
Students in grades 5-12* will receive a Chromebook for both in-school and at-home use at the start of every school year. (*Please note: Fifth-grade students will not follow the take home model; their Chromebooks will remain at school.) The expectation will be that students are to bring their Chromebooks to school every day and to use them for all computer-based school assignments. There is no fee to families unless a student’s Chromebook is damaged, lost or stolen━the same policy for textbooks.
The program is set to launch during the 2018-2019 school year. Parents will be notified via email and through the district website and social media channels (Facebook and Twitter) regarding the dates when these devices can be picked up, along with detailed information pertaining to the different student cohorts and sub groups. Please be on the lookout for this information that will be sent out August 2018.
For more information on the program, like what parents and students need to do to secure a Chromebook, please refer to the Educational Technology Department’s website. Distribution dates will soon be posted there as well.
Vision Statement
The Engaged Learning Initiative (ELI) aims to improve student learning outcomes by providing each student with a Chromebook throughout the district.
By providing equal access to technology (in the form of a Chromebook), the ELI hopes to expand opportunities for creativity, communication and critical thinking that will prepare students to meet the developments, challenges and opportunities of their future.
Program Focus
The focus of the ELI is to provide current tools and resources to 21st century learners. Excellence in education requires that technology be seamlessly integrated throughout an educational program. Increasing access to technology is essential, and one of the learning tools of 21st century students is the Chromebook. The individual use of Chromebooks is a way to empower students to maximize their full potential and to prepare them for post-secondary education, as well as the modern workplace. According to studies and school reports, students who use a computing device in a one-to-one (1:1) education environment are more organized and engaged learners, attend school more regularly, advance their knowledge and understanding of technology, and become constructors and designers of information and ideas.
Program Goals
- Provide ubiquitous access to technology for students
- Increase learning engagement
- Increase collaborative learning
- Increase in digital skillset
- Increase of personal productivity and efficiency
- Expand the walls of the classroom to a more global learning experience