Provincial Government Announces $20 Million for Technology to Support Digital Learning

  • Education and Early Childhood Development
  • Executive Council

July 6, 2020

The Provincial Government today announced it is investing $20 million for the purchase of laptops for all teachers, and Chromebooks for all junior high and high school students across the K-12 education system. The devices will be distributed as they become available through a public procurement process which is underway.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted how technology is central to education that is learner-centred and accessible from anywhere, allowing for the continuation of teaching and learning when there is an interruption to in-school classes.

The investment will ensure equal access to education so that every student, regardless of their ability, location or socio-economic status, can continue their learning outside of the classroom, while providing teachers with the tools they need to effectively deliver remote instruction.

It will also move the K-12 system toward a true digital learning environment, a cornerstone of both The Way Forward and the Education Action Plan, which includes the expansion of supportive technology across all nine focus areas of the Action Plan, such as inclusion, student mental health and wellness, mathematics and reading.

Quotes
“We are setting the foundation for a digital learning plan to not only address immediate needs in September, but to create quality learning opportunities into the future. It is a critical investment to support 21st century teaching and learning and supports the Education Action Plan, particularly for students with exceptionalities, through increased accessibility and expansion of supportive technology.”
Honourable Dwight Ball
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Like jurisdictions around the globe, the pandemic has highlighted the need for enhanced digital learning. This significant investment will ensure we are able to provide all students, regardless of the situation with COVID-19, every possible opportunity to succeed. Teachers will have the technology and professional learning to empower them to teach in a virtual environment and students can interact in a meaningful way with their teachers.”
Honourable Brian Warr
Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development

“This significant investment in technology for students and teachers recognizes the importance of having equity of access to digital learning opportunities. No matter how the 2020-21 school year evolves, this is an important investment in the present and future delivery of education in Newfoundland and Labrador. Our collective energies are now focused on September – and welcoming our students and teachers back to their classrooms, with all the necessary public health measures in place.”
Goronwy Price
Chair, Newfoundland and Labrador English School Board

“An investment in technology is an investment in our students and teachers. This funding will enable stronger and more robust digital learning to ensure that our students and teachers are well equipped and that we are ready for any scenario, regardless of how COVID-19 unfolds. Investing in technology not only ensures a continuity in education for the 2020-21 school year, but also for the future.”
Brian Lee
Chair, Conseil scolaire francophone provincial de Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador

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Media contacts
Jeremy Reynolds
Office of the Premier
709-729-3558
jeremyreynolds@gov.nl.ca

Tina Coffey
Education and Early Childhood Development
709-729-1906, 687-9903
tcoffey@gov.nl.ca

Heather May
Newfoundland and Labrador English School District
709-758-2371, 709-690-0056
heathermay@nlesd.ca

Eveline Ross-Phaneuf
Conseil scolaire francophone provincial de Terre-Neuve-et- Labrador
709-722-6324
communications@csfp.nl.ca

Le gouvernement provincial annonce un investissement de 20 millions de dollars dans la technologie à l’appui de l’apprentissage numérique

2020 07 06 12:50 pm