Use of Technology for Learning

Everything we do at the Simcoe County District School Board is designed to support student achievement and well-being. We adapt to our ever-changing world so we can help our students achieve their full potential.

Today's students have grown up with technology—it's a regular part of their daily lives. By bringing educational technology into the classroom, we can tap into our students' interests and build on their developing skills to create vibrant learning environments that are innovative, creative and engaging. 

Here's how we are supporting technology-enabled learning environments while at the same time protecting student privacy and personal information:

  • The SCDSB provides all students and teachers with Office 365 for education, Google Docs, Sheets and Slides, Google Workspace, and the Ministry of Education's Desire to Learn (D2L) program for educational purposes. These tools and applications meet the privacy and security requirements of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Privacy Act.

  • These accounts differ from publicly available accounts in that the security and privacy settings were negotiated by the Ministry of Education. Students log in to the sites with their @scdsb.on.ca email addresses to ensure they do not need to provide personal information in order to access these learning tools.

  • All students are provided with @scdsb.on.ca email addresses, which are also the email addresses used to access Google Workspace.

  • While in class, students will be required to access the Internet through the school's Wi-Fi network, not their own data plan. Each Wi-Fi network is protected by the SCDSB's security filter, which limits access to inappropriate websites and content.

  • Students may use social media tools such as wikis, blogs, podcasts, video conferencing, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other sites or tools deemed appropriate by the classroom teacher for education use, learning and collaboration. Under the direction and supervision of teachers, students are empowered to guide their own learning.

For more information and tips on setting up and accessing Google Workspace, visit bit.ly/GAFE4parents. 

Students receive age-appropriate instruction on digital citizenship and the safe use of technology. Use of the Internet and social media sites are in accordance with the SCDSB's Appropriate Use Guidelines for students, and personal information will only be posted with parental consent, where appropriate. 

Our brochure Modern Learners provides an overview of the ways schools are using technology for learning, as well as tips for parents so they can support learning and online safety at home. 

Ministry of Education - Cellphone restrictions


To help ensure students can focus on learning without distraction, the Ministry of Education has updated the Provincial Code of Conduct to address the use of cellphones and other personal mobile devices during instructional time unless they are required for health and medical purposes, to support special education needs or for educational purposes, as directed by an educator.

This requirement came into effect provincially on November 4, 2019. 

The following resources from the Ministry of Education provide information and guidance to parents, guardians, educators and students about the new requirement:

 

Safety always comes first

 

Filtering

While in class, students will be required to access the Internet through the school's Wi-Fi network, not their own data plan. Each Wi-Fi network is protected by the SCDSB's security filter, which limits access to inappropriate websites and content.


Appropriate use agreement

Students will be required to review and sign our Appropriate Use of Technology Agreement annually. Violation of the agreement may result in discipline.


Digital citizenship

Using technology in our classrooms creates the opportunity to teach digital citizenship—an essential skill for our students. We encourage students to think critically about how technology is used and what is appropriate to share online. We help students understand the relevant laws and consequences of actions.


Personal devices

SCDSB schools are capable of supporting Wi-Fi on personal devices of students. The decision to allow a student to bring a personally-owned device to school rests with the parent and the student. The board and your child's school will not be responsible for devices that are lost, stolen or damaged in any manner. Students are responsible for connecting their own devices to the network. Help documents are available, but board staff will not be responsible for connecting student devices. Personal devices are only to be connected to the wireless guest networks and not be plugged into any SCDSB networks using an Ethernet cable. Devices should be easily identifiable, clearly labelled and where possible, registered with the manufacturer. Any violation of this agreement may result in confiscation of personally-owned equipment and appropriate discipline. Confiscated equipment may be returned to the parent/legal guardian or in the event of suspected illegal or inappropriate activity, may be forwarded to the appropriate law enforcement agency.


Wi-Fi

The Simcoe County District School Board has Wi-Fi access in all its schools. We take health advice from trusted medical experts, including Public Health Ontario, Health Canada and the World Health Organization. Numerous studies have been conducted and there is no evidence that exposure to Wi-Fi has negative health effects. We will continue to follow the advice of these credible health organizations. More information is available on the Simcoe Muskoka Health Unit's website here: www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/Topics/Environment/electromagnetic.aspx.