Information & Communication Technology (ICT) Overview

At Canadian Academy we believe that ICT can best support education if its use supports the school's mission, core values, and strategic objectives.

ICT is a crucial part of instruction at Canadian Academy. While in the past a person’s physical community dominated their lives, today we must be fully prepared to participate and thrive in extensive digital communities as well. Here at Canadian Academy we stress the importance of students’ online lives, teaching them not only to find and utilize resources available on the Internet, but also to make the kinds of decisions and develop the skills needed to be responsible and effective “cyber-citizens”.

Our whole school community uses ICT to develop critical thinking skills, share ideas and creativity, and to explore and inquire about the world. We have a commitment to prepare students for this fast and ever changing cyberspace, in order that they can develop their own digital identity. In this way they can take full advantage of the online educational, professional and social communities connecting us all.

At Canadian Academy ICT is fully integrated into the curriculum and is developed as a natural tool in all teachers' classes. Teachers communicate digitally with students through tools such as this web portal with every student and parent given a Canadian Academy student or parent portal account with access to course information. Middle school and high school students and parents also have access to the PowerSchool portal for assignments and assessments. Wikis, blogs, Moodle and online applications are used to support classroom instruction, as well as the Herbert Norman Library resources with Follett Destiny, the CA Databases, and NoodleTools.

The school has robust wired and open wireless networks, allowing students to fully participate wherever they may be in the school.  While students are also welcome to bring their own laptops, the school has over 600 computers, including 3 computer labs, 9 laptop trolleys, and a class set of laptops in the library.

Download the ICT Long Range Plan PDF.

ICT Goals for 2009-2010

1. Plan and implement a Learning Platform.
   1. Implement use of the CA Learning Platform using this website and Moodle. Provide Professional Development training for Teacher Portals.
   2. Evaluate the student and teacher login system and network storage space.
      1. Tie together student login systems into a seamless system.
      2. Manage student security with logins.
   3. Develop and implement a plan to reduce the amount of paper used. Print server implemented
   4. Expand the network storage space to ensure access from anywhere with network access.
   5. Develop plan for e-portfolios. This includes network storage and access.

2. Develop single-entry data information system.
   1. Further development and implementation of PowerSchool.
   2. Implement online admission application.
   3. Facilitate flow of information throughout the CA Information and Communication System using server software applications.
   4. Facilitate flow of information for donations database and alumni databases.
   5. Facilitate use of calendars and parent communication systems.
3. Fully integrate ICT skills in alignment with CA mission, core values, and strategic objectives and to support the development of the PYP, MYP and DP curricula.
4. Maintain an infrastructure and support system for the CA ICT system.
   1. Develop plan to extend and improve the wired and wireless networks.
   2. Investigate feasibility of 1:1 laptop plan.
   3. Develop budget plan for administration computers.
   4. Develop budget plan for peripheral equipment.

ICT Goals 2010-2011

1. Assess effectiveness of the Learning Platform and expand its use.
2. Assess single-entry data information system and expand its use.
3. Assess integration of ICT knowledge and skills in alignment with CA mission, core values, and strategic objectives and to support the development of the PYP, MYP and DP curricula.
4. Assess the infrastructure and support system for the CA ICT system.

Murray Smith
Director of Information and Communication Technology