Several years ago, the Cree School Board began planning to improve digital literacy and learning technologies in concert with Quebec's Digital Action Plan for Education. Student laptops, accounts, and an eventual department for e-learning was a long-term vision for the CSB. However, COVID-19 school closures changed what was once a gradual, decade-long strategy into a sprint to digital readiness.
"Thankfully, we had the plans and funding in place to take immediate action in the area of digital learning," said Kimberly Quinn, Director of School Operations.
"But, really, it was a team and community that made this happen."
The results of the CSB's digital learning efforts are significant: by the end of March, all Secondary students at the CSB will have a loaned laptop, mouse, headset, memory stick, and laptop bag to take home. Online learning accounts have also been set up for all students through Microsoft TEAMs, and a new Department of Digital Learning is being established at the CSB.
Under normal circumstances, this type of digital transformation would take several years. But, by working together and staying focused, the CSB made it happen in a matter of months.
