How Technology is Impacting Canadian Education Industry? Let’s Have a Closer Look..

Canada is the second largest country in the world and has revolutionized the typical class room learning with technology. Computers alone have enhanced the learning procedure with internet. Technology is widely used in elementary and secondary education in Canadian schools. It works like a guideline in the school curriculum that enhances the productivity of teachers and students.

• Virtually all schools of Canada have computers.
• Almost 98% of schools have Wi-Fi connection.
• A wide range of technology like television, print, teleconferencing and online programs are used in the class rooms.
• Almost all school going children are using a computer in school and at home.

Technology immensely increases the involvement of a student, thus motivating the child in his day to day learning. It elevates and accelerates the learning and grasping process. Technology works as a powerhouse by generating new concepts and transforming the teaching methods in an absolutely new way. It reduces stress on the teacher as well as the students. Technology also connects the teachers to their students in many ways as the teacher is accessible even after school hours due to the benefits of internet.

Canada has highly advanced cities with modern technology but these cities are few and often far apart. Canada being huge, there is often vast expanse of wilderness, prairies, farmlands, plains, mountains and rivers in between the cities. All these elements are an ordeal for many Canadian children. Those who are living on islands or small rural areas far away from city, find it more than difficult to travel to far away schools in the nearest towns.

Fortunately, technology has taken a front seat to erase this problem at least in theory. For example, students on Baffin Island, cannot travel to proper schools in Victoria or Toronto everyday, but due to technology they can access classes from their local areas. Many small and rural schools are benefited in this way with distant learning. They are provided an online curriculum. E-learning is also provided based on the course they are following.Many school boards and provincial services are helping these local schools through e-learning.

Online learning opportunities and the use of open educational resources has also reduced the cost associated with instructional materials. Canada uses technology to provide online learning from grades K-12.

Virtual online learning – These virtual schools enroll students on a full time online learning for Grades K to 12. Students don’t tend to enter a school building at all but receive the entire instructions online and earn all their credits through online courses and activities. Many online schools provide a free computer and internet on subsidized rated when a student enrolls.

Blended Learning program is one in which part of education is online and the other part is in a proper school building where a child studies with other students in a group.This provides an integrated approach to the students’ education.

Use of technology can be best appreciated by the students in secondary and post-secondary phases of their education. These students have lot to find out as they have to apply for graduation courses, vocational courses or advanced learning opportunities. Basic internet access across the country gives all students a vast arena of knowledge that might be unavailable otherwise. Technology has also made it possible for students and their parents to be well versed with so many scholarships and benefits programs by the Canadian Government. One such tax shield program is Heritage Resp (Registered Education Savings Plan), which ensures a secure investment for a student to use at the time of his post-secondary education.