Digital technologies are changing the way school systems deliver educational programs to students. Calgary Board of Education schools use a variety of technology tools to support the personalization of learning for each student. Tech tools include hardware (including laptops, iPads, iPods) and software (like G Suite for Education, and D2L).
In addition to the tools listed here, each school may use a wide variety of other tools and technologies to meet the needs of their learners.
Library to Learning Commons
Today’s learners cannot imagine life without the internet and supporting technology. They are accustomed to the immediate and social nature of information and communication. The concept of the traditional library is changing to include technology, online tools, and spaces for collaboration and exploration.
A Learning Commons:
- supports the development of students’ skill in gathering, analyzing, and evaluating information
- is resource-rich, including print, digital, visual, auditory, social, and other types of resources
- houses technology to allow students to create, collaborate, and communicate
- is a dynamic space with a buzz – somewhere where learning is visible and audible
- is a flexible space to meet the needs of learners and teachers, often including multiple teaching and learning environments
- is a place for collaboration, inquiry, imagination, and play
Brightspace by D2L
Brightspace, by D2L is a learning platform available to all our staff and students with parent access as well. It is a secure, password-protected environment for collaboration, communication, organization and assessment. It is also the virtual classroom for the online programs offered through CBe-learn, the CBE’s online learning school.
For assistance with Brightspace login issues and more go to the technical support site.
Iris
Iris is a web-based teaching and learning application consisting of student learning plans, learner profiles, resource library and teacher and administrator workspaces. Iris brings together student voice, learning data, and best research in supporting teachers and administrators in making well-informed instructional decisions for each student.
The student learning plan is the primary space for students to be able to document and articulate personal learning processes. Iris supports students in developing and communicating their ongoing understandings as a learner, creating goals and exploring strategies that will enable them to be successful in their learning.
Gmail and G Suite for Education
CBE’s G Suite for Education (now known as Google Workspace for Education Fundamentals) is an engaging online environment for students and teachers to create and collaborate on lessons and projects using
Gmail,
Drive,
Calendar,
Sites,
Groups,
Photos and
Keep anytime and anywhere internet access is available. We recognize the value of these web applications as relevant and familiar learning and communication tools for students to build good
digital citizenship skills.
Personal student information, report card comments, Individualized Program Plans (IPPs), student marks, or contact lists are not to be stored or transmitted using Google.
Gmail and G Suite for Education at CBE is different from personal Gmail and Google. When students use Google Apps for Education, they are not subjected to advertising, nor is their information provided to third parties for other uses. Students agree to
appropriately use these tools and to demonstrate responsible and respectful behaviour when participating in online environments.
For assistance with G Suite login issues and more go to the
technical support site.
eLibrary
eLibrary is an online catalogue for all CBE school libraries (learning commons) with detailed information on books, DVDs and other resources that are available to borrow and online resources offered by Calgary Public Library and others. eLibrary is an
online tool available to parents, students and staff.
Staff and Students can log in have additional functionality if they log in to save lists, see what they have borrowed, and view any overdue materials.
SchoolMessenger
SchoolMessenger is a mass communication tool that allows schools to easily and securely send email, phone and text messages to parents/guardians of students in a particular grade, class, school or area. Messages are sent to the parent contacts on file at your school. To receive all relevant messages from your child’s school, be sure to subscribe. If your contact information changes, please
inform your school.
Microsoft Office 365
The CBE Office 365 Education agreement allows CBE students to download
Microsoft Office products onto personal devices that they are using for school use. This program provides free access to Office 365 apps and is available for the student to download and use on up to 5 devices (Windows, Mac, and/or mobile devices). This suite includes Word, Excel, One Note and Powerpoint.
Students can sign in to Microsoft Office using their login studentIDnumber@edu.cbe.ab.ca and respective CBE password. This license is valid only for use on personal devices and is valid as long as the student is with the CBE.
Wireless Safety
We're committed to providing our students with rich learning opportunities that allow them to use an array of tools and resources. Today, many of these involve the use of digital devices that require connectivity to the Internet through the use of Wi-Fi technology.
Student safety and well-being is always our first priority. We rely on standards and guidelines set by government agencies and organizations that are sanctioned and responsible for reviewing research, establishing best practices and/or setting safety standards in Canada. We use Wi-Fi technology that is compliant with the most recent safety standards (Safety Code 6) established by Health Canada.
RF Testing
The CBE contracted G2S Environmental Consulting Inc. to complete radiofrequency (RF) testing at 25 schools from Nov. 17 to Dec. 11, 2014 and more recently from Apr. 2-27, 2018. The 25 schools were selected as they are representative of all schools settings within the CBE. The objective was to assess the levels of emissions associated with Wi-Fi equipment and compare it to the exposure limits established by Health Canada.
A total of 375 different locations were measured at the 25 schools. All RF measurements were well within the limits set by Health Canada.
2018 Findings
2014 Findings
You can get more information about Wi-Fi safety from:
Health Canada
