Are Northern Ontario Schools Keeping UP?
I couldn’t help wondering as I watched the video, from Prince Edward Island, above if Northern Ontario students – particularly those on the Northshore in elementary schools like my daughter who is in Grade 2, but in High School as well, are receiving the education they need to succeed.
I believe change begins with questions and so encourage you, parents, teachers, students – from Northern Ontario, to leave your thoughts on this question and those raised by seeing where some schools are already at (not to say there aren’t schools in Ontario doing what those in the video are, it just seemed to sum it up really well). One of my big concerns since my daughter has been in school is the lack of typing tutor programs being used – the ability to type properly and as naturally as writing is, in my opinion, as important as being able to read or write as it affects how comfortable students will be communicating with peers and teachers, how well they learn and complete assignments, etc. Young students in Junior and Senior Kindergarten, Grade 1, 2, and even higher are being encouraged to waste their time “hunting & pecking” as they play with next-to-useless games that do nothing to teach them about the computers they are using.
I worry that my daughter is not learning with all the tools necessary to her success but why? Northern Ontario stands to benefit greatly from the use of technology – it removes our isolation, allows us to benefit from jobs beyond the forests and mines while staying in the towns we love. In my community many people benefit from telemedicine, distance education (Contact North) and other tools of the modern world yet there seems to be a disconnect as I am always surprised at how many of my neighbours aren’t using social media to it’s full potential, are limited by their lack of self-confidence using new technologies, and how many businesses even municipal governments are severely out of touch with how these tools work. I believe that the key to Northern Ontario embracing technology has to begin in our schools as when people see their kids learning they are likely to learn along with them.
Are our Northern Ontario schools – outside of the cities, in rural and more isolated communities doing, teaching, advancing enough? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
