Tech Plan Seeks to Expand Learning in New Canaan

NEW CANAAN, Conn. – Will students in New Canaan Public Schools soon be using iPads or other computer-based tablets in classes? School officials will soon look into their use.

The New Canaan Board of Education voted Monday to approve a three-year technology implementation plan. It is loosely based on the state Department of Education plan but tailored to match what New Canaan may want to do in the future.

“When you take a look at providing our students an enriching learning experience through the use of technology, what is the potential technology has for making learning different in the schools here in pre-K through graduation,” said Rob Miller, the district’s director of information and communications technologies.

The heart of the plan, said Miller, is to explore where technology is most appropriate and then report to the school board and the community. After deciding the right thing to do, the district will ask for the dollars to pay for it.

It may include, Miller said, helping students gain access to expand learning experiences outside of school, having teachers use social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter to grow a professional learning network and adding online or distance learning to the list of course offerings. Miller said he will have some initial findings for the board next fall.

“We are preparing students for their future in a global society and we strongly believe in creating a learning environment that infuses 21st-century competencies and skills into daily instruction and assessment,” Miller said.  

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