Middle school staff in Saanich recognize that the use of technology supports student learning in a variety of important ways. Consequently, we are advocating increasing wifi access to 70% in all three Saanich middle schools for the following three reasons:
1. Wifi allows students to have timely access to information that supports their inquiry and research projects.
2. Wifi increases the use of relevant technologies in the classroom that meet the goals of the new curriculum.
3. Wifi allows access to assistive technology that gives students more independence with their learning.
* Please note that if we move forward with increasing wifi, we will commit to providing a wifi free environment for students who request it.
In order for you to make an informed decision, we are including two links with relevant research on the topic from both sides of the debate.
Here is the link to Health Canada:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/radiation/cons/wifi/faq-eng.php#a2
Here is the link to information from Canadians for Safe Technology:
We also ask you to familiarize yourself with School District 63 Policy 3130 which pertains to wifi use in schools.
Please click this link to the survey with three key questions for parents.
We would like to hear from all parents/guardians to ensure we have the support to move forward with the submission to the Superintendent of Schools.