New Brunswick’s education and early childhood development minister has announced funding to acquire technology for students.
Dominic Cardy said he is committed to helping the students of New Brunswick continue their learning while schools are closed.
“Part of making that possible is providing students with the tools they need to pursue home learning options. And that’s why today I am proud to share that the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development has invested $860,000,” said Cardy.
This money, from the department’s exisiting budget, will be spent on 1,000 iPads with data plans, 500 laptops and 300 MiFi Hubs.
The MiFi Hubs will be available for students who do not have access to the internet at home.
“This investment will help us to level the playing field and ensure students have more equitable action for home learning options. We know each family has different health requirements and we know there are families with psychological barriers that do put some students at a disadvantage under this learning level,” said Cardy.
According to Cardy, families were contacted to learn what technology is and isn’t available to each student at home.
“Because from the very beginning, my concern, my department’s concern and the concern of government has been public health and safety. We know this has not been easy for families, we know that families have concerns,” he said.
Schools will be distributing the devices with the expectation that the devices will be returned at a specified date.
There is no plan to reopen schools by the end of the school year in June.
