Current Projects
Inclusive Learning Technologies & mLearning: Supporting English Language Learners
The Inclusive Learning Technologies & mLearning: Supporting English Language Learners Project focuses on enhancing teaching and learning for ESL students through the deployment of one-to-one mobile learning devices. Curriculum and Learning Technologies (CLT) is leading this project in response to the call for the One-to-One Computing Initiative (eMerge Project) in Alberta Schools.
Students, Teachers, Administrators, and Parents share their perspectives in Year One and Year Two of this 3 year initiative.
One-to-one laptops, Inclusive Learning Technologies software and other existing technology solutions are being employed to improve learning in the three CBE schools:
- Monterey Park Elementary School has a significant population of ESL learners (499 students - 72% of student population)
- Tom Baines Junior High School has 211 ESL students and is designated as an ESL Centre of Inquiry providing leadership and PD
- Henry Wise Wood Senior High School offers Level 1 - 5 programming and an ESL Transition Class serving severe and at-risk ESL learners
Identified students in grades six, nine, and twelve are involved in this initiative this year. By tracking student use of these devices over a three year period, significant longitudinal research data is being obtained in determining impact on student learning and in driving systemic change. In addition, information is being gathered on the practice of teachers who are engaged in designing learning experiences using mobile computing devices, Inclusive Learning Technologies, and existing technologies in their daily teaching practice
The city of Calgary is the fourth largest recipient of immigrants in Canada. The Calgary Board of Education receives over 50% of all coded ESL students in the province of Alberta, comprising over 22% (nearly 22,000 students) of the total student population. The number of ESL students continues to grow and is increasingly diversified (over 140 languages are spoken). Schools within the CBE are striving to reduce the gap between ESL learners and regular students, as well as improve high school completion rates. Educators are increasingly seeking innovative ways of meeting the needs of this unique student population.
