Information Technology in Our Schools

The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Department works to ensure that staff and students have access to the latest technology tools to help foster student success and meet the diverse needs of 21st-century learners.  The ICT Department is responsible for all data, electronic communications, computers, mobile devices, printers, networks, internet and business systems in the Renfrew County District School Board (RCDSB).

In today’s day and age, technology in our schools is a critical part of learning. Our students and staff use tech tools in a variety of ways to support state-of-the-art interactive learning across the RCDSB.

The RCDSB continues to invest in new and enhanced resources to provide staff, students and schools with leading-edge technology. This includes:

• • • The deployment of a Chromebook to every student in Grades 7-12, system-wide, beginning in the 2023-2024 school year;

    • Access to the full suite of applications available through the Google Workspace for Education Plus platform as well as unlimited cloud storage;

    • Every school is served by fibre optic internet service allowing for fast internet speeds and scalability over time;

    • BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) is enabled in all schools and board buildings, allowing staff and students to use personal devices;

    • Interactive whiteboards in all classrooms;

    • Video conferencing capabilities for students and staff to collaborate on projects locally and around the world;

    • 3D printers in every school;

    • HTC Vive virtual reality systems allow students to experience unparalleled, true-to-life virtual reality;

    • Robotics tools such as micro:bits and EV3s, as well as online applications such as Scratch and Lynx, are used by students to solve problems and create representations in relevant, modern, and meaningful ways; and,

    • District-wide eSports league where students have an opportunity to build character and collaboration in a competitive environment.

Online Safety

Students and Staff of the Renfrew County District School Board (RCDSB) are required to promote responsible use of Board resources and to refrain from unauthorized access or abuse. They are required to use computers and electronic devices for educational, business and communication reasons, and to avoid any use, which has a negative impact on safe, caring and orderly schools.

Students in grades 7-12 will be responsible for completing and adhering to the Appropriate Use Contract for Students in Grade 7-12 each year.

Each RCDSB school/site has its own procedures for ensuring that all students, staff and appropriate community members and partners are aware of the Administrative Procedure (AP) 141 – Computers: Network, Internet and Electronic Devices.

The RCDSB supports access to information that strengthens learning in our schools. While the RCDSB attempts to restrict access to internet sites known to be inappropriate, from time to time, users may be able to obtain access to materials that are or might be considered to be inappropriate, obscene, abusive, offensive, harassing or illegal. Users are expected to refrain from accessing and using such materials. Network users are responsible for appropriate behaviour on RCDSB networks and while using RCDSB or personal electronic devices.