The Government of Ontario announced on April 17, 2020 that they have partnered with Rogers Communications and Apple to assist students in obtaining access to online learning by providing iPad devices to Ontario school boards for distribution.
The iPad devices will be pre-equipped with free Rogers LTE wireless data for students who do not have access to the technology or internet to be able to access Learn at Home. This free Rogers wireless data will be available until the end of June. The iPad devices will have videos, books, and apps built into them. There will be ongoing support in English and French provided by Apple. Free one-to-one virtual coaching by Apple Professional Learning Specialists will be available for teachers.
The Minister of Education announced that Rogers is working with Ontario school boards to obtain “high-speed, low-cost Internet to subsidized tenants and members of housing partners across Ontario through its Connected for Success program, as well as the Government of Canada Connecting Families initiative.” Through Connecting Families, eligible households may sign up for high-speed Internet speed with no overage fees for $9.99 monthly.
The province is planning to deliver broadband Internet access to every school by:
- September 2020 for high schools,
- September 2021 for elementary schools.
Resources
Rogers: Connecting Families
Government of Canada: Connecting Families
Connecting for Success
Get Support for Families
Learn at Home
Newsroom: Ontario Establishes Key Partnerships to Make Home Learning More Accessible
