At Emily Carr Public School, a handful of students sit around a table plugged into different types of technology like iPads and laptops to learn the day’s lesson. They can use the device they feel most comfortable accessing.

Welcome to one of a number of the Board’s specialized reading and writing classes – that include math and language studies – designed to give all students a chance to succeed in the classroom. At Emily Carr, success is happening every day.

Teacher Stacey Falconer explained classes are designed to build on four main pillars:  Literacy, Numeracy, Learning Skills and Technology. Success is measured through academic and social/emotional growth. The goal is to give the students tools so they can assimilate back into their regular home school classroom

Falconer has seen her students make “significant gains” in class, with many approaching their grade level benchmarks. Technology, she said, is being used to supplement their learning skills.

“Our goal is to remediate and support students and send them back to their home school,” she said. “They’ve definitely made improvement.”

Technology is being used in many ways to help students be as successful as they can be, Falconer said. The class uses software that reads novels for students. A voice note is recorded and the file is emailed to the teacher who can assess the lessons learned. The class also uses a live scribe pen, akin to a Digital Video Recording machine. It records everything being taught at the time and allows students to listen to the instruction as many times as they want.

Other students use MP3 players to listen to instruction. For example, these devices are used for science studies to better understand forces like push, pull and lift. Falconer noted she will see some students acting out the force, reinforcing the fact they understand the lesson.

“Technology allows students to share their knowledge without feeling like there is some sort of barrier preventing them from putting their best work forward.” Falconer said. “We’re just beginning iPod applications.”

Students Daniel, Grade 6, and Jessica, Grade 5 – they call themselves “tech dudes” – love the class. They say it has helped them increase their reading and math skills, and, as a bonus, have made great friends along the way.

“I really feel like I am moving to that next level,” Daniel said.

Said Jessica: “It’s easier in the class because you get more help.”

The classes are “extremely effective,” said Jennifer Gunion, the Board’s Instructional Program Leader, Special Education. 

“The Board’s approach is two-fold in that we seek to remediate students' skills and to foster growth and independence by developing their technology skills,” Gunion said. “The teachers are so passionate about the students. They are excellent in terms of their skills, knowledge and commitment to on-going learning about effective instructional strategies, assessment strategies, technology, and the social and emotional needs of the students.”