‘It’s almost like a pencil and paper at this stage of the game’: Edmonton Public Schools Foundation launches Chromebooks for Kids campaign

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COVID-19 has made access to technology essential in the classroom, but not all Edmonton students have easy access to a laptop.

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Kyla Amrhein, director of the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation (EPSF), said there is currently a technology-based inequity within the school division and the foundation is looking to remove that barrier.

EPSF has launched its Chromebooks for Kids campaign and is accepting donations from the community, which will be used to purchase Chromebooks to give away to students in need.

“We are working with the principals of our schools to find those students who would really benefit the most,” Amrhein told Postmedia. “Our goal, our reason for being here is to support the work of the division and level the playing field for students who come into the classroom at a disadvantage.”

Families who need access to technology can contact their school principal to begin the referral process.

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Amrhein said the foundation’s goal is to raise $ 100,000, which would allow them to purchase 335 educational-grade Chromebooks.

The EPSF gave away 567 Chromebooks to students in 2020, but Amrhein said most of that funding came from organizations that reached out to them. This year, the foundation looks to the community for help.

Access to technology ‘almost like paper and pencil’

Amrhein’s added technology will continue to be an important piece of education after the pandemic and the foundation plans to make Chromebooks for Kids an ongoing program.

“Accessing technology and learning to master technology is almost like a pencil and paper at this stage of the game,” he said. “So that Chromebook is really more than a tool. It is also that access to exploration and discovery. It even opens access to tools and help that are online. “

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Amrhein said that the use of technology transcends the classroom. For example, teachers could put up an online tutorial to guide students through the steps of a math problem and only those with access to technology at home could take advantage of the extra help.

“It opens up a lot more opportunities than the 8 am-3pm school day,” he said.

EPSF will earn additional funding from EPCOR’s Heart + Soul Fund, which will match up to $ 25,000 in donations, doubling the impact of donations from the public.

“Putting much-needed technology in the hands of students will alleviate some of the stress they feel and support parents and teachers in helping to create a positive learning experience,” said John Elford, EPCOR senior vice president of corporate services in a statement from press. .

Donate to the campaign

Amrhein said the foundation can buy Chromebooks with the purchasing power of the school division, which means they can buy the devices at a discounted price. He said each Chromebook costs just under $ 300.

To donate to the campaign, people can visit foundation.epsb.ca and click donate, click the “Chromebooks for kids” tab on the website to read more about the program and click the donate button today, or by calling 780-970-5238.

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