News Stories

In our modern world, it is hard to come up with many tasks that don’t involve some sort of digital component. From registering for classes to shopping for essentials and even applying for jobs, each involves the need for one to be literate in a digital environment.

Infrastructures in school districts across the country and worldwide have become more accustomed to digital applications for teaching and learning, especially since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. Since this time, Brooklyn Center Community Schools (BCCS) have been able to provide equitable access to technology through our one-to-one student device program.

“Upon the pandemic, our district had no choice but to provide technology to every student,” BCCS Technology Manager Alec St. Hilaire said. “Now, our systems allow us to switch to an online learning environment within a moment’s notice, whether it is for a weather emergency or unforeseen circumstances.”

When it comes to curriculum, every program now provides materials online for teachers to share with their students. Teachers are able to share assignments and resources with students and in turn allows students to access their class content, assignments and grades within a few clicks. Also, parents are able to view student work, grades and deadlines within learning management systems including Canvas or Seesaw.

With devices and wireless internet provided for each student, personalized learning opportunities are endless. BCCS Curriculum & Instruction Coordinator Kaitlin Stein shared how personalized learning can empower students and allow them to build their own pathway to academic progress. 

“Especially for our secondary students, they can check quiz or test grades immediately and they can work ahead or catch up – students can really set the pace for their own learning,” Stein said. “For example, if a student is assigned a public speaking project, they may decide to record a video and share with the class instead of present live in person. This shows that they have met the standard and they feel empowered to let their creativity shine.”

New this year in BCCS is the implementation of a classroom management software called LanSchool. This program provides teachers with the ability to monitor what their students have on their screen, share specific links for students to access, and ensure students stay on task. Stein, along with her Co-Curriculum & Instruction Coordinator Ellen Morehouse, provide learning opportunities for staff members to manage the online learning tools and ensure they have the information and tools for students and families to use with ease.

The BCCS technology department not only ensures their network and devices are running smoothly each day, the department also assists daily tech support for staff and students at each building. Families that might not have access to wireless internet can either be provided with a hotspot for temporary access, and then can apply for discounted services through Arvig.

“It is all about access, access, access,” Stein said. “Ultimately, our goal is to teach students the lifelong skills needed in order to navigate a digital world. We want to be able to continue to provide these resources to students so it is not only on their families to do so. Also, it is important for students to know how to use technology responsibly and safely.” 

As BCCS prepares students for the future, increased funds for technology would allow our staff to teach them how to manage technologies, critically think about information, provide students robust learning experiences, and set them up for success in life after graduation. Learn more about Referendum 2024 on our Pathway to Progress web page.