'It's almost like pen 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 every Edmonton student has easy access to a laptop.

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

EPSF has launched their Chromebooks for Kids Campaign and is accepting donations from the community, which will be used to purchase Chromebooks to gift to those students in need.

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

Families needing access to technology can contact their school’s principal to start 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 education-grade Chromebooks.

The EPSF gifted 567 Chromebooks to students in 2020, but Amrhein said the majority of that funding came from organizations that approached them. This year, the foundation is looking to the community for help.

Access to technology ‘almost like pen and paper’

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

“Access to technology and learning to be proficient with technology is almost like pen and paper at this stage of the game,” she said. “So, that Chromebook is really more than just a tool. It’s also that access to exploration and discovery. It even opens up access to tools and help that are online.”

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

“It opens up a lot more opportunities than just that 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. school day,” she said.

EPSF will get 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 create a positive learning experience,” said John Elford, senior vice-president of corporate services for EPCOR in a news release.

Donate to the campaign

Amrhein said the foundation is able to purchase Chromebooks with the purchasing power of the school division — meaning they can buy the devices at a reduced price. She said each Chromebook costs just under $300.

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

ktaniguchi@postmedia.com

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