Four ways private schools are empowering students in the digital age

Technology is evolving at lightning speed, and preparing students to step boldly into a digital world is paramount for private schools in Canada. “Technology is a constant presence in their lives and will continue to change throughout their futures,” says Zahra Valani, head of school at the Linden School in Toronto. “Students need guided experience with the technologies that will shape their lives beyond school, while also developing strong foundational skills that do not depend on screens.” Andrew Winter, head of Canadian and world studies, social sciences and humanities at Toronto’s Hudson College, concurs. “We can teach the proper use of technology without using it to replace kids’ innate intelligence and skills,” he says.

1. Building a foundation

At Canadian private schools, technology is incorporated into learning from day one. “We require all Grade 9 students to take a computer-technology course because foundational computer literacy and coding skills are essential for every student,” says Myke Healy, assistant head of senior school, teaching and learning, at Trinity College School in Port Hope, Ont. At Hudson College, coding, 3D-printing and digital modelling are embedded within computer science, physics and math classes. “We’re future-proofing students by integrating digital tools into every element of our curriculum,” says Dylan Mimna, a math and science teacher at Hudson.

2. Establishing clear boundaries

Limiting in-class distractions caused by tech is equally important. “Elementary school students aren’t permitted to access smartphones except when going off campus,” says Winter. “In the high school, there are pouches in every room where phones must be stored during class.” Trinity College has a similar policy: “Every classroom has a ‘smartphone hotel’ where students deposit their phones during class,” Healy explains. “It’s an easy and visual way to signal to students that it’s time to learn.”

3. Providing the tools

Students frequently benefit from the expansive resources available at private schools. “Every student [at] receives a MacBook Air, loaded with a wide variety of software,” says Andy Hall, high school principal at WillowWood School in Toronto. “Each classroom contains a digital board that allows our teachers to create detailed, interesting and interactive lessons.” Healy says all senior-school students at Trinity have laptops, and Hudson College’s 1:1 laptop environment “transforms every classroom into its own computer lab,” says Mimna, adding that the full Adobe Creative Cloud Suite is taught to Hudson’s arts students.

4. Teaching responsible use

Private schools also emphasize the responsible use of technology. “Students and teachers engage in thoughtful conversations about the ethical responsibilities that come with technological innovation,” Valani says. “Students learn to engage with it thoughtfully and purposefully.” Healy feels that knowing how to use technology ethically and effectively is even more important than learning how to code. “Our AI-forward approach means students are taught to use [technology] with integrity and judgment,” he says.

Ultimately, notes Mimna, private schools are empowering students for the future. “By prioritizing these resources,” he explains, “we ensure our graduates are not just ready for the digital age, they are prepared to lead it.”