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Idea acf2270:

New multimedia labs for Surrey BC Schools

Posted October 27, 2009

  • Posted by: Liane Ricou
  • Organization: Surrey School District
  • Location: Surrey, BC
  • Category: Improve Education
  • Cost: Big ($50,000 – $250,000)

OUR STORY The 4400 students and staff at 3 inner city secondary schools in Surrey, Guildford Park (GP), Kwantlen Park (KP) and LA Matheson (LA), have come together united by our frustration over out of date technology. Current computers limit our teaching and learning opportunities. We are committed to giving students the 21st century skills they will need to pursue post-secondary training and careers in technology fields. In order to do this, each school needs to put in place a new, cutting edge multimedia computer lab.

Students at these 3 inner city schools, more than students at many other schools who often have opportunities to explore technology outside of school hours, need access to quality, powerful computers at school.

Staff at our schools is motivated and capable of teaching multimedia courses. Students are keen to learn and acquire these skills and want to be prepared, like their more affluent peers, for tech career opportunities. Technology engages students in a dynamic way that motivates them to reach new heights and can be particularly effective at reaching at risk students . New labs will build dreams that are all too often stifled in inner city neighbourhoods simply because students never have a chance to try.

Each of our schools has started a small multimedia program despite poor equipment because we believe in the importance of technology education. Classes are full and students are showing increasing independence and creativity as they complete more complex projects. One recent graduate of our programs was able to compile a professional portfolio at school that resulted in entrance to Emily Carr University and a plan to move to New York to pursue his dreams in multimedia arts. Without his technology start at school, he says, he would not be where he is today. This is the same dream and support we want to offer all of our students.

Our schools can not accomplish these goals on their own. Our technology budgets are small and spent on emergency repairs. There is little room for new purchases or to consider the scope of this proposal’s significant upgrades.

Our programs show great potential for growth. But we are faced with cancelling courses because of inadequate technology. Students wait up to two days for a project to download. Worse computers often crash forcing students to start again. Building beyond basics is difficult because computers can not keep up with advanced methods. In many classes 2-3 students share one computer and there are very few peripherals like cameras or printers.

Students are missing out on their chance to consider technology careers and to meet the challenges of an ever increasingly technological world. An Aviva Community Fund grant will give students this chance as well as a way to explore creativity and to re-capture potentially wavering interest in school. Multimedia class work will simultaneously provide students with basic skills in project management, teamwork and moving ideas from conception to completion that can be used in a range of jobs and post secondary programs.

THE STATISTICS Surrey is one of Canada’s fastest growing cities. More than 1000 people move here each month. In 20 years Surrey's population will exceed Vancouver’s.

In 2006 BC had the highest child poverty rate in Canada at 21.9%. 23% of Surrey children live in below the low income cut off. (Census 2006 at www. www.statcan.gc.ca community profiles, Surrey)

Our schools are located in Surrey’s inner city north end. Each school boasts a diverse, multicultural population with more than 52 different languages.

Statistics Canada numbers here paint the picture of each neighbourhood. Families face many challenges and we can not easily categorize them. Staff and students are proud of their schools and recognize the role education will play in giving students fruitful, and interesting futures that will lead them to places both far a foot and to successes close to home.

New technology tools will help us to connect with, spark and inspire students to reach their full potential.

Median Household Income before tax: KP $39,392, LA $55,915, GP $43,435 Percent families who are lone parent: KP 25%, LA 16%, GP 24% Percent mother tongue not English/French: KP 46%, LA 62%, GP 43% Percent moved in the last 5 years: KP 57%, LA 54%, GP 20% Percent 15 yrs+ with post secondary education: KP 46%, LA 37%, GP 41%.

THE BUDGET We are requesting $180,000 from ACF to purchase:

69 video editing and graphic design computer workstations with LCD monitor (several models) $115,880

Adobe creative suite, video and photo editing plug ins for 61 computer $14,000

Digital still/video cameras, printers, lighting and sound equipment $50,120

We will complete, with the assistance of our district, the purchase and set up of the three new labs by Dec 2010 No ongoing funding is required. Once the technology is in place, it will benefit 1000's of students each year.


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