Learning and Technology Policy Framework (2013)
The ORC strongly supports 80% (four out of five) of the policy directions in Alberta Education’s Learning and Technology Policy Framework 2013 publication. These include:
- Student-centred learning – know how to learn, think critically, manage information, apply multiple literacies, digital citizenship and technological skills
- Research and innovation – current educational technology research, apply research to learning and teaching
- Professional learning – use technology, engage in professional growth opportunities
- Leadership – economies of scale for cost effectiveness
Student-Centred Learning
ORC resources are selected based on their alignment to the curriculum and the embedded features that support diverse learners. ORC resources offer a wide array of multi media including videos, audio recordings, eBooks, pictures, print articles, primary source documents, and vetted websites. Users can access live video streams, submit questions to experts and receive responses, as well as create and submit educational videos for sharing.
Every resource includes easily downloadable citations, copyright friendly pictures, videos, and audio recordings supporting ethical digital citizenship. Additionally, ORC resources provide vetted websites related to content in addition to “how to research” tutorials that support teachers and students in teaching and learning how to learn.
All ORC resources have explicit update schedules, often updating every 6-12 months unless there is a major world event in which case they update within 24-48 hours. Regular and explicit updates ensure users have access to current, authoritative content at all times. In many cases content that is related to different countries or cultures are written by in-country consultants. This provides users with the perspective and insights of others from around the world, broadening their cultural understanding.
Research and Innovation, Professional Learning
As previously mentioned in this document, the work of educational professionals is supported at the classroom level through the numerous embedded features specifically designed to support diverse learning styles and student interests. These features function seamlessly within the resource and require little-to-no teacher/educational assistant support once the student becomes familiar with using them.
Many of the databases allow students to select an appropriate reading level within the same age-appropriate interface. Not only can students who are below reading level access the same content alongside their peers, this technology empowers all students to tailor content to their specific learning needs.
The majority of ORC resources include text translation for 103 different languages at no extra cost. This not only benefits English Language Learners (ELL), it also allows students and parents who prefer to read in another language, including French access to the same content. Supporting diverse learners with flexible and adaptive technology continues to be a priority for the ORC.
Leadership
ORC resources provide equity in access to students, parents, and staff across the province regardless of their location, budget, or staffing. By negotiating a core collection of resources, the ORC significantly reduces the cost per student, thus positively impacting the overall cost of the collection.
ORC resources are selected based on their alignment to the curriculum and the embedded features that support diverse learners. ORC resources offer a wide array of multi media including videos, audio recordings, eBooks, pictures, print articles, primary source documents, and vetted websites. Users can access live video streams, submit questions to experts and receive responses, as well as create and submit educational videos for sharing.
Every resource includes easily downloadable citations, copyright friendly pictures, videos, and audio recordings supporting ethical digital citizenship. Additionally, ORC resources provide vetted websites related to content in addition to “how to research” tutorials that support teachers and students in teaching and learning how to learn.
All ORC resources have explicit update schedules, often updating every 6-12 months unless there is a major world event in which case they update within 24-48 hours. Regular and explicit updates ensure users have access to current, authoritative content at all times. In many cases content that is related to different countries or cultures are written by in-country consultants. This provides users with the perspective and insights of others from around the world, broadening their cultural understanding.
Research and Innovation, Professional Learning
As previously mentioned in this document, the work of educational professionals is supported at the classroom level through the numerous embedded features specifically designed to support diverse learning styles and student interests. These features function seamlessly within the resource and require little-to-no teacher/educational assistant support once the student becomes familiar with using them.
Many of the databases allow students to select an appropriate reading level within the same age-appropriate interface. Not only can students who are below reading level access the same content alongside their peers, this technology empowers all students to tailor content to their specific learning needs.
The majority of ORC resources include text translation for 103 different languages at no extra cost. This not only benefits English Language Learners (ELL), it also allows students and parents who prefer to read in another language, including French access to the same content. Supporting diverse learners with flexible and adaptive technology continues to be a priority for the ORC.
Leadership
ORC resources provide equity in access to students, parents, and staff across the province regardless of their location, budget, or staffing. By negotiating a core collection of resources, the ORC significantly reduces the cost per student, thus positively impacting the overall cost of the collection.
