P.E.I. school Wi-Fi on schedule, says province

A P.E.I. government plan to install wireless computer networks in all Island schools is off to a good start, officials say.

• P.E.I. makes technology in classrooms a priority

Spring Park Elementary in Charlottetown is one of 13 schools already connected. School laptops can be taken to any classroom in the school, and students can connect wirelessly to the internet to work on projects.

Grade 4 teacher Dianna Linassi can keep track of what they're doing from a computer at the front of the class.

"I can see all of their work," said Linassi.

"I can see a thumbnail of what they're working on and I can click on each individual student to make sure that they're on task."

The province says it's on track to install Wi-Fi in all Island schools by the end of the year.

It's also adding laptop computers for teachers.

"What that means for us is that it's portable," said Spring Park principal Terry MacIsaac.

"They can take it around the school. They can also take them home,"

Personal devices not connected

The Wi-Fi is not available for students to use on their own phones, tablets or laptops. Education Minister Hal Perry said that's being discussed.

"At the present time, it's only for school owned devices," said Perry.

"We are presently working on policy for students to use their own devices. And that's an ongoing policy development."

Two French schools are up next to get Wi-Fi, and after that the province will begin work in Summerside area schools.

The total cost of the project for the province, including the laptops and Wi-Fi installation, is just under $10 million.