Also, in addition to existing students attending Burnaby North S.S., eight districts send students to participate in the school’s Digital Sound Production and the Film and Broadcast Industry Connect programs. With a large amount of students enrolling in the program, the Future Generation Tech Lab donation is imperative to sustain and expand its services.

The lack of modern technology is affecting key programs like the Video and Media Technology course which has just eight computers and dated video cameras. The Future Generation Tech Lab donation will be used to upgrade the classroom to bring it up-to-date with new computers, editing equipment and creation of a mini-sound state with lighting and a green screen.

Sadly, the four computers and technology used to carry out some of these programs are dated and limit the development of skills for the students. The Future Generation Tech Lab donation will be used to purchase new equipment and provide students with an improved and more creative learning environment.

Highland S.S. plans to use the donation money to build a cross-curricular program that features an integrated learning hub for students interested in communications, machinery and Custom Car Design and Drafting (CAD) services.

With only one computer for every six students, Omer-Deslauriers will use their Future Generation Tech Lab to outfit a classroom with equipment to elevate classes in its Information, Technology and Communications program. The new technologies acquired from the donation will fulfill student needs, such as learning audio and video montages, animation and web design.

The donation will benefit three programs and 25 classes. Technology will be purchased to teach students how to develop communications skill-sets, such as creating newsletters and presentations, as well as provide research and developmental support for the general student body, including those with learning disabilities.

This addition expanded the school’s course offerings and provides students with real-world working experiences.

The multimedia lab features current software programs to support the instruction of practical courses in design, computer animation and video editing. Additionally, interactive features were introduced to engage students in the new learning environment.

The school is particularly proud of the programs to support new students build confidence in their English and integrate to their new school and country.

An area that received an immediate upgrade is the Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing software and hardware, as well as rapid prototyping equipment, essential for preparing students for programs in post-secondary school and the workplace.

Henri-Bourassa is using the funds to create a brand new computer classroom. Located beside the arts and communications rooms, the classroom was created to encourage participation in artistic creativity programs and feature digital enhancements such as interactive whiteboards, multimedia presentations and rich media content.

As the 10-year old computers gradually failed, the program was in jeopardy.
Richmond School District came forward with a unique proposal: create a multimedia lab to offer Grade 10-12 programs in music composition and broadcasting, as well as house the district’s Virtual School. The Tech Lab will allow for the expanding arts program, and offer a permanent home to the Virtual School, which boasts one of the highest completion rates in the BC.

As stated in their application for the grant: "Technology is a very important part of our daily lives, and it is becoming more important every year. Students with good presentation skills in technology will be better at presenting their ideas and concepts in the future. These skills will serve them well, no matter which career path they choose… with technology, we can inspire and challenge students to go to that next creative step and test their limits…"

Students in the dual credit program will work on university credits, experience post-secondary courses while completing their high school diploma, and build confidence in their abilities.
A message from the Mayor.

The administration believes students need confidence to succeed and excel, and that communication drives confidence.
The Tech Lab will focus on a broader program around competency and enjoyment of 21st century literature, to inspire students to learn and engage in the world all around them. The new equipment and café-inspired room will serve as the school’s hub for Media Studies, and the new home for the school’s newspaper Hidden Agenda.

Specifically, Geography will benefit from a new weather station, and a newly created podcasting program will share school news, and allow students to create a range of curriculum-based podcasts.

A drafting lab was revitalized and equipped with computer-assisted design (CAD) tools, which are part of a career-ready program.

The classroom was redesigned to increase space and accommodate 30 workstations with the latest computers and software. A SMART board (an interactive whiteboard system) was added to share work and explain concepts. With the upgrades to hardware, students were able to render images in minutes versus the hours required on their old systems.

The Tech Lab was an overwhelming success. The wide range of programs, made possible by the new equipment, opened more interest for a broader variety of students. Click here to see excerpts from a letter of recognition from the Surrey School District