Educational Technology & AI

Educational Technology & AI

A child's hands typing on a laptop

In today’s digital age, educational technology (or edtech) is shaping how students learn, engage, and prepare for the future. As a parent/guardian, you play a vital role in supporting your child’s educational journey. Understanding how technology can enhance learning empowers you to make informed decisions and help your child thrive in an increasingly connected world.  

The following is a roadmap of the tools and practices for how edtech is used in HRCE. You’ll find resources to help you understand what technology your child is using, why it matters, and how you can support learning at home.  
 

What is Educational Technology? 

Educational technology refers to the use of digital tools — such as interactive apps, online learning platforms, virtual classrooms, and smart devices — to enhance the teaching and learning experience. These tools can support teachers, engage students, and personalize education so every learner can succeed. 
 

Why Does It Matter? 

At HRCE, we believe educational technology enhances and expands the learning experience. Here’s how edtech benefits your child: 

  • Personalized Learning: Adapts to individual learning paces and styles. 
  • Enhanced Engagement: Interactive lessons, games, and multimedia keep students motivated. 
  • Critical Skills Development: Builds digital literacy, problem-solving, and creativity — essential skills for future careers. 
  • Access to Global Knowledge: Connects students to resources and experts beyond the classroom. 

In the sections ahead, you’ll discover how these tools are used in classrooms, how to support learning at home, and where to go if you have questions. 

In HRCE classrooms, Chromebooks are the primary digital tool students use to support their learning each day in grades 3 and up. Along with other devices (i.e., some schools have iPads), they are used for research, writing, collaboration, and creativity. These tools give students opportunities to explore online resources, create multimedia projects, and connect with their classmates and teachers in meaningful ways. Technology is not used for the sake of adding more screen time — it is carefully integrated into lessons to enhance learning, build essential digital skills, and ensure all students can participate and succeed. Students are required to using their provincial school account (@gnspes accounts) when logging into devices when at school. Students will access digital content through the HRCE filtered Internet service. 

The Province of Nova Scotia and all its regional centres for education use Google for Education as the main platform to support teaching and learning. Digital tools like Google Classroom, Docs, Slides, and Drive make it easy for students to complete assignments, collaborate with classmates, and receive feedback from teachers. This platform is secure, accessible on any device, and designed for education. It helps students stay organized, build digital literacy, and develop real-world skills they will use well beyond the classroom. Generally, students in Grade 3 and up are exposed to these tools. You can read more about the personal information that is collected and how privacy is managed here. 

In addition to Google for Education, HRCE teachers and students use a variety of provincially approved online tools to support learning. These tools are carefully reviewed by the educational regions within Nova Scotia to ensure they meet standards for safety, accessibility, and educational value. They include platforms for literacy, math, creativity, and collaboration that enrich classroom instruction and extend learning opportunities at home. A full list of approved resources is available on the Nova Scotia Approved Online Tools and Resources page. Teachers may also use other online resources at their discretion, selecting tools that best meet the needs of their students while ensuring they are used responsibly and with learning goals in mind. 

Nova Scotia has recently introduced an updated Information and Communication Technology (ICT) curriculum that is being taught across grade levels. This curriculum helps students develop the skills they need to thrive in a digital world, including digital literacy, online safety, problem-solving, creativity, and responsible technology use. Students learn how to use technology not just as consumers, but as creators and innovators — whether that means coding, designing digital projects, or collaborating online. By embedding ICT outcomes into everyday learning, the curriculum ensures that all students gain the confidence and competencies to participate fully in today’s connected society and prepare for future opportunities. The ICT curriculum documents are available for viewing here.  

In Nova Scotia, a provincial directive (effective September 2024) requires that all public-school students turn off and securely store their personal mobile devices during instructional time. For students in grades Primary through Grade 6, this applies throughout the entire school day, while students in grades 7 to 12 may be permitted to use their phones during non-instructional times (like lunch or breaks), as determined by individual schools. Teachers may also allow cell phone use for specific learning activities when appropriate. Exceptions are made for students with medical or accessibility needs, coordinated through their Student Planning Team. These measures aim to reduce distractions, increase focus, and strengthen in-person connections, while ensuring communication and learning remain a priority.  You can learn more about this policy here.  

Nova Scotia Virtual School (NSVS) offers public high school students the opportunity to take online semester courses (starting in September and February) that follow the same curriculum outcomes as in-class programs. Students participate in synchronous learning — live weekly e-chats via BigBlueButton—and asynchronous daily lessons and projects, spending about an hour a day on course work. Importantly, NSVS is not an alternative online school setting: students must be physically present at their home school while enrolled in NSVS courses. Parents/guardians and students can review grades in the NSVS gradebook, with progress updates also available in PowerSchool at mid-term and semester end. Students interested in NSVS should discuss options with their school counsellor, who can help determine eligibility and support the enrolment process. For more information about NSVS please click here. 

In HRCE, we support students in becoming thoughtful and responsible digital citizens — people who use technology safely, respectfully, and ethically. Our goal is to empower students to make smart choices online, understand privacy, and know who to ask for support if they encounter problems while online. We also emphasize critical thinking— helping students question what they see, share, and consume in digital spaces. To help families and students navigate this together, two excellent resources are listed below. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming part of everyday life, and schools are helping students understand how to use it responsibly and thoughtfully. Just as we guide students in becoming good digital citizens, we also help them develop AI literacy — knowing what AI can and cannot do, how to question its output, and when to ask for support. Our goal is to prepare students for a future where AI will be part of many careers and communities, while ensuring its use is safe, ethical, and inclusive. In HRCE, our guidelines provide a framework to help educators and students navigate AI technologies responsibly, fostering student achievement and teaching impact while addressing privacy, equity, and ethical considerations.  You can view HRCE’s AI guidelines here.   

To support families in having open, curiosity-driven conversations around AI, here are some excellent and accessible resources: 

HRCE is committed to keeping student information and online learning environments safe and secure. We follow strict provincial and regional policies to protect personal data and ensure that all digital tools meet high standards for privacy. Schools teach students about safe online habits, such as creating strong passwords, recognizing suspicious links, and knowing when to ask for help. Families also play an important role: encouraging children to keep their login details private, using secure Wi-Fi connections at home, and talking about online scams helps reinforce good digital habits. Together, we can make sure students build the skills to be safe, confident, and responsible in today’s connected world. 

Do I need to buy extra software or apps for my child? 
No. HRCE provides access to approved tools and platforms that students need for learning. Families do not need to purchase additional apps or subscriptions. 

What if my child forgets their password or can’t log in? 
Each school has a process to reset student accounts. Contact your child’s teacher or the school office for help. 

How much screen time is too much? 
In HRCE, technology use is purposeful and balanced with offline, hands-on learning. Teachers plan lessons to avoid unnecessary screen time and to keep students engaged in multiple ways. 

How is my child’s privacy protected? 
HRCE follows provincial guidelines for student privacy and only uses online tools that meet strict security and accessibility standards. 

Can my child use AI to complete assignments? 
AI can be used in certain situations as a support for learning (e.g., brainstorming, feedback, research support), but students are expected to do their own work and think critically about AI-generated content. Teachers provide clear guidance on when and how AI can be used responsibly. 

What if I need to reach my child during the school day? 
With the provincial cell phone policy, students are asked to keep phones stored during instructional time. If you need to contact your child, the best way is to call the school office.