Exploiting the capacity of a stable, fast, “future-proofed”, campus-wide network, Grey Junior made the firm commitment in 2021 to change the way we teach in response to the changing ways that young people learn. Today’s decision in no way betrays our proud and precious yesterday; we stand firm upon of our tradition of excellence. Rather, sparing no effort or expense, our EdTech Integration Project is an investment in tomorrow.

EdTech is the process of integrating technology into education to build better teaching  and learning experiences that result in higher learning outcomes. The primary reasons for the integration of technology into the teaching and learning at Grey Junior include:

• The 4th Industrial Revolution: The way that young people view and interact with the world has changed and technology is the lens through which they see most clearly. The assimilation of technology into our homes, workplaces and even our relationships is being referred to as the 4th Industrial Revolution and it is imperative that we integrate it into our classrooms if we hope to remain a leading role player in education.
• Future-Readiness: As we look towards the new educational horizon, we must acknowledge that the work that the young people of today will do in the future is yet to be defined. We may not know what the working world may look like, but what we do know is that, in order to remain relevant and competitive, Grey Junior needs to ensure that our boys are “future-ready”; tech savvy, empowered to take ownership and responsibility for their own learning, and equipped with 21st Century skills.”
• The development of 21st Century skills: 21st Century skills are often referred to as the 4Cs; Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking and Creativity. Some add two more – Content and Character.  There is empirical evidence to support the fact that ready access to technology, incorporated into the classroom environment, helps to develop these skills at a high level.
• Differentiation: Integrated technology in the classroom, when combined with staff training and reinvented teaching methods, offers a unique opportunity for all learners to be engaged in lessons. Learner engagement, planned shifts in focus during lessons, real time assessment of understanding, lessons that accommodate more than one learning style, built-in components of self-discovery, classroom-based remediation and learning concessions, and enrichment opportunities are just some of the benefits of EdTech.

The ability to use digital technology and media in safe, responsible and ethical ways is called digital citizenship.  It is our responsibility to teach digital citizenship and to provide guidance to boys as they navigate the complex digital landscape.  Simply managing one’s own digital footprint is a learned skill, let alone the evaluation of information and sources.