Ontario students are among the most computer-savvy compared to their peers in other parts of the world, a new international study shows.
The International Computer and Information Literacy Study conducted in 20 countries last year revealed that the performance of Ontario students was significantly above the international average.
58 per cent of Ontario students have been using computers since the start of their formal education. Most of them show a high enthusiasm in using computers to get access to new information.
The study also reported that Ontario teachers share a high confidence in applying computer technology to teaching activities, such as searching for teaching resources and interacting with students.
However, obstacles for deploying information and communication technology (ICT) in teaching and learning activities do exist in some schools. Over half of the teachers polled reported their schools don’t have sufficient ICT equipment, such as computers. Additionally, 54 per cent of ICT Coordinators expressed their frustration on lacking not only necessary equipment, but also qualified technical personnel who can support the use of ICT.
About 3,700 students from 200 schools participated in the study. Newfoundland and Labrador, the only other province in Canada that took part in the test, also ranked highly.