Province Issues Tenders for Technology in the Classroom

The province is putting children and learning first by providing consistent and cost-effective technology for classrooms.

Tenders have been issued for a range of technology items, including desktop and laptop computers, netbooks, servers, printers, scanners, studio equipment, GPS units and more.

"Our children deserve every opportunity to be prepared for what they will encounter in today's world, both in their studies and when they begin their careers," said Education Minister Ramona Jennex. "School board and department staff work very closely together to ensure our students have the tools they need to succeed."

The province purchases technology by annual tendering to achieve volume discounts, consistency and better technical support.

"We are happy with the provincial purchasing agreements because they allow for standardized equipment with bilingual capacities which serves francophone and anglophone students and staff," said Ginette Comeau-Gaudette Conseillère en Informatiques, Conseil scolaire acadien provincial. "The tenders ensure our students receive the most modern technology."

The tenders are based on curriculum and are for the annual technology needed for all projects across the province, for Grade Primary to Grade 12. Along with updating technology, the tenders include new school construction and local school purchases for teaching and learning.

Specifications are created with feedback from school boards working through the Regional Board Technology Supervisors, nicknamed RoBoTS. The Learning Resources and Technology Services division of the Department of Education then works with RBTS to evaluate and review the bids.

To view the list of tenders, visit www.gov.ns.ca/tenders .