Ontario is giving free iPads with data to students who lack resources to online learning

After Ontario Premier Doug Ford confirmed that classes will not resume on May as planned, Education Minister Stephen Lecce announced at Queen’s Park today that iPads will be distributed to students to help them with their online classes.

Ontario school boards have purchased about 21,000 iPads with free data to be given to students who don’t have access to online learning tools. The free data is provided by Rogers and will be available until the end of June.

All provided devices will come pre-programmed with the resources needed to support learning. Each school board will be responsible for determining students eligible for the free iPads.

Premier Ford, following his announcement regarding the province extension of the state of emergency, says this step serves as an assurance for parents that their children will continue learning and finish their classes while being safe at home.

The PC government is also working on providing high-speed, low-cost Internet access to subsidized tenants. According to the Premier, he does not have an exact date as to when schools can re-open again. The provincial government will also depend on data and advice by respected health officials.