The Abbotsford School District is donating a few hundred iPads to local groups after buying new devices over the summer.
The district upgraded 2,600 iPads throughout the schools over the summer, with most devices first- or second-generation iPads “with limited memory and slow and/or unacceptable performance.”
“Replacement was required as they could no longer support the apps in use by schools,” said secretary-treasurer Ray Velestuk in a report to school board.
RELATED: Online privacy course ready for B.C. school use
“However, of the devices replaced, there are about 500 devices that could still be described as ‘decent performers’ with some remaining useful life.”
Velestuk estimates the devices could sell for $100 to 125 per unit, but noted a board policy that allows the district to donate surplus equipment to local non-profit organizations and charities. He added that there were several candidate groups in the community where the donation would support goals in the strategic plan.
That includes reducing barriers to accessing technology, enhancing early literacy skills, strengthening family connections and promoting the use of translation tools and programs to build oral language.
The proposed groups were Strong Starts (60 iPads); Abbotsford Community Services Best for Babies, New Beginnings and Settlement Workers in Schools programs (120 iPads); Cyrus Centre (36 iPads) and local First Nation authorities for an Indigenous language app used by schools (80 iPads).
The older devices, Velestuk said, will be disposed of.
Find more of our coverage on the Abbotsford School District here.