More than 50 Horizon School Division staff attended a weekend summit in Saskatoon to learn about integrating Google’s suite of free educational tools into the classroom.

“The feedback we received from our summit this weekend was amazingly positive. Our teachers came in with knowledge but grew that knowledge and the thirst and desire to know more,” Deputy Director of Education Randy MacLEAN said.

Google Classroom is a technology platform that allows a teacher to share information and resources with students online - students can access it wherever they are.

It also lets students communicate with the teacher and classmates in a safe, controlled environment.

Today’s students have never lived in a world without the internet, and these tools let them work in the digital world in which they live, MacLEAN said.

“The most important relationship is between the teacher and the student. But that relationship is also enhanced not only in person but also online. So it’s another opportunity, it’s another tool, it’s another way to provide that learning enhancement for the student.”

A Horizon staff survey a year ago received overwhelming feedback that teachers are beginning to use Google’s tools and see their efficiencies, and how they improve the student experience, he said.

The summit was the first of its kind to be held in Saskatchewan.