Those in the Prairie Spirit School Division will be able to take a hands-on approach in the new school year. Several new programs are being introduced, all focused on creating an interactive learning experience. One of those initiatives is play-based learning, which is being introduced in all Kindergarten classrooms in the division. The programming aims to guide children's play toward more educational based activities, helping to boost the learning process beyond fine and gross motor skills.

For students between Grades 5 and 8 in eight different schools, the division's implementing robotics courses, and also purchasing about six 3D printers to be used by the students for various courses. Superintendent Keith Murray says having such state of the art equipment coming to the division is quite exciting, given the opportunity to enhance student success.

"It's exciting watching the students as they learn to use this. It's a great way for them to be able to show their learning because we're no longer restricting them to using paper and pencil. There are other ways for them to demonstrate what they know."

Grade 9 and 10 students will also see some new programming in the division. Murray says they'll be introducing a design drafting program, which will have the youth learning computer-assisted drafting, and using the 3D printers.

Murray notes all of these programs aim to increase the level of engagement for students in their schools. While many of the new programs focus on technology, he says that's just a means to create a more interactive experience, which is their real focus.

"The benefit goes back to student engagement, having students who are interested in their learning. We're going to have positive results coming out of that with higher achievement levels in our students."

One of the projects the division took on over the summer also focused on the advent of technology in the education system. They worked with NetSet Communications out of Brandon, to help boost their internet capabilities in all schools while utilizing the division's current infrastructure.

Some work will also be taking place behind the scenes this school year, in an attempt to boost student achievement across the board. Murray says they've been provided about half of a decades worth of statistics, ranging from attendance and test scores to grad rates, to help them identify ways to improve the education system. He says they'll be working with the province to learn how to interpret the data, and adjust the teaching processes going forward.