The provincial government says a new partnership with two well-known tech companies will help students stay connected to online learning while schools are closed.
Premier Doug Ford said his government has partnered with Apple and Rogers to provide students in need with a free iPad, internet activity and preloaded education software for the remainder of the school year.
"These iPads will have free wireless data and will help students from low-income families continue their learning safely at home during this pandemic. These students will also be able to access the resources through our Learn At Home Portal."
The province announced the first phase of the Learn at Home program nearly a month ago.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce said Ontario school boards began distributing iPad to students who don't have either the technology or the internet they need to access the online program.
"Over 21,000 iPads have been and are being deployed by schools boards, as we speak, across this province to those families in need."
As for when students will be heading back to school, Lecce said the province is preparing for every eventuality.
"When it comes to the summer process in September, I want parents to know that we're building a plan for the current school year from now until June. We want to ensure students can graduate, we remove impediments to graduation, we support them so they continue to learn and ultimately achieve all the competency and skill sets they need to complete their year with integrity."
Lecce said the province wants to ensure students and staff are safe and students continue to learn.
He also said that in no circumstance in the future will this type of difficulty challenge the province again.
"We're going to have a seamless way to go online, virtual learning for children in this province so that they don't have to deal with these technological challenges and the growing pains of moving millions of children online."
Students across Ontario have been out of school since March 13.
