The modern era is becoming increasingly dependent on digital platforms. Just think of everything that can be accomplished on computers now, from communications to reading newspapers and watching television. People either have to keep up with the changing times or get lost in the past.

Canadians have been recognized the world over as some of the most tech-savvy individuals across the globe. After all, 8 in 10 of us go online with regularity, giving us one of the highest Internet penetration rates in the world, the Canadian Internet Registration Authority revealed in early 2013.

So it makes sense that we should start children young, as far as Internet use is concerned. Teaching youngsters about the best practices and security tips to follow while online is beneficial for their future, because so many careers require workers to use the Internet. The same goes for schoolwork - when's the last time you saw a child doing research in a library, as opposed to on a computer?

With this in mind, some Canadian schools are embracing the Internet in classrooms and are even instilling bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies, a recent report from the Vancouver Sun revealed.

BYOD to the classroom
According to the newspaper, digital platforms are definitely beginning to be embraced in Canadian schools. After all, Screen Smart Canada reported that approximately 85 per cent of Canadian children go online outside of their homes, many times in school settings.

The Sun explained that some schools that use the Internet as a learning device receive money from school boards to outfit classrooms with devices like tablets, but instilling BYOD policies is also becoming a popular option.

"Bring your own device is really where we're at. It's an undeniable trend. All the big school boards have realized that," Notre Dame regional secondary school physics and information and communications technology teacher Peter Vogel told the newspaper.

He added that when BYOD policies come to schools, there is no wrong answer regarding the brands parents choose for their kids, because many are comparable in terms of accessibility and features.

This shouldn't be anything new to Canadians
Embracing a new BYOD strategy shouldn't be new to Canadians - we're viewed as a world leader in that as well, though this shouldn't come as a surprise, given our affinity for the Internet. We're generally well-versed in picking out new technologies in our personal lives, so why should this be any different in a business setting?

According to a Dimension Data report released in Spring 2013, more than 75 per cent of Canadian companies support a BYOD environment, as long as the devices are approved. However, 40 per cent of Canadian business leaders indicated that they would be fine with any personally owned smartphones or tablets being used for work purposes.

Only 19 per cent of leaders said they had no plans to incorporate personal tools into work responsibilities.

This means that not only will businesses and households need to continue to seek out quality Internet service providers (ISPs), but school administrators will have to as well. They should consider using independent companies, rather than major providers, as prices are just as competitive and personalized service can be guaranteed.