GEC NEWS WIRENew certification initiative empowers teachers to adopt modern teaching strategies using ICT and Cyber Safety in the classroom
ICDL Arabia, the governing body and certification authority for the ICDL certificate program in Egypt, the GCC States and Iraq, has launched a new initiative specially designed for teachers in the region. The ‘ICDL for Teachers’ initiative aims to empower teachers with the skills they need to develop modern teaching strategies using ICT in their teaching practices, allowing them to achieve educational goals more efficiently. Enhanced ICT skills enable teachers to simplify routine tasks, such as planning lessons more efficiently; enhance communication with students and parents; improve collaboration between educators; and adopt cyber safety within the school environment.
The ‘ICDL for Teachers’ initiative enables the use of ‘smart’ classroom devices, such as smart boards, projectors, personal computers, and tablets by teachers for a more interactive learning experience. Aside from enabling them to use ‘smart’ technology in the classroom, the initiative will also enable teachers to become skilled with subjects such as IT Security including Cyber Safety, Online Collaboration, Project Planning and Social Media. Candidates will be awarded ICDL certificates upon successfully completing the course.
Jamil Ezzo, Director General of ICDL Arabia, said: “According to a recent research report, the recurring spend on education in the GCC is poised to reach USD 150 billion by 2016. The region’s governments along with the support of the private sector are keen to upgrade facilities in the education sector to offer a better learning experience to its students because of its vital role in the region’s growth and prosperity. International research has shown that ICT has a positive impact on students’ performances and encourages them to become resourceful and learn independently. Technology makes lessons more retainable by employing a variety of different learning styles helping students digest information in new ways and improve their retention levels.”
ICDL Arabia is already working with Qatar Supreme Education Council and Bahrain Ministry of Education on empowering teachers with latest ICT skills, and is in talks with other Educational authorities across the region to seek cooperation on this new initiative.
