The table this round focused on teacher training. Education essentially begins with the teachers, whether the school has access to multimedia technology or not. Teachers, however, may be a barrier to change because they are often reluctant to try new methods of teaching, especially when their own have seemed successful. Teachers must be the first to engage ICT tools in the classroom. The table suggested that institutions of higher education offer rewards to teachers who use ICT tools in an innovative and effective way. For example, in Singapore there is an innovative teacher’s competition in which the top teacher’s ideas or models are selected and showcased. However, the representative from Croatia pointed out that individual teacher rewards could be difficult in a nation with a strong socialist heritage. A more hidden theme of the conference, I noticed, was the prevalent view of teachers as archaic. Throughout the speakers and the table talk, it was both implied and stated that teachers are reluctant to use technology and may be a barrier to innovation and progress in higher education. Luckily, Microsoft has programs which train schools and teachers to use computers. So, rather than throw money at the problem, Microsoft has instead tried to share its vision of a technological future. The problem I can immediately see is that many schools will not have the technological resources to put into daily use the skills they learn.

Us listening in on the table talk discussion!

Thierry De Vulpillières, facilitator and rapporteur of table 18