Ever looked for a tool that would tell if are your or your staffs ICT competencies up to scratch for the modern classroom? Ever wondered is there a specific weakness or strength in my staff's ICT competencies?

Research shows that innovative teaching practices, supported by the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in the classroom strongly predict students’ acquisition of 21st century skills (Innovative Teaching and Learning Research, 2011) Part of Microsoft’s Partners in Learning professional development offerings, the Teaching with Technology Curriculum is online learning that supports an educator’s professional development in this area. This curriculum focuses on helping educators integrate ICT into their teaching and learning practice and is aligned to the global standards of the UNESCO ICT Competency Framework for Teachers (UNESCO ICT-CFT), Technology Literacy Approach.

Created to help set a foundation beyond learning to use technology tools, educators will develop a deeper understanding of how ICT integration can enhance the teaching and learning experience and enable 21st century skill acquisition via six e-learning Courses:

1. Why Does the UNESCO ICT CFT Promote Technology Literacy?
2. Selecting ICT Resources to Support Curriculum Outcomes
3. How Technology and Pedagogy Mix
4. Using Basic ICT Tools to Support Teaching and Learning
5. Organize and Manage the Use of ICT in the Classroom
6. Technology Literacy and Your Professional Development

What makes this professional development offering unique?

The Microsoft Teaching with Technology Self-assessment and Curriculum are competency-based and can be customized to meet each educator’s needs:

• The Self-assessment helps educators identify the specific learning that they need.

• Each unit of study stands on its own so educators can focus on a specific area of interest or need.

• Using the Self-assessment can help with both online and offline study. By starting with the Self-assessment, educators can determine the best way to fill their learning gaps and then retake the Self-assessment to confirm progress.
• Created by subject matter experts from around the world, the curriculum includes a range of learning scenarios. Whether a classroom has one computer or a laptop for every student, the educator will be able to apply what they have learned to their individual context.

What is Competency-based professional development?

The Microsoft Teaching with Technology Self-assessment and Curriculum are competency-based, which means they help build both skills and the ability to apply those skills to perform a particular job or task. Combined with the global network of educators found on the Partners in Learning network, they help provide six key components for effective competency-based professional development:

1. A common set of competency standards defined by role or educational goals.
2. Methods for identifying learning gaps.
3. Help filling competency gaps with a rich and varied set of aligned resources, such as job shadowing, classes, workshops, and eLearning.
4. Assessments, observation, or portfolio work that help verify improved teacher competencies.
5. Peer support or mentoring to help teachers carry forward ICT use to the classroom.
6. Ongoing refinement of teacher competency materials.

What is the UNESCO ICT Competency Framework for Teachers?

Governments worldwide are striving to improve student outcomes and meet the challenges of preparing a 21st century workforce for a global, knowledge-based economy. The UNESCO Competency Framework for Teachers is a response to these challenges. In 2008, in partnership with Microsoft, Intel, Cisco, and ISTE, UNESCO formalized the UNESCO ICT Competency Framework for Teachers (ICT-CFT) with an aim to measure the ICT proficiency of teachers against a common international standard and to aid in their professional development. These standards were updated in 2011.

How much time will it take?

The amount of time required to develop professional skills using the Self-assessment and Curriculum depends on an educator’s learning needs. Having educators start by completing their Self-assessment allows them to target learning to their needs. The Self-assessment takes about 45 minutes to complete.

How do I get access?

Teaching with Technology content is available through the Microsoft IT Academy Program and soon educators will soon have access to this content in the Partners in Learning Network. For further information on this program and to find out how well the global pilots are being received, drop me an email or a comment.

This August, we're excited to announce a DeforestACTION Educator Webinar Series! We have two exciting sessions for you to join to learn more and hear from other educators already engaging with the program.

Webinar 1: Introduction to DeforestACTION

During this session, we will share the global learning opportunities associated with DeforestACTION. By showcasing the various educational resources, social media and technology tools, you can learn more about this opportunity to help students develop global competencies through international collaborations. In particular, you will:

- Learn more about the DeforestACTION virtual learning platform and educational resources that students use to engage in online, collaborative learning about deforestation with their global peers;

- Become familiar with the online collaboration spaces used by the DeforestACTION community, which leverages social networking technology to allow students to collaborate and showcase school awareness and fundraising initiatives to a global audience;

- Become familiar with Earthwatchers, which allows students across the planet to monitor forests via satellite imagery and provide usable intelligence to stop deforestation, and;

- Watch clips of online events and student-produced videos that share accomplishments of schools around the world taking DeforestACTION.

This webinar will have four sessions:

Session 1: Monday, August 13th - Best for Europe/Asia Pacific Region

- UTC+10 hours
- Brisbane - 8:00pm
- Jakarta - 5:00pm
- London - 11:00am

Session 2: Tuesday, August 14th - Best for Americas

- UTC-4 hours
- New York - 3:00pm
- Jakarta - 2:00am (following day)
- Brisbane - 5:00am (following day)

Session 3: Tuesday, August 14th - Best for Europe/Asia Pacific Region

- UTC+10 hours
- Brisbane - 8:00pm
- Jakarta - 5:00pm
- London - 11:00am

Session 4: Thursday, August 16th - Best for Americas

- UTC-4 hours
- New York - 3:00pm
- Jakarta - 2:00am (following day)
- Brisbane - 5:00am (following day)

Webinar 2: DeforestACTION Master Class

During this session, hear from other DeforestACTION educators currently involved in the program. The will be sharing their experiences on how they got involved, the projects their schools undertook, and the benefits of this type of program for teaching and learning. Ask questions, network with other educators, and become inspired to begin your DeforestACTION journey!

This webinar will have 2 sessions:

Session 1: Monday, August 20th - Best for Europe/Asia Pacific Region

- UTC+10 hours
- Brisbane - 8:00pm
- Jakarta - 5:00pm
- London - 11:00am

Session 2: Tuesday, August 21st - Best for Americas

- UTC-4 hours
- New York - 3:00pm
- Jakarta - 2:00am (following day)
- Brisbane - 5:00am (following day)

Register now to participate!