Since the Intel® Teach Program began in Australia in 2003, Victoria’s Deakin University has undertaken a variety of evaluation programs involving teachers, principals and students from NSW, Queensland and Victoria – with impressive results. Their research shows that the vast majority of teachers who participated in the program are now actively using ICT (Information & Communication Technology) as a learning tool in the classroom. As a direct result of this, more students are using the Internet to research projects, and multimedia presentation software and webpages to collate and present their work. In addition, teachers report that their students are more motivated to learn, more confident in communicating their ideas, demonstrate greater use of critical thinking and creativity, and show more understanding of the content.

“Intel (Teach Program) has opened up all sorts of possibilities for class lessons, and the use of ICT is now an integral part of planning at our school.”

* Participating Teacher, Impact Survey June 2005, Deakin University.

Findings from Deakin University’s annual Impact Survey have confirmed that integrated technology teaching practices are becoming a mainstay in the classroom due to the Intel® Teach Essentials Course. Survey results reveal the strong impact of the course on teaching and learning as teachers develop and implement curriculum that effectively uses ICT to generate inquiry driven, collaborative learning. Teachers and schools are leveraging the Essentials Course to increase student engagement in their learning and to better prepare students for success in today’s knowledge economy.

Key findings of the Impact Survey include:

• 94 percent of 2005 Essentials Course participants currently engaging their students in technology-based practices.
• The trend to more frequent classroom ICT use with 73 percent of respondents using technology weekly or more, compared with just 33 percent two years ago.
• Increasing whole school change towards project-based and inquiry-driven teaching and learning.

The program's emphasis on Essential Questions aligns well with new curricula recently introduced in Australia and teachers are using the program to help build and sustain pedagogies that encourage higher order thinking and collaborative learning across all years and subject areas. Learn more.