London – January 10, 2006 – Intel today announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) which aims to implement a free online training programme to support thousands of UK teachers in the next five years.
The MOU, which will be signed today in central London by Intel’s worldwide director of Education, Brenda Musilli and Elizabeth Reid, CEO of the Specialist Schools and Academics Trust (SSAT), seals the commitment of the two organisations to implement and run the Intel Teach Advanced Online & Collaborative in the UK programme at national level.
Led by the SSAT, England’s lead body for secondary education, and Intel’s Education Initiative, Intel Teach Advanced Online & Collaborative in the UK will offer online training for up to 265,000 UK teachers by 2011.
The programme offers teachers free access to a platform which is divided into three areas:
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A library of content. This is an online resource where teachers will find suggested lesson plans, photos, digital media, maps and information. This resource provides teachers with visual aids and teaching support for lesson planning and inspiration. This is a compilation of content often found on the internet, saving teachers’ time in searching multiple sources.
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Learning Paths. These are step-by-step professional development activities, helping teachers to further develop their skills. Learning Paths are divided up depending on the student’s learning style. For example, if the pupils respond well to visuals versus language or if the class needs to integrate better, a teacher may follow the ‘group work’ training. Additionally, teachers can learn to teach practical skills like technologies to use in the classroom, such as digital cameras and calculators or time management training. In each path, the necessary skills or tools needed for the lesson are shown and the teacher can select different methodologies depending on their requirements.
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The Discussion Forum. When using the Learning Paths activities, teachers are encouraged to share experiences with others in the Discussion Forum. This is an online forum where teachers can share experiences with colleagues or teachers from other schools on subjects and teaching methods.
Using the activities, teachers can get practical training and support in the use of new technologies. The platform can be accessed at any time by teachers, integrating easily with workload and lesson planning.
Brenda Musilli said: “The goal of Intel Education is to promote effective learning practices which equip teachers with the skills they need for 21st century success. As of 2006, 3.9 million teachers have been trained worldwide as part of Intel’s teacher training programme. It’s fantastic to see our objectives being brought to life here in the UK.”
Building on the earlier success of the Intel® Teach initiative that was widely used in UK schools, Intel Teach Advanced Online & Collaborative in the UK is further proof of Intel’s long term commitment to education and innovation in learning.
Intel Teach is a worldwide effort helping both experienced and pre-service teachers to further develop students’ thinking skills and enhance learning by:
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Integrating technology into teaching
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Creating assessment tools
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Aligning lessons with educational learning goals and standards
Elizabeth Reid, Chief executive of the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust said:
“The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding between the SSAT and Intel is an important step in providing teachers with an online resource that will assist them in raising standards in our schools. Continual professional development (CPD) is important in all careers and I am delighted that our work with Intel to create an English version of their learning environment for teachers will build on the extensive range of support we offer already. Implementing our principle of “by schools, for schools”, teachers from our network of over 3,000 schools will play a central role in designing this CPD offering.”
The Specialist Schools and Academies Trust is the lead body for the specialist schools and academies programmes and supports networks of schools focused on raising attainment and educational innovation.
The Trust seeks to give more young people access to a good secondary education by facilitating the sharing of best practice in schools. It operates on the principle of ‘by schools for schools’ and is at the heart of a growing affiliated network of over 3,000 schools including primary, secondary, special schools, academies and international schools.
The Trust is an independent, not-for-profit organisation funded through a combination of fees and charges, business sponsorship and government grant. There are currently 2614 specialist schools and 46 academies. The Government’s aim is that by 2010 all schools will be specialist schools or academies.
Intel Corporation
Intel, the world leader in silicon innovation, develops technologies, products and initiatives to continually advance how people work and live. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom.
