Welcome to our weekly round-up of news, events and opportunities for IT Academy members.
IT Academy News
Microsoft IT Academy debuts in Azerbaijan
This week, Odlar Yurdu University in Baku, Azerbaijan, debuted the country’s first-ever Microsoft IT Academy program. The university will offer training for Microsoft Office Specialist, Microsoft Certified Professional and Microsoft Technology Associate certifications. In addition, the university will provide access to Microsoft software for learning, teaching and research purposes through the DreamSpark program. The IT Academy program is expected to expand across universities and schools across the country in the near future.
Infographic: How Microsoft IT Academy helps bridge the global skills gap
Click to download a PDF of this infographic.
More Education News from Microsoft
Build 2013: Windows 8.1 and Mindstorms EV3 for STEM Education
The annual Build conference showcases some amazing applications developers can create for Windows devices, including STEM learning opportunities. Check out how robotics students and hobbyists can use Windows 8.1 tablets to wirelessly control Lego Mindstorm creations, as demonstrated by keynote speaker Antoine Leblond, corporate vice president of the Windows Web Services.
Share Your Success Story
Do you have a success story about one of your IT Academy students? Have IT Academy resources enabled you to provide more in the classroom? Share your story and best practices in a brief email with photos and your contact information to [email protected].
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Hasan Eksi, Computer Science Teacher at Chesapeake Math and IT Academy (CMIT) in Laurel, MD, reports in to the IT Academy blog with a wrap-up of the school's first year as an IT Academy.
Hasan Eksi, Computer Science Teacher, Chesapeake Math and IT Academy Laurel, MD
In the first year, CMIT certified 50 Microsoft Office Specialists in the sixth grade....
7th grade....
and 8th grade. Congratulations CMIT students!
I am the Computer Science teacher at Chesapeake Math and IT Academy (CMIT). I teach Microsoft Office Suite and Introduction to Programming to my 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. I wanted to let everyone know how easy it is to get started with the IT Academy program and how priceless it is. CMIT being an IT school, our principal was looking into technology programs which we could implement. As we all know, certification is crucial in the IT field; so it was important for our students to learn how to use Microsoft Office effectively AND get an industry recognized certification. Microsoft IT Academy program was the perfect fit for this. Shortly after we enrolled in the program and started utilizing its resources, our students became competent in Microsoft Office. I have even received many emails from parents writing about how their kids have helped them out in Microsoft Word, Excel, and other Microsoft programs. We also wanted our students to be able to take the certification exam at our facility; and thanks to Microsoft IT Academy it only took a couple of days to become a Certiport Authorized Testing Center. In our first year, we now have 50 students who are Microsoft Office Specialists. There are two 6th graders, thirty 7th graders, and eighteen 8th graders who have been certified. The parents are extremely happy with the results. Personally, I was not expecting this much success in our first year; we did not advertise the program at all. Now we are looking at 150 certifications for next year. I am confident that we will reach our goals with the help of our strong IT Academy program. Thanks to Microsoft IT Academy, some of our students are looking for more advanced certifications now, and others are very excited to take their first steps on the certification journey. Thanks IT Academy!
Chesapeake Math and IT (CMIT) Academy is a Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) public charter school in northern Prince George’s County that aims to serve grades 6 through 12 with an academic program focusing on mathematics and information technologies (IT). Learn more about the Chesapeake Math and IT Academy program at www.cmitacademy.org.
IT Academy Spotlight: University of West of Scotland
Take a tour of the IT Academy program at University of the West of Scotland, courtesy of the UK Schools blog. Discover how the university is meeting the needs of local employers by offering a comprehensive selection of technology training curriculum and certification opportunities.
Why STEM Education and Blended Learning Matter
This past week, policy makers, educators, industry leaders and others gathered at the Microsoft Innovation & Policy Center in Washington, D.C. to discuss critical design elements of successful and innovative education programs to prepare students to meet the demands of the U.S. economy in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.
Read a synopsis of the conversation and watch brief interviews with attendees about new thinking in STEM learning.
Calling All Schools: Join The Bing For Schools Program!
Bing introduces a new, free initiative to help schools teach digital literacy skills. Starting later this year, Bing For Schools will offer schools in the U.S. the option to tailor the Bing experience for K-12 students by removing all advertisements from search results, enhancing privacy protections and the filtering of adult content, and adding specialized learning features to promote digital literacy.
Read more about the Bing for Schools program, then visit the Bing for Schools site to register to receive updates on how to participate.
Last week, we provided an insider's look at the internship experience at Microsoft Xbox headquarters. This week, we continue the series with a first-person perspective from Stan, a Program Manager intern on the Windows PC System Co-Engineering team. Share with your students how this University of Illinois student joined the intern development team that built one of the first Windows 8 applications; and how technology training and certification can lead to similar real-world experiences.
Stay tuned next week for more insights from a Microsoft intern, and be sure to share this series with your students and staff.
A new Gallup study sponsored by Microsoft Partners in Learning and the Pearson Foundation provides clear evidence linking 21st century skills and student engagement in school with higher quality of work later in life.
Gallup explored the relationships between 21st century skills developed in the classroom, student aspiration in schools, and perceived quality of work later in life. Using a 21st century skills index to measure seven specific areas--collaboration, knowledge construction, skilled communication, global awareness, self-regulation, real-world problem-solving, and technology used in learning--Gallup polled 1,014 individuals aged 18-35 who were either employed or students.
21st Century Skills + Student Aspirations: The Formula for Work Success
The results confirmed that developing 21st century skills in the last year of school positively correlates with future work success. In fact the study found that those who have 21st century skill development are twice as likely to have higher work quality compared to those who had low 21st century skill development. In addition, 59% of those polled strongly agree or agree that they developed most of the skills they use in their current job outside of school.
The study also found that student aspirations play an important role in future success: Americans who have teachers who care about them and know their aspirations and dreams were much more likely to have developed the key 21st century skills.
The study validates Microsoft IT Academy’s mission to provide industry-leading technology skills to help bridge the skills gap and Microsoft’s overarching education message: 21st Century teaching and learning that provides students with real world problem solving and the right kind of technology experiences are what students of today need to prepare them for successful future life and work.
Snapshot of Findings:
Read more:
Presenting the Walla Walla Wall of Fame: 354 MOS certificates!
Walla Walla High School (Walla Walla, Washington) created an impressive wall of fame for the 354 Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certificates earned by IT Academy students this year. Congratulations on your fantastic achievement, Walla Walla students!
A New Set of Skills for the 21st Century Workforce
What will it take to succeed in business tomorrow, and how can we prepare next generation students today? On Partners in Learning’s “Hot Topics” blog, author James Lengel explores the set of discovery skills students will need to produce innovative ideas in an increasingly competitive global economy. Read the post >
Free eBook: Enabling and inspiring students and teachers with Windows 8
New to Windows 8? Microsoft UK presents a free eBook, “Enabling and inspiring students and teachers with Windows 8,” available for free download or viewing on SlideShare. Topics covered include:
Browse or download the eBook >
As the academic year concludes in many regions, students are flocking to internships for real-world, hands-on experience with hopes of gaining a competitive edge in the job market. Over the next few weeks, we’ll provide a first-hand view of the intern experience at Microsoft through video testimonials you can share with your students.
With the newly-announced Xbox One on the minds of gamers around the world, we kick off the series with an insider’s tour of Microsoft Xbox, where business skills and cutting-edge technology abilities drive innovation to gamers around the globe—abilities that your IT Academy program foster every day.
We start the interns' tour with a behind-the-scenes look at the Xbox headquarters:
With a sense of the work environment, we introduce you to Matthew, an intern working as a Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) for Xbox.
Preview the 2013-14 IT Academy Curriculum
For many schools, June/July kicks off planning sessions for the 2013-14 academic year. To help IT Academies prepare, we previewed the program roadmap for the coming year at the recent member webinar, now available on demand with your IT Academy ID. Watch the presentation to learn ways you can optimize your curriculum next year.
Last Chance for a Second ShotIf you have purchased a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) certification exam voucher using the Second Shot offer, be aware that the voucher expires on June 30, 2013. Both the initial exam and, if necessary, the free retake must be completed before that date. For more information, review the Second Shot details on the member site.
Technology Education in the News
Partners in Learning Hot Topics: Workforce Skills Development
Partners in Learning’s “Hot Topics” spotlights views from global educators on topics that are shaping the changing world of global education. This week, author James Lengel explores the educators' critical role in developing workforce skills by fostering technology-literate students who think critically about information readily available at their fingertips. Read the post >
Chip In: Crowdsourcing Contributions for Student PCs
Microsoft introduces Chip In, a new seasonal buying program to help students get the Windows PC or tablet they need for school. With Chip In, students crowdsource contributions from friends and family toward the purchase of a new Windows PC or tablet. Microsoft will chip in 10 percent of the purchase price on select PCs, and the first 10,000 students to fully fund their PC will also get a four-year subscription to Office 365 University. Learn more about the program at http://www.windowschipin.com/
TED Talks: “Every Kid Needs a Champion” with Rita Pierson
“American Graduate: Let’s Make It Happen” is a 60-minute television special featuring inspirational TED talks about education innovation and the dropout crisis in America. Anthony Salcito, VP of Worldwide Education, spotlighted one of the individual speakers from the special-- an inspiring talk from teacher Rita Pierson on the most important component of learning: relationships. “Every child deserves a champion,” says Pierson, ”an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.” Watch the video at Daily Edventures >
Code.org: Anybody can Learn to Code
Code.org is a non-profit organization dedicated to growing computer programming education. Share the video below with your students to help them understand the value and opportunities that computer programming offers, as told by Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, will.i.am, and a host of technology luminaries.
Two years ago, Washington State deployed the largest statewide rollout of the Microsoft IT Academy program, with training and certification available to over 300,000 students and over 19,000 teachers in over 700 public high schools, skill centers and tribal schools across Washington State.
Today, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) announced a monumental milestone: more than 10,000 certifications achieved statewide in the 2012-13 academic year—more than double the number of certifications earned the previous year (4,049, to be exact).
We extend our congratulations to everyone involved in the state’s program; from the students who are building a foundation for career success and the educators who inspire and motivate students every day; to the staff and faculty who support technology learning and the IT Academy program.
Along with news of the milestone, OSPI shared inspiring stories from a few schools in the program. Take a few moments to learn about Morgan VanRiper of Kalama High School, who achieved a perfect score on the 2010 Word core exam—one of the top 5 placing students nationally. And find out more about the program at Anacortes High School, where the 10,000th exam was passed.
OSPI press release: “OSPI-Microsoft IT Academy Passes 10,000 Technology Certifications Earned Statewide”
More information about Washington State and Microsoft IT Academy
Learn how IT Academy is making a difference in the lives and future careers of Washington State high school students:
May IT Academy Webinar Now Available On Demand
This month’s Microsoft IT Academy webinar is now available on demand with your IT Academy ID. The last webinar of the 2012-13 academic year, this month's presentation includes a briefing on the program roadmap for the coming year—critical information you need to optimize your curriculum next year. Be sure to tune in.
IT Academy in the News
Florida Middle School Receives Grant for MOS Certification A grant from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation will go toward helping middle school students in Bellview, Florida, earn a Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification. Read more>
Georgia-based IT Academy Certifies Over 100 Students in Inaugural YearA total of 106 students at Fayette County High’s IT Academy earned Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certifications in the 2012-13 academic year; a key first-year milestone for one of 436 public schools in Georgia’s statewide IT Academy program that debuted in September 2012. Read more>
A New Look for the IT Academy BlogWe’re excited to introduce a new look for the IT Academy blog. We refreshed the design and navigation to make it easier to catch up on the latest posts and browse the archive. The new, clean reading pane is also easier to get around, and improves the reading experience. We welcome your feedback about the new look—share your thoughts below.
As any educator can attest, time flies when you're heads down in the academic year.
Just three (short) academic years ago, Microsoft and the North Carolina State Department of Public Instruction piloted the first-ever statewide Microsoft IT Academy (ITA) program. The year prior to that, twenty one students and teachers across three school districts achieved Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification. By the end of the first academic year--with high schools across the state enrolled in the ITA program--the number jumped to 8,794 certifications earned by students.
This month, near the end of the program's third year, I am thrilled to share with you that North Carolina teachers and students are rapidly approaching 100,000 certifications in Microsoft technologies.
We’ve had the opportunity to share some of the great individual success stories that are contributing to this milestone, and look forward to sharing more news as the state continues to prepare the next generation for technology-focused careers. Hats off to you North Carolina!
This week, North Carolina's PBS affiliate UNC-TV profiled the state's IT Academy program, providing insight into the approach and results at Green Hope High School. Watch the segment on the UNC-TV website.
Watch Tuesday, May 21, 2013 on PBS. See more from NC Now.
Learn more about North Carolina's IT Academy program:
Events
Last Chance to Register for May 23rd ITA Webinar
What: May Webinar – the Last IT Academy Webinar for the academic year When: May 23rd from 8-9am PST Where: Streaming online from the convenience of your computerWhy: Keep up with program updates and new opportunities for members. As the last webinar of the 2012-3 academic session, we’ll brief you on the program roadmap for the coming year—critical information you need to optimize your curriculum next year. How: The May IT Academy webinar is scheduled for May 23rd from 8-9am PST. Register today using your IT Academy ID.
Benefit Spotlight
New! Earn Your Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE) Certification Last week, Microsoft announced the global availability of the Microsoft Certified Educator certification, a valid and reliable assessment of educator ICT competencies mapped to the UNESCO ICT Competency Framework for Teachers (ICT-CFT), Technology Literacy Approach. Learn more about MCE and how the certification offers an opportunity for educators to differentiate themselves in the education field, and enhance their value for current and future employers.
Students are Mastering Microsoft Office at Caloosa Middle School At Caloosa Middle School [Cape Coral, Florida], they still teach reading, writing and arithmetic. But thanks to a tech-savvy squad of sixth through eighth graders, they’ve added Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access to the curriculum. 453 Microsoft Industry Certifications were earned by Caloosa Middle School students during the 2012-2013 school year. Read more.
‘Dedicated and motivated’: Daily Sparks Tribune Profiles 14-year old IT Academy Student Scrolling through a website or playing a video game opens a different world for Darren Alley, a world that isn’t looking for information or trying to simply beat the game. He is looking for errors, things that could be fixed or simply trying to understand what the developer was thinking. Alley, a freshman at Sparks High School, is finishing up his first year in the Microsoft IT Signature Academy while making huge strides in the first-year program. Read more.
Research shows that innovative teaching practices, along with the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT), supports student acquisition of 21st century skills. Those skills can mean the difference between being successful in school, or struggling every day; and having a career, or simply getting a job.
The Microsoft Teaching with Technology curriculum—hosted by Microsoft IT Academy and Microsoft Partners in Learning—supports educators' professional development as they seek to integrate ICT into their teaching and learning. The program includes self-assessment tools, online learning curriculum and summative assessments which align to the Technology Literacy Approach of the UNESCO ICT Competency Framework for Teachers (UNESCO ICT-CFT).
MCE certification: Demonstrate ICT competency in the classroom
Today, Partners in Learning and Microsoft IT Academy introduce Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE) certification, a professional development and certification offering that enables educators to demonstrate competency in integrating ICT into teaching and learning. MCE offers an opportunity for educators to differentiate themselves in the education field, and enhance their value for current and future employers.
We’ve long held that certification is a means of validating proven skills needed to be successful on the job. This year alone students will achieve over one million Microsoft certifications through IT Academy. We are pleased to be bringing that same opportunity to teachers allowing them to showcase their ability to integrate ICT into the classroom.
Measuring effectiveness
An effective and proven assessment tool, the MCE exam measures the ways ICT integration can be used to improve outcomes in six core content areas which align to the UNESCO ICT-CFT:
Improving outcomes
For education administrators, MCE represents a valid and reliable way to measure the effectiveness of their investment in ICT and professional development. Educators holding an MCE certification have the tools and skillsets to break though limitations of geography and resources, and begin to apply their knowledge to provide a rich, customized learning experience for their students.
Microsoft IT Academy’s Teacher Starter Kit Now Includes MCE exams!
Microsoft IT Academy educators' professional development opportunity has expanded! Starting in July, the Teacher Starter Kit will offer ten (10) Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) exam vouchers, ten (10) Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) exam vouchers, and ten (10) Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE) exams. From mastering Microsoft Office and entry level technology through incorporating technology into classrooms, the Microsoft IT Academy Teacher Starter kit has the breadth of certifications to support educators’ professional development objectives.
Learn more about Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE) certification:
Educators on Microsoft Certified Educator certification
“Microsoft Certified Educator provides teachers with a globally recognized certification which is focused on the practical integration of ICT into teaching and learning. As a teacher education provider, we are able to offer teachers the opportunity to get recognition for their use of ICT in the classroom.”—Rose Lawlor, Meath Vocational Education Committee, Ireland
“Microsoft Certified Educator complements our professional development program as it is based on the UNESCO ICT Competency Framework and uses scenarios that deal with the integration of ICT and development of 21st century skills in the classroom.”--Miriam O’Donoghue, City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee, Curriculum Development Unit, Ireland
“MCE is a reliable and highly demanded assessment of teachers ICT competency that allows institutions in charge of teacher retraining programs to evaluate achieved results and optimize financing.”—Svetlana Avdeeva, National Training Foundation, Russia
MTA Certification: Students’ Encouraging First Step into Technology
Does your IT Academy program offer Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification? If not, now’s a good time to consider offering this recommended entry point into IT certification and job preparation.
MTA is an optional industry-recognized certification for those pursuing a career path in IT infrastructure, database design, or software development using Microsoft technologies. Students must pass just one exam to achieve certification, giving them an encouraging first step toward a career in technology.
For IT Academy participants, MTA enhances understanding of IT fundamentals and validates core knowledge. The certification fits well into the existing curriculum to bridge the gap to more advanced certifications and gives program participants another impressive accomplishment on their CV.
MTA certification tracks (click to download PDF)
Get to know MTA and how it can enhance your IT Academy program:
Register Today for the May IT Academy Webinar
What: The May IT Academy Webinar When: May 23rd from 8-9am PST Where: Streaming online from the convenience of your computer Why: Keep up with program updates and new opportunities for members. As the last webinar of the 2012-3 academic session, we’ll brief you on the program roadmap for the coming year—critical information you need to optimize your curriculum next year. How: Register today using your IT Academy ID.
Other IT Academy News
Washington State IT Academy Sets Sail on Certification Program
Monroe High School, located at the foothills of the Cascade mountains outside Seattle, just launched its IT Academy certification program in February; but in that short time, 10 students have already earned 14 certifications and are working to complete additional certifications before the end of the school year.
Three Reasons to Register for the May 23rd IT Academy Webinar
The monthly IT Academy webinar is one of the best ways to keep up with program updates and new opportunities for members. Why should you register today for the May session?
1. It’ll help you prepare for the 2014 academic year. As the last webinar of the 2012-3 academic session, we’ll brief you on the program roadmap for the coming year—critical information you need to optimize your curriculum next year.
2. You’ll gain valuable insight into the program. The member webinars are led by the Microsoft technology and academic team developing new technology courses and learning tools—find out more about our approach and how we’re innovating tools and resources to help your students succeed.
3. Connect with the community. We’ll share how to interact with the member community, helping you discover the ways IT Academies set up students for success around the globe. Tune in for details.
The May IT Academy webinar is scheduled for May 23rd from 8-9am PST. Register today using your IT Academy ID.
April 25th IT Academy Webinar Now Available On Demand
This month’s Microsoft IT Academy webinar, Best Practices from IT Academy Members around the World, is now available on demand with your IT Academy ID. The webinar showcases unique concepts coming out of the UK just in time for summer school planning, as well as an inspirational story from a business teacher who helped a high school student gain broad recognition for skills achieved through the IT Academy program.
Video: Microsoft Director of Global IT Academy Visits La Salle College High School
The IT Academy program at La Salle College High School (Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania) pushes the boundaries of innovation on the high school level. Last year, the Student Lab Manager Program was chosen by Microsoft as one of the 100 most innovative technological programs in the United States; and the programs enjoys a high success rate of students certified in Microsoft Server technologies. Keith Loeber, Director of IT Academy, visited the school in mid-April to catch up on the program and share his impressions.
New IT Academies Around the World
Institutions across the globe announced new or forthcoming IT Academies in the last week:
Morehouse College (Atlanta, Georgia, USA). This week, Microsoft and Morehouse College launched the YouthSpark Atlanta program, which will offer free IT skills training to students and educators in Atlanta. The program includes the creation of a Microsoft IT Academy, an Innovation Lab, campus recruitment and leadership training. Learn how the initiative aims to inspire Atlanta-area students to explore careers in technology and business.
Rockdale County Public Schools (Georgia, USA). In the state of Georgia, more than 8,000 open, unfilled jobs require Microsoft technology skills. Rockdale County Public Schools has launched the Microsoft IT Academy in each of its high schools to provide students the opportunity to earn industry recognized credentials before graduating. This program is available to all students in Rockdale County through a partnership with the Georgia Department of Education and Microsoft.
Portage Township Schools (Indiana, USA). The Portgage, Indiana, school district plans to expand technical offerings to high school and middle school districts later this year, providing students with IT Academy training and Microsoft Office Specialist certification. The program will be offered as a dual credit program with Ivy Tech Community College.
Armenian Education Ministry. Microsoft and the Armenian Education and Science Ministry signed an agreement this week to expand the use of Microsoft technologies and programs—including IT Academy—in Armenian universities.
Birkenhead Sixth Form College (Merseyside, England). The prominent college in England’s Wirral district, Birkenhead Sixth Form College will offer students and the community critical technology training and Microsoft Office Specialist certification, with options to study at home.
Register Now for the May IT Academy Webinar
Registration is open for the last IT Academy webinar of this academic session, scheduled for May 23rd from 8-9am PST. During this session, members of the IT Academy team will preview the program roadmap for the coming year, highlight the curriculum plan, and share other announcements and member opportunities. Register now for May’s event using your IT Academy ID.
Enhancing Flipped Classrooms with IT Academy Tools
The Flipped Classroom model has gained prominent exposure in recent years, and is being implemented in more schools around the world. Keith Loeber, Director of IT Academy, shares how to integrate the IT Academy program in a flipped classroom where students are assigned pre-recorded lectures as homework, freeing up in-class time for instructor-guided exercises.
A Teacher’s Perspective: Celebrating Certification Accomplishments with Student
Our guest blogger this week is Cathy Bradshaw, Business Education teacher at Hamilton County High School. Discover how IT Academy program has enabled her seventh graders to earn industry certification, prepare for college and careers and boost self-confidence to achieve more every day.
University of North Carolina Offers Free Microsoft Training to Students, Faculty, and Staff
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has launched its campus-wide IT Academy program, providing more than 2,000 free Microsoft training courses to students, faculty and staff. The Daily Tarheel, UNC’s student newspaper, reports how the program supplements the university curriculum with valuable Microsoft technology training and certification opportunities.
In Other Education News
Microsoft Announces the Imagine Cup Finalists for 2013
Microsoft has announced the ten teams advancing to the 11th annual U.S. Imagine Cup Finals Demo Day. Demo Day will take place on May 13 in Silicon Valley and will be streamed live on the U.S. Imagine Cup Facebook page. Learn more about the teams competing to represent the U.S. at the Worldwide finals in St. Petersburg, Russia July 8-11, 2013.
Congratulations to Jeff Charbonneau: U.S. National Teacher of the Year
Jeff Charbonneau has spent the past 12 years with one purpose in mind: helping his students excel. Jeff was recently named National Teacher of the Year by the Council of Chief State School Officers and will be recognized by President Obama in a ceremony at the White House on April 22. Read more about Jeff’s honor and his commitment to his students.
Do you have a success story about one on your IT Academy students? Have IT Academy resources enabled you to provide more in the classroom? Share your story and best practices in a brief email with photos and your contact information to [email protected].
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This week’s guest blogger is Cathy Bradshaw, Business Education teacher at Hamilton County High School. Cathy shares how the IT Academy program has enabled seventh graders to earn industry certification, prepare for college and careers and boost self-confidence to achieve more every day .
My name is Cathy Bradshaw. I am the Business Education teacher at Hamilton County High School. I teach Information & Communications Technology - Essentials I, Computer Applications in Business, Computing for College and Careers, and Digital Design I, II, & III. I work under the leadership and administration of Karen Mitchell (CTE Director), Waylon Bush (Site Administrator) and Thomas Moffses (Superintendent).
Our school serves students in grades 7th through 12th (middle and high school), approximately 725 students. Our school was one of the schools selected by Florida Department Of Education to implement a pilot program with middle schools students. This class is Information & Communications Technology - Essentials I (ICT) and it consists of fourteen seventh graders, ages 12 & 13. We are a member of the Microsoft IT Academy.
When I accessed Microsoft eLearning, I was so excited! I thought that the lessons were short, yet so in depth. I like how the modules are divided and the videos are very valuable, they are short (usually 2-3 minutes) and keep the students’ attention. The videos serve as a perfect tool for demonstrations and in teacher modeling where we implement explicit instruction (“I do”), guided practice (“We do”) and independent practice (“You do”). The test banks save a lot of time and has been great for preparing pre- & post exams for various units of study. We use Microsoft eLearning as a blended learning tool, along with other “go to” resources, such as GMetrix (for practice exams), other books and on-line resources for projects to apply and extend the student’s knowledge.
Currently, we have five 7th grade students certified in Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) PowerPoint 2010. Our goal to have every student in the class earn at least one certification before the end of the school year. We make sure our students are made aware of the benefits of having these computer skills and industry certifications. Our class motto is: “Each one, reach one, teach one.” Just as I reach out and teach them, they must reach other students and teach them. This is displayed in our classroom through the implementation of collaborative structures, such as, shoulder buddies, think-pair-share and peer tutoring. With continued teamwork, our goal will be accomplished!
As an incentive, we recognize and reward our students. We have a “Wall of Fame” in the hallway with names of certified students on wooden plaques w/ golden name plates. There is also a “certification” bulletin board in my classroom. Every student who passes a certification exam gets their name displayed on a paw. I send out announcements to our faculty and staff members so they can congratulate the students. This announcement is then put on our TV news, along with their pictures. At our annual Award Ceremony, the students will receive their official certificates. In addition to this, our class celebrates the accomplishments of those certified, because we realize that it is teamwork.
Florida Department of Education’s Microsoft IT Academy has provided our students with outstanding opportunities to earn an industry certification, preparation for college and careers, increased qualifications for successful employment, advancement for chosen career path and increased self-worth and self-confidence to achieve more. The certification isn’t the essence of the course…it’s the “icing on the cake.” The computer skills that these students learn will benefit them for the rest of their lives.
By the way, I am taking advantage of the free exam vouchers for my Professional Development to obtain MOS certifications. I also use Microsoft eLearning for my Computing for College and Careers students.
Learn more about Florida's statewide IT Academy program: Florida Statewide Microsoft IT Academy site
Cathy Bradshaw graduated from Florida Institute of Technology, earning a B.S. degree in Business Administration/Finance and a Master’s degree in Business Administration. She also has an A.S. degree in Computer & Information Science.
Cathy began her teaching career as the founder and director of an academy, where she taught Pre-K. In 2006, she started teaching Adult Basic Education & GED classes and received her Professional Educator’s Certification. In 2011, she began teaching at Hamilton County High School, where she is the Business Education teacher. Her philosophy is “Learning is a lifelong experience.” She enjoys teaching…knowing that the knowledge gained from her classes will benefit students for a lifetime.
Keith Loeber is the Director of the IT Academy Program for Microsoft Learning. He and his team oversee the strategy, benefits, operations, and policies for the program. An 18-year Microsoft veteran, Keith has spent the last several years in education with the majority of his career focusing on training and certification.
Most teaching models in high school and college follow the age-old standard: first, lecture the students, telling them what they need to know; then, send the students home to apply what was taught to a project or a paper.
This approach was developed in the days when the educator was the only source of knowledge, before mass-produced books, the internet, eBooks, computers, multimedia and mobile devices made it possible for each student to have the entire world's knowledge in their pocket. Back then, educators held the knowledge and students listened to their lectures because there was no other way to learn new concepts and ideas.
But the hard part of learning is not listening to the lecture. The hard part is doing the work: practicing and performing the new task until you master it. This is where most students struggle because, as their questions arise, guidance is needed and educators are not available around the clock.
Many educators have come up with a new way to teach that takes advantage of information technologies. They have turned the old approach upside down, bringing the practice and performance into the classroom; and leaving the lecture-listening for homework. This way, they can support their students when they need it, and students can help each other figure out the tough parts. We might describe this as the F.L.I.P.P. approach:
Farm out the
Lecture as homework, then,
Inside of the classroom,
Practice and
Perform the tasks to build skills
While this isn’t a particularly new approach, some teachers are finding great success with it; so I wanted to share what this could look like in a Microsoft IT Academy member school.
Let's take a simple example, like teaching a skill that's required in the Microsoft Office curriculum: opening and editing a PDF file with Word. Under the old approach, we'd teach it this way:
First, in class, the students would sit and watch as the educator lectured them and showed them on the big screen how to open a PDF file with Word. An educator would stand up in front of the students and show them how this works best with documents that are mostly text, and how some older PDFs won't open at all. As students watched, the educator would demonstrate how to use the editing and formatting features of Word to work with the content of the PDF until it was formatted correctly. The educator would show them an assignment for homework to be completed outside of class. The assignment would call for them to open a series of PDF files, edit the content, and practice these skills on their own until they were able to perform the tasks as they would on a certification exam.
An educator following the FLIPP approach, on the other hand, would teach it this way:
Find and assign the appropriate course and lesson from the Microsoft IT Academy eLearning library that shows students how to edit PDFs with Word. Using the Lesson Plan as a guide, the educator might also include online tutorials from Microsoft, a page from the Wiley Microsoft Official Academic Courseware (MOAC) book, or a page from a book sourced by searching through the eReference library. The educator might develop his or her own narrated screen recording of the process, as well. Students could study these resources on their computer, on their mobile device, or on their tablet.
Let students work with resources for homework. The educator could simply use the reporting capability in the IT Academy eLearning system to track the usage and progress of students and utilize the other resources as optional learning materials or post as assignments in an alternative Learning Management System. The educator might additionally assign students some simple editing exercises.
In class, the educator presents them with some difficult PDF-editing projects, which call for full mastery of the skill. These projects may be found on the IT Academy member site, in the MOAC curriculum, sourced from other educators, or created from scratch. The educator observes the students as they work, helping them as necessary. The educator might pair a more advanced student to work one-on-one with a student who is having difficulty, or assign different parts of the project to a group who would work together to complete the project.
Practice their craft with many different examples and projects typically found in business, the arts, or any other real world scenario, and expect that by the end of the lesson, each and every student would be able to competently edit PDFs in a variety of scenarios.
Perform the PDF-editing task with the level of competence required on the certification exam.
The Microsoft IT Academy benefits fit very nicely to a FLIPP environment. Many teachers have been adopting this approach with success - understanding the resources available, and that students may learn best on their own time, at their own pace, and when receiving teacher guidance when its needed most.
If you are not yet a Microsoft IT Academy member, learn about the importance of Microsoft IT Academy from other members.
If you are a Microsoft IT Academy member, sign In and go to Getting Started.
Infographic: The Skills Gap in Cloud Technology
With a projected 7 million unfilled cloud-related jobs by 2015, IT Academy plays an increasingly important role in preparing the next generation of cloud-trained professionals. Check out the new IT Academy infographic that spotlights the importance of helping your students prepare for opportunities in the cloud.
Bridging the IT Gender Gap
In a compelling new video, Microsoft Research shares insight into the critical need for a diverse IT workforce—and the opportunities to engage young women in computer science and include them in the talent pipeline. Watch this video to learn more about the growing need to involve young women in future technology careers.
Education Events
April IT Academy Monthly Webinar: Best Practices from IT Academy Members from around the World
During this IT Academy member-only webinar series, IT Academy members are invited to hear from their peers from around the world on how they are implementing IT Academy benefits to manage their classrooms and guide their students toward a smooth graduation and beyond to successful employment. Register to attend the next event on April 25, 2013 from 8:00-9:00 AM PST using your IT Academy ID.
EduTech Family Summits
Learn how to create engaging, dynamic learning environments with technology at Achieve 2013: EduTech Family Summits, held in Las Vegas on April 27th and Dallas on May 11th. Discover more about the events!
Other Educational News
Microsoft Certification Summer School
This week, our friends at the UK Schools blog spotlighted Microsoft Certification Summer School, a creative approach to encourage students to achieve certification over the summer. Learn how you can take advantage of the program to maximize IT Academy benefits.
College Diplomas with the Highest Pay
A new Forbes magazine article reports that an education with a strong background in computer science and technology ranks highest in income. Share this information with your IT Academy students as they consider a career in IT.
How do IT Academy resources enhance the classroom experience for you and your students? Share your story and best practices in a brief email with photos and your contact information to [email protected].
Check out the infographic below--compiled from a recent IDC survey of more than 600 global hiring managers--that demonstrates the impact that cloud technology is having on a global job market and the demand for cloud-trained IT workers. With a projected 7 million cloud-related jobs by 2015, Microsoft IT Academies can help to prepare the next generation of cloud-trained professionals.
[Download and share a PDF of this infographic]
In a compelling new video, Microsoft Research shares insight into the critical need for a diverse IT workforce—and the opportunities to engage young women in computer science and include them in the talent pipeline.
This is a great video to share with your students to showcase opportunities for women and the importance of driving technological innovations forward.
Microsoft IT Academy provides the curriculum, training and certifications that can help introduce young women to technology and encourage them to pursue skills and careers in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) disciplines.
Welcome to our weekly review of news and events for Microsoft IT Academy members.
Teacher Testimonial: Advancing Middle School Students with Certification
Last week, Stephanie Boyett, a Microsoft IT Academy teacher at Ferry Pass Middle School in Pensacola, Florida was our guest blogger and shared how her middle school students are benefiting from certification. Learn more about the difference certification is making to her young students.
Microsoft Innovative Expert Educator Program
The Innovative Expert Educator Program is Microsoft's exclusive one year program, created to recognize pioneering educators globally who are using technology to transform education. Learn more about the program and how to apply.
New MOS Exams Offer Real World Testing
Guest blogger, Professor James G. Lengel, professor at Hunter College School of Education, New York reported on the new Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) exam format and how it improves the testing process by incorporating real-world functionality. Learn how you can prepare your students for the new MOS exams.
Other Education News
IT Academy Benefits Youth in Tough Job Markets
The relevant skills provided by IT Academy become even more important to students when job markets are negatively impacted. Check out the Microsoft UK’s HeadsUp YouTube channel and the most current video on Youth Opportunity and IT Careers.
Tell Us Your Story
How has IT Academy made a difference to you and your students? How are you implementing IT Academy resources in your classroom? Share your story and best practices in a brief email with photos and your contact information to [email protected].
Microsoft Innovative Educator Program, responsible for helping teachers incorporate technology into the classroom, is launching a new program; the Innovative Expert Educator! This exclusive, one year program has been created to recognize pioneering educators globally who are using technology to transform education. Innovative Expert Educators will have access to technology, specialized professional development, and will receive an all-expense paid trip to the Partners in Learning Global Forum. All innovative teachers are invited to apply at www.pil-network.com/expert.
Would you like to become an Innovative Expert Educator or do you know someone in your school or community who fits the description? Share the news with an amazing educator you know. You both might just have an opportunity to connect with peers around the world at the Partners in Learning Global Forum. Applications will be accepted until July 2013.
Read more in Anthony Salcito’s blog.
In March 2013, Microsoft introduced the new Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) 2013 exams, a new format that improves the testing experience by enabling even more real-world functionality and project-based outcome testing. How does this change the testing experience? James G. Lengel, professor at the Hunter College School of Education in New York, shares his experience preparing students for the new MOS exams.
As rumored, the new format for the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) exams is a complete departure from anything that's been used before. You are given a blank document, and shown a picture of sample document, and must reproduce that document exactly (and I mean exactly) using the program being tested (only Word and Excel are available right now). You get 50 minutes. If you produce the document exactly, you pass; if not, you fail. They don't care how you arrive at the results; it's the results that count.
In building the document, you must: create and manage documents, format text, paragraphs and sections, create tables and lists, apply references, and insert and format objects.
In short, you must do all the things an Office user must do in the real world. The exam is very much like a real-world task; you must know how to design a document from scratch, import various kinds of files, format text and objects, and use many of the new features of Office 2013 that are not available in Office 2010.
The old exams presented you with a single very specific task at random, that you had to perform; then you would go on to another unrelated task; and so forth. No overall approach. And the old exam preparation materials did the same thing, teaching discrete tasks rather than approaching the document as a whole from scratch.
If we want our curriculum to mesh well with the approach taken in the exams, we'll have to provide more real-world, from scratch, problem solving tasks, and we'll have to provide plenty of practice in reproducing sample documents exactly. And focus on the new tools available in Office 2013 -- if you try to build the document in the exam the old way, you'll never have time to complete it.
The exams are actually a breath of fresh air. They are practical tests of a candidate's ability to use the Office suite in a real world situation, and to produce quality, exacting work efficiently. They fit well with what many successful teachers tell me:
"We have found that the most successful way to teach these products is in the context of real-world problems: present a meaningful situation and set of data to students, then show them how to use the MS Office tools -- singly and in combination -- to design and execute a solution to the problem. Much more engaging than watching videos of a teacher's lecture or completing exercise after exercise on disembodied ribbon commands."
James Lengel earned his degrees at Yale College and the Harvard Graduate School of Education and has worked in government, academic, and industry organizations for 42 years. After serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Marshall Islands, James began his career as a public school teacher in Vermont, where he worked his way to the post of Deputy Commissioner of Education, and was appointed to a Fulbright Scholarship in China. James taught at Boston University and developed the digital media program at the College of Communication, and helped build a center for teaching excellence. James continues as a professor at Hunter College of the City University New York, while consulting with organizations around the world on the application of new technologies to teaching and learning. James has authored nine books on education and communication, including Education 3.0 from Teacher's College Press, publishes a weekly column and podcast on teaching with technology at PowerToLearn.com, and is licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard as a Captain in the Merchant Marine. He cruises and races his sailboat Top Cat along the coast of New England during the summer season.