Graduate Certificate in ICT Education “The more powerful technology becomes, the more indispensable good teachers are.” Fullan, 1998

Agenda Background Focus Group findings Course Structure and Outcomes PiL and MOS Fees and Payment Options Scholarships Applications Questions Agenda

Background Who are The IT Masters ? Partnership with Microsoft Focus Groups and findings

Focus Group Findings The research confirmed initial concerns: Significant issues with both the currency and relevance of the ICT curriculum that is taught in many Australian schools; Both the public and private teaching systems make on-going investment in trying to lift the ICT skills of teachers but the training offered appears to be adhoc and of limited effectiveness; Many teachers are looking for real ways to integrate technology into their every day curriculum but in most cases do not have the knowledge, skills or support required; In most cases Teachers are not financially rewarded for completing further study, but will take on further studies related to their field of study.

Goal: Successful ICT Integration Professional development over 12 months to give you time to learn, practice, collaborate and reflect; Theoretical to actual; Repeated exposure and practice of teaching strategies, developing expertise; Interest sustained through relevant and embedded assessment.

Course Structure Semester 1Technology Partners in Learning 1 Educational Applications of Information Technology Semester 2Technology Partners in Learning 2 Information and Communication Technology Fundamentals

Course Structure Two Semesters – breather breaks Distance Education Part-time study over 12 months Approx 6 to 12 hours per week per subject, depending on experience 20th Semester Begins Feb MarchAprilMayJune 13th Start Break 7th End Break 13th – 23rd Exams

Partners in Learning A peer coaching program to help teachers: Plan and implement instructional activities that integrate technology into the curriculum; Plan and implement a Peer Coaching program; Use communication skills to promote discussion about instruction; Collaborate with colleagues/executive staff to ensure that coaching is a part of the school’s professional development plan.

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Gives you the confidence to effectively manage applications and integrate these skills within your classroom. Word 2003 PowerPoint 2003 Excel 2003 Outlook 2003

Charles Sturt University Source: DEET No 1 in Distance Education 1235 teachers doing Postgraduate Education in 2004 = Australia’s 5th largest provider

Learner Subject Forum Microsoft Official Academic Courseware Study Guide E-Learning Mentors Exam Preparation material How will you study?

Entrance Requirements Applicants will generally be expected to have a degree in any discipline; Applicants with a Teaching Diploma may be considered for admission if they have at least 4 years of teaching experience; Applicants will need to be practicing teachers, or at least have access to teachers and classrooms, to be able to complete assessments; Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents residing in Australia.

Study Fees $1400 per subject – 4 subjects to complete Includes all text books, study guides, e-learning, CSU online library access, online forums and mentor support.

Payment Options Interest free government loan (FEE-Help) –Full fee Post Graduate study is tax deductible. –10% discount for early FEE-Help repayments over $500. –Home study, study computer, Internet, etc is also partially claimable. Scholarships

Microsoft ICT Teacher Scholarships – 2006 Call for Applications 20 full scholarships for applicants teaching in rural/isolated and/or financially disadvantaged schools. 20 part scholarships open to all applicants, awarded on merit.

Applications Closing date 25 November Send applications, including scholarship applications, to The IT Masters PO Box 69 Mentone VIC 3194 More info: Go to

Outcomes Join the Microsoft Partners in Learning community Accreditation as a Microsoft Office Specialist Grad Cert that articulates to Master of Ed Alumni = 25% discount on CSU Wines

Questions Thank You