Teachers flock to World’s Best Practice

In October 2005 Charles Sturt University (CSU), Microsoft and the Australian Computer Society (ACS) Foundation announced the introduction of a world-first post-graduate course, which aimed at teachers who want to develop and deliver engaging, technology-rich learning activities. The title of new qualification is the Graduate Certificate in ICT Education and to help launch the new qualification Microsoft donated 40 scholarships to teachers from remote and financially disadvantaged schools.   

The target for the inaugural enrolment scheduled for semester one 2006 was a total of 60 enrolments but the university ended up being flooded with a total of 474 applications.   

Microsoft’s Academic Programs Manager, Felicia Brown said “We were thrilled with the level of response and the quality of submissions and we hope to build on the success of the Graduate Certificate. We have commenced discussions with CSU on expanding the program to include a Graduate Diploma and eventually a full Masters Degree in ICT Education”  Microsoft internationally has recognised the success of the initiative by accrediting the qualification as world’s best practice and the qualification will be opened to worldwide applicants from the beginning of 2007.    

The Australian Computer Society (ACS) Foundation has also thrown its weight behind the new qualification.  “The ACS Foundation believes it is critical that teachers can access programmes like this that offer the development, support and structure to integrate technology into the classroom in a way that engages and motivates students.” said Mr John Ridge, Executive Director, ACS Foundation . “The Government has invested millions of dollars in attempting to address these issues but despite these efforts, enrolments in tertiary ICT studies are still plummeting.  We believe there may be a connection between this trend and way ICT is used in the classroom and that it is critical that teachers have access to comprehensive development programs such as this.” Said Mr Ridge 

Doctor Irfan Altas, Sub Dean, Industry Partners, CSU, said: “The scholarship evaluation committee was amazed at both the quantity and quality of the applications.  The committee rated most of the 474 applications as ‘high quality’ and it was extremely difficult to select the eventual winners – especially when it was clear that many did not have the financial resources to fund the course themselves.  I think the fact that so many teachers were willing to give up their spare time to study after hours is an indication of the high level of commitment and professionalism of Australian Teachers” said Dr Altas.   

Scholarship winners came from some of the most isolated schools in Australia including teachers from Melville Island, Arnhem Land, Coober Pedy, Balgo Community (WA), Gorokan (NSW), Mandurah (WA) and Mount Morgan (QLD).  

The Graduate Certificate caters for teachers from a variety of backgrounds and technological skill levels and is available throughout Australia by distance-learning. Further information about the Graduate certificate can be found at the dedicated Website at www.ictteachers.info

About Charles Sturt University
Charles Sturt University is the eighth largest university and the largest distance education provider in Australia, providing significant educational, social, cultural and economic benefits to its regions. The university has earned a reputation for working hand-in-hand with business, the professions and government to provide courses and advice to meet the demands of a changing workforce and changing times. CSU's partnerships and alliances are marked by a diversity and drive that make it distinctive from other universities in Australia. 

About the ACS Foundation
An initiative of the Australian Computer Society, the ACS Foundation was established in August 2001 to encourage both private and public sponsorship of IT higher education and research projects. By increasing funding opportunities for industry to contribute to education programs, the Foundation seeks to create a highly skilled workforce, able to effectively access research and industry-specific training.