Microsoft IT Academy - Blog

Introducing Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE) certification

2013-05-16T18:23:00Z

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:

Education Policy
Curriculum & Assessment
Pedagogy
ICT/Technology Tools
Organization & Administration
Professional Development

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

This Week at IT Academy | Taking the First Step with MTA

2013-05-13T17:10:00Z

Welcome to our weekly round-up of news, events and opportunities for IT Academy members.

Benefit Spotlight

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:

Microsoft Learning: MTA certification paths
Certiport: MTA Video Success Stories
See how the MTA certification program has been successfully implemented by institutions and training centers.

(Please visit the site to view this video)

Events

Register Today for the May IT Academy Webinar

What: The May IT Academy Webinar
When: May 23^rd 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.

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This Week at IT Academy | Week of 5/6

2013-05-06T17:30:00Z

Welcome to our weekly round-up of news, events and opportunities for IT Academy members.

Events

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 23^rd from 8-9am PST. Register today using your IT Academy ID.

April 25^th 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.

IT Academy News

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.

(Please visit the site to view this video)

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.

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This Week at IT Academy | Week of 4/29

2013-04-29T16:55:00Z

Welcome to our weekly round-up of news, events and opportunities for IT Academy members.

Events

April 25^th IT Academy Webinar Now Available On Demand

Register Now for the May IT Academy Webinar

Registration is open for the last IT Academy webinar of this academic session, scheduled for May 23^rd 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.

IT Academy News

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 11^th 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.

Share Your Success Story

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 ITASuccessStories@microsoft.com.

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A Teacher's Perspective: Celebrating Certification Accomplishments with Students

2013-04-25T14:06:00Z

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.

Enhancing Flipped Classrooms with Microsoft IT Academy Tools

2013-04-25T02:44:00Z

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.

This Week at IT Academy | Week of 4/22

2013-04-22T19:40:00Z

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 27^th 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.

Share Your Success Story

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 ITASuccessStories@microsoft.com.

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Infographic: The Skills Gap in Cloud Technology

2013-04-18T18:58:00Z

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]

Bridging the IT Gender Gap

2013-04-18T18:26:00Z

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.

(Please visit the site to view this video)

This Week at IT Academy | Week of 4/15

2013-04-15T17:00:00Z

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

Share Your Success 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 ITASuccessStories@microsoft.com.

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New Innovative Educator Program--Microsoft Innovative Expert Educator!

2013-04-12T16:30:00Z

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.

New Microsoft Office Specialist Exams Offer Real World Testing

2013-04-11T23:20:00Z

Professor James G. Lengel, Hunter College School of Education,

New York

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.

A Teacher's Perspective: Advancing Middle School Students With Certification

2013-04-10T19:00:00Z

Stephanie Boyett, Microsoft IT Academy Teacher, Ferry Pass Middle School, Pensacola, Florida, USA

Stephanie Boyett, Microsoft IT Academy teacher at Ferry Pass Middle School in Pensacola, Florida shares how her middle school students are embracing certification and how IT Academy resources enrich her lesson plans.

First, I want to thank Microsoft for the opportunity to be a member of the Microsoft IT Academy. To date, 55 Ferry Pass Middle School students have earned over 120 individual Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) industry certifications in Word 2010, PowerPoint 2010, and Outlook 2010, due in large part to the resources of the Microsoft IT Academy!

Is MOS Industry Certification a Good Fit for Middle School Students?

As a former high school teacher of MOS industry certification (prior to using the Microsoft IT Academy resources) and as a former and current District trainer in MOS industry certification, I asked myself, as we were rolling out certification to the district middle schools, “Can middle school students handle the rigor of the Microsoft IT Academy program, and ultimately, pass MOS industry certification?” Currently, as a first-year middle school teacher, my previous hesitation has now turned into a resounding, “Yes, they can!” Middle school students are capable and the sense of achievement that a Microsoft endorsed certificate provides to a student is enough to keep many students motivated to work and learn more about the Microsoft Office Suite, and ultimately, earn more certifications.

What Does It Take?

The Microsoft IT Academy resources are second to none in test preparation and an excellent resource for a true introduction to the Microsoft Office Suite.

As I moved into the IT Academy e-learning program, I found a gold mine! I found that e-learning 'hit all the high points' for my students and we could move at a pace that was comfortable for everyone. I used e-learning for both Word 2010 and PowerPoint 2010 as a reintroduction to the Microsoft Office Suite. I used e-learning as my primary teaching tool in the classroom for several months, not simply as a supplemental resource. I projected e-learning on my pull down screen and the students followed along on their computers. E-learning is great for diversified teaching strategies and it includes tutorials, short clips, interactive games, quizzes, and more! Also, a study guide is provided at the beginning of each course, which is great for keeping the students on task.

After I finished e-learning, we jumped into the certification test alignment e-reference book, MOAC. MOAC stands for the Microsoft Office Academic Courseware and aligns closely with the MOS industry certification exams. Students complete hands on assignments using the software program they are studying. In addition to the MOAC book, the e-reference library includes hundreds of other Microsoft software specific, digital textbooks with data files and answer keys.

The Resources are Vast, The Value is Priceless…

Microsoft IT Academy resources don’t stop there! In addition to lesson plans, e-learning, and e-reference materials, the Microsoft IT Academy member site also includes marketing materials, digital certificates, and news and support features. The Microsoft IT Academy can provide a teacher with a school year worth of relevant workforce-ready and certification preparatory material, thus reducing lesson preparation time. Microsoft IT Academy…vast, valuable, priceless!

Link to more information:

Florida Department of Education's IT Academy site

Florida Department of Education press release

This Week at IT Academy | Week of 4/8

2013-04-09T17:08:00Z

Welcome to our weekly review of news and events for Microsoft IT Academy members.

Microsoft IT Academy Public Website Has Been Redesigned

We hope you agree that the newly designed website provides clear messaging on the value of Microsoft IT Academy as told through the voice of the customers on video. You will notice that the “Benefits” page features a cost comparison that really drives home the low cost/high value of the IT Academy program. Check out the student videos on the “Certification” page and hear how certification is integral to bridging the skills gap. The navigation on the “Become a Member” page has been simplified and the purchase process is easier than ever. Check it Out!

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A Teacher’s Perspective: Building Confidence Through Certification

Jason Majors, the Internet Marketing Academy Instructor at Escambia High School in Pensacola, Florida, USA, was our guest blogger last week. Jason shared how IT Academy and certification provide students with the ability to achieve new goal, develop confidence in their skills and an academic experience that will follow them out of the classroom and throughout their lives.

Learn how Jason’s students achieved a 75% certification rate the first year with IT Academy!

Brazil: Growing Economy, Real World Education

Professor of Education James G. Lengel, from Hunter College, City University, New York, made a recent trip to Brazil. Learn about his perspective on this country’s approach to education.

Upcoming Education Events

Building Educator Capacity: Digital Literacy and Teaching with Technology

Virtual University Workshop Webcasts
Partners in Learning offers quality, ready-to-go professional development resources to enhance your current training offerings or create new ones. In this first of three webcasts, we will explore Level 100: Digital Literacy and Level 200: Teaching with Technology (TwT). Both provide ICT skills development in the context of education.

Other Education News

Global Knowledge 2013 Skills & Salary Report

The 6^th annual Skills & Salary Report incorporates the feedback of 12,000 IT Pros and compiles their real-world experiences about the value of certification and the impact it has on their career. Share this valuable information with your students to help them plan for the future.

Share Your Success Story

How has IT Academy made a difference to you and your students? We’d like to hear from you! Share your inspiring story in a brief email with photos and your contact information to ITASuccessStories@microsoft.com.

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Brazil: Growing Economy, Real World Education

2013-04-04T18:26:00Z

Professor James G. Lengel, Hunter College, City University New York

This week’s guest blogger is James G. Lengel, professor at Hunter College School of Education, City University New York. Today, he shares Brazil’s practical approach to combatting the high school dropout rate and their efforts to prepare students for the workforce with 21^st century skills.

Brazil's economy has been growing by 5% per year for the last decade, surpassing the United Kingdom (England) as the world's fifth largest economy. The United States and Europe are experiencing very limited growth.

Brazil’s middle class is growing, jobs abound, and this largest of South America's emerging nations is taking its place among the world's leaders. The commuter jet that I take to New York is made in Brazil; so is the coffee and orange juice I drink in the morning. With almost 200 million people, young and growing fast, Brazil is destined for greatness.

Brazilians recognize the importance of education for the health of their economy and their democracy. Since their recovery from two decades of military rule, the government and the economy have moved toward a free and open system that is the envy of many other developing nations. But most people in Brazil, today, do not complete high school. To remedy this, both government and economic leaders have focused on building schools that will prepare a new generation of citizens and workers for the country. Brazil has increased its spending on public education to 5% of GDP, about the same as the United States or the UK, and is ready to double this, as necessary, over the next few years to ensure a workforce and a citizenry that's able to sustain current levels of growth.

At two national education conferences in Brazil this month, I met the men and women who are leading this investment. They are not investing in the old technologies of books, paper, desks, chalkboards, and classrooms. They realize that to produce the kinds of graduates needed, the schools need to be different. So they are providing a tablet computer to every student, loaded with the entire curriculum. They are changing the teaching methods to focus on real-world problems, and building close ties between the schools and the industries around them.

As they build a new generation of high schools and technical colleges, they have opened many paths to governance. I worked with a school in Florianopolis, in Santa Catarina state, that's run, not by the local government as most of the schools are in Brazil, but by a consortium of local business leaders, SENAI (Serviço Nacional de Aprendizagem Industrial). The new school that they are building doesn’t design its curriculum around the academic disciplines, but around the kinds of skills and competency needed in the local economy. The teaching is practical and organized around real problems that students solve in small groups, like they will be doing when they enter the workforce.

The classroom at the SENAI school looks like an office or laboratory. Students work in small groups with computers and connected digital devices. As they work together to solve the problem presented by the teacher -- a foreman from the local industry -- they learn the math required for working out a java programming issue. Students call on the math teacher to help them figure out a more efficient way to compose the code needed to perform multiple iterations of a data set; then they videoconference with a professional programmer, who provides additional advice.

The student’s grade is not determined by a multiple-choice test, but by a presentation of their solution to a panel of experts from industry. The commentary and advice they get from this jury proves much more valuable than the grade they would have received under the former educational system. Like the work in the Microsoft IT Academy, these new Brazilian schools focus on practical skills and useful results allowing students to invest in their future.

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 of 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.