Worldwide Technology Education Program to Train 400,000 Teachers
Intel’s Teach to the Future is a worldwide initiative to address the barriers teachers still face in effectively applying computer technology to improve student learning. Over the next three years, they will invest $100 million in cash, equipment, curriculum development and program management to train more than 400,000 classroom teachers in 20 countries around the world.
The program is presented with support from Microsoft Corp., who will contribute $344 million in software (estimated retail value) and program support. In addition, computer manufacturers including Hewlett-Packard and Premio have joined Intel with equipment donations and discounts to make this the largest private industry effort to date (worth nearly half a billion dollars) to ensure that technology is successfully used in education.
The curriculum, which consists of ten four-hour modules, is based on the Microsoft Office 2000 Professional software suite. Training includes use of the Internet, Web page design and multimedia software. Teachers learn how, when and where to incorporate technology tools and resources into their current lesson plans, how to create assessment tools, and how to align lessons with district, state and national standards. In each U.S. region where the program is implemented, 100 master teachers will be recruited and trained annually. These master teachers will then work with individual school districts to train at least 20 classroom teachers per year. Intel Corp., Santa Clara, CA, (800) 538-3373, www.intel.com.