April 26th, 2010
Texas State, Microsoft announce partnership

STAFF REPORT

Texas State’s College of Education announced a partnership last week with Microsoft to develop a pilot program for preparing public school teachers to use the 21st century classroom.

The pilot program is based on a belief that many teachers aren’t sufficiently prepared for the use of technology to advance learning outcomes and engage their students who use technology in every other part of their lives. The program is designed to create coursework to help teachers learn how to use technology in the classroom more effectively.

The pilot is reliant on both in-person and online content and will show students and faculty ways that technology can both engage and enhance the learning experience for students.

“We are excited to partner with Texas State on this incredible opportunity,” said Jon Perera, general manager of education for Microsoft. “Together, we are pursuing the same goal: empowering new teachers with the technology-based tools and methods needed to engage their students right from day one. Their students are using technology throughout the rest of their lives and this will help them connect that digital life back into their school life and, fundamentally, help teachers and their students truly realize their potential.”

Texas State was selected for the pilot because the College of Education has adopted innovative student-focused approaches to teacher education and exhibits an openness to use of technology in learning.

The course module focuses on using technology to build collaboration – a skill that is most needed by today’s students. This is a core part of how colleges of education are changing to better equip students to be ready for college and careers. Particularly in classrooms of “digital natives,” technology empowers teachers, resulting in more engaged students.