Brief Synopsis:

New to programming?

Although there are not yet any requirements for the new ICT or IT curriculum, it’s clear that with all the talk of needing to ‘upskill’ pupils for the IT and video games industry that programming is fast becoming an essential skill but a skill that many ICT and IT teachers don’t necessarily have. The good news is that help is at hand…

Microsoft Partners in Learning have been delivering their extremely popular ‘Teacher Camps’ for some time but the YHGfL PiL Teacher Camp will have a focus firmly on programming using free software. It’s perfect for beginners in programming and you’ll become part of a like-minded community of support.

What will I be doing at Camp?

We will give you training in using free Microsoft software to create teaching and learning resources for the classroom. You will have time to design, create and evaluate those resources and collaborate with others. You will also get the chance to speak to experts at Microsoft about our technology. In addition you will also be learning how to deliver the same training to colleagues in your own schools. These resources will take the form of screen capture videos, which we call Innovids. You can see examples of these on the Partners in Learning YouTube Channel – www.youtube.com/innovativeteach

I am not an ICT teacher is it worth me applying?

Yes, most definitely, we are looking for classroom innovators in learning, rather than techie whizz kids. This event is targeted at those teachers interested in teaching and learning, and how technology can support that, rather than the technology itself. This event is for teachers in Primary, Secondary and Special school settings.

What will I need to bring?

We expect you to bring some of the tools you are using already:

• a headset with a microphone or Headphones and a Microphone
• a laptop running Windows Vista or Windows 7,
• Office 2007 or 2010 (not essential)
• We will send you a list of tools to download and install prior to the event taking place.

Do not worry if you don’t have some of this equipment as we provide spare equipment for use during the event.

Outcomes

We will be showing you how to create innovid resources, including one which you will create on the course. We will collect those resources and post them to the Microsoft YouTube Channel and YHGfL website after the event.

We will offer you support if you wish you recreate this course in your school and you will receive a certificate welcoming you as a Partners in Learning Teacher from Microsoft and more ideas about how to enhance pupil through the use of technology.