Charles Sturt University (CSU) and industry partner IT Masters are offering a free five-week online course for K-12 teachers who would like to use Adobe Photoshop to develop engaging learning activities.

 

Associate Processor Barney Dalgarno, Sub Dean (Learning and Teaching) in the Faculty of Education, said the short course was an excellent opportunity for teachers to expand their skills.

 

“This short course provides a fantastic opportunity for teachers to learn about the potential applications of Photoshop in their classroom, while also gaining insight into how they personally might benefit from online study in technology and learning, at no cost,” he said.

 

 

IT Masters CEO Mr Martin Hale said the short course would give teachers a sense of what it is like to undertake postgraduate study via Distance Education with CSU.

 

“Most Bachelor of Education degrees do not include ICT subjects so many teachers lack the confidence to truly integrate these methods into their classroom activities,” he said.

 

“The occasional ICT professional development days teachers get once they join the workforce are not enough to truly gain confidence in the area. Instead, teachers need a comprehensive course of study that allows them to become confident with software and practice applying it in classroom environment.”   

 

The short course initiative also has the support of the Australian Computer Society (ACS) Foundation according to executive director Mr John Ridge.

 

“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,” he said.

 

“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.”

 

The Photoshop in the Classroom short course runs for five weeks, from Wednesday 15 August, beginning with an interactive webinar focused on exploring new ideas, strategies and specific tools for integrating print production and graphic design activities into a curriculum.

 

There will be an optional online exam at the end of the course and those who successfully pass the exam will be awarded a Certificate of Completion. The top three marks will be awarded a wine pack from the Charles Sturt University Winery.   

 

Visit Free Short Course: Photoshop in the Classroom for details