Courses Unit

Due to a high demand in applications for summer courses, we are extending the deadline by 3 days. We have already over 500 + applications for our summer courses, which is a record. Nearly all courses are going to be delivered. Many teachers and LSAs are applying online, as I am writing this post. For this reason, we are extending the deadline to Monday 20th at 12:00.

Spread the word. Very soon you will hear from us. We will be emailing everyone, informing you about the course location and time. Kindly answer our emails and confirm you attendance. It is very IMPORTANT.

Good luck for your courses

Mr. Jeffrey Zammit & Mr. Ray Bonnici

Applications for the Summer 2011 eLearning Courses are now being received. All educators within State, Church and Independent Schools are encouraged to apply for the eLearning Courses offered by the Curriculum Management and eLearning Department.

Course Code: PPT

Microsoft PowerPoint in the Classroom

Description: PowerPoint is a high-powered multimedia software tool used to present information and to create interactive games for individual study within the classroom context. PowerPoint presentations are very useful resources used as learning aids during lessons, to exhibit students’ work during school events and parents’ meetings and to discuss issues during teachers’ seminars. During the course you will be creating presentations featuring text, graphics/animated graphics, charts, sound effects, background music, videos, transitions and animations. You will also be creating presentations which can be used for individual student study. These will include navigation buttons to enable students to browse selected sections in the presentation and access hyperlinks to websites and to other files created using different software packages. This enables students to gain further information on the topic. You will also be creating quizzes featuring multiple choice activities.

Requirements: Knowledge of Windows XP and MS Word
Duration: 7 sessions of 3 hours each

Course Code: WRT
Free Web 2.0 Resources for Teaching

Description: Web 2.0 has brought a myriad of tools with considerable potential and it would be unwise to overlook. It has opened new possibilities to encourage creativity and promote participation. The course deals with creating blogs, flash websites, creating simple comics, micro-blogging, social bookmarking and simple animation … all of them created online and FREE.

Requirements: Basic knowledge of Windows XP
Duration: 5 sessions of 3 hours each

Course Code: CRP

Creating Resource Packs for State Schools: Year 1 – 7

Description: This course is aimed at Primary school teachers who want to create learning resources which feature extensive use of ICT. During this course teachers will be creating lesson packages which fully integrate Information and Communications Technology within classroom practice. These will include the following:
• Presentations using PhotoStory 3 for Windows
• Slideshows created using KidPix Deluxe and Tux Paint
• Flashcards, handouts, worksheets, charts, booklets and card games created using Print Shop 11
• Onscreen Activities created using KidPix Deluxe and Primary Writer
• Topic websites which can be created by pupils using Print Shop 11

Requirements: Basic Knowledge of Windows
Duration: 8 sessions of 3 hours each

Course Code: PDC
Empowering students with Podcasting

Description: You will learn how to create blogs (online journals) which form the basis for podcasts and are a tool on their own right. Then Audacity will be introduced. Audacity is free software which converts your computer in a good recording studio! Lastly you will learn how to create the RSS feed for the podcast - a special address with which you will be able to deliver your shows to the whole world.

Requirements: Basic knowledge of Windows XP

Duration: 5 sessions of 3 hours each

Course Code: IBC

Implementing blogs in classroom culture

Description: Blogs enable users to easily upload information, ideas, pictures and other media on the internet. They are thus an ideal tool for teachers since they promote the sharing of ideas and resources. Teachers will create a classroom blog where they will post general classroom information and other relevant news items for parents to access online and links to useful websites pupils can access at home to consolidate learning. Blogs enable teachers to easily publish pupils’ work online and to create a collaborative space where students work together on a writing project and comment on each other’s posts thus providing peer-to-peer feedback.

Requirements: Basic knowledge of Windows XP.

Duration: 4 sessions of 3 hours each

Course Code: LMT

Educational Multimedia Resource Pack using Illuminatus

Description: The course exposes the participants to the concepts and to the development of educational multi-media courseware production at Primary and Secondary School level so as to encourage teachers to make practical use of their laptops in class. Participants will be able to understand the implications of producing educational material for their specific subject and integrating it within the current curriculum using a multi-media authoring package. The course will help the participants to develop an educational multi-media pack consisting of lesson plans, presentation and worksheets in an interactive and constructivist approach using Illuminatus 4.5. The course will empower teachers with the necessary skills to create stunning multimedia resources using Illuminatus 4.5 which can be used within the classroom situation.

Requirements: Must be proficient in the use of Windows XP and Office.

Duration: 5 sessions of 3 hours each

Course Code: CWS

Creating a Website using SharePoint Designer (FrontPage)

Description: The course is a beginners and intermediate course in website design. The course will start off with some basic HTML coding. It will also include sessions on the creation of blogs and podcasting.

Requirements: Applicants need to be computer literate (preferably with ECDL qualification).

Applicants need to bring their laptops with them.

Duration: 10 sessions of 3 hours each

Course Code: TCH

Solving simple Technical PC problems

Description: Have you ever found problems on how to install and configure a printer or a scanner? Do you know how to upgrade your RAM or update your operating system? Are you aware how you could protect your computer from virus threats and Internet related threats? This course will adopt a practical hands-on approach on these frequent problems found in your PC. The objectives are to help course attendees to solve hardware and software problems in no time! The course participants will become familiar with all internal parts of the computer, build a computer and thereafter install an operating system and related software. The course will also
have a look at common troubleshooting everyday computing annoyances.

Requirements: Must be proficient in the use of Windows 98/XP and Office Applications.

Duration: 8 sessions of 3 hours each

Course Code: INT

Using the Internet Effectively in the Classroom for Beginners

Description: This course covers most aspects of the internet. Teachers will learn the basic knowledge and features about the internet such as: defining a browser; discovering temporary internet files and browsing the web in general. Participants are shown how to register for an email account (such as gmail). Then, they learn how to send emails, delete emails and send attachments among other things. Teachers learn how to use the “bluecoat” filtering website in schools. The best out of YouTube is discussed and they learn how to view and download videos to be used offline. Teachers learn how to create blogs and wikis and understand the basic features and differences of each, so that there is an appropriate use in the classroom either by the teacher or by his/her students.

Requirements: Knowledge of Windows XP, MS Word and MS PowerPoint

Duration: 6 sessions of 3 hours each

Course Code: WIX

Creating Flashy Websites with Wix

Description: For those who want to build a website without the need of HTML, Wix is the solution. Wix is a web 2.0 tool which is completely free and allows users to create websites that are flashy and appealing. The course is a hands-on experience. Users will have the opportunity to learn the features of Wix.

Duration: 4 sessions of 3 hours each

Course Code: LDW

Learning by Discovery: Webquests

Description: A webquest is a type of treasure-hunt based on the Internet. It is a great tool with which students can start learning by discovering on their own, while the teacher is there to guide. The ultimate aim of a webquest is to create something concrete - some form of report - on what has been learned.

Requirements: Basic knowledge of Windows XP. Participants are required to bring their laptops.

Duration: 3 sessions of 3 hours each

Course Code: PSH

Photoshop basics

Description: Beginning with a Photoshop environment overview, we go through the basic graphic files and various ways of selecting. Touching on colours will bring us to drawing and painting techniques. We start to edit images while working with layers channels and masks, adding special effects and layer styles. Creating artwork for the web will bring us to animations
and producing a gallery of the pictures we have worked on. Finally typography is explained and added to images in different styles.

Requirements: Good knowledge of Windows

Duration: 6 sessions of 3 hours each

Course Code: JVP

Java

Description: Participants will be using Java, an Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) language that uses ‘objects’ and their interactions to design applications and computer programs. One characteristic of Java is portability, which means that computer programs written in the Java language must run similarly on any supported hardware/operating-system platform.

Requirements: Applicants must have basic computing knowledge that includes programming concepts.

Duration: 8 sessions of 3 hours each

Course Code: WMM

Editing your own videos using Windows Movie Maker

Description: Windows Movie Maker lets you edit your own videos by adding transitions, credits, titles, special effects, background music and narration, thus making the videos more fun to watch and use in the classroom.

Requirements: Basic knowledge of Windows XP

Duration: 3 sessions of 3 hours each

Course Code: BBT

The Use of Various Educational Technologies in the Primary Classroom

Description: During this course we will focus on the use of Bee-Bots, Talking Books, Easi-Speak and Tuff cams for educational use. Teachers will have the opportunity to handle these educational resources as well as create educational material to use in their teaching. Teachers will also focus on the use of Stop-Motion.

Requirements: Year 1 – Year 3 Teachers

Duration: 3 sessions of 3 hours each

Course Code: EY1

ICT Skills in the early years 1

Description: Kindergarten assistants will be guided to explore ICT tools which are useful in an early years setting. The Internet will be introduced as a tool in the classroom and participants will learn how to search and download resources. Other Internet tools will be explored. Participants will also learn how to use an Interactive Whiteboard, and other useful free software packages used to create pictures, such as Tuxpaint, Photostory3 and vokis. Beebots and other gadgets will be accessed.

Requirements: Basic knowledge of Windows

Duration: 5 sessions of 3 hours each

Course Code: EY2

ICT Skills in the early years 2

Description: This course will focus on preparing resources for an early years setting. Participants will learn how to prepared resources to be used with a Bee Bot whilst tools for story making will be explored. Possibilities for using video editing software and the creation of mp3s with young children will be introduced.

Software which will be used: Microsoft Publisher; Microsoft Power point; www.issuu.com; Windows movie maker; Audacity

Requirements: ICT Skills in the early years 1 or Basic knowledge of Windows

Duration: 5 sessions of 3 hours each

Course Code: USW

Updating and Maintaining School Websites

Description: Web hosting packages are being offered for colleges, Education Officers, and schools. The package includes the web hosting space, a content management system (CMS) and the development and design of the website. The school, college or EO will then be responsible for updating and maintaining their website. This is a basic course intended for those who will be in charge for updating and managing their school/college/centre website.

Requirements: Basic knowledge of the Windows Operating System and file handling, plus a basic knowledge of Microsoft Word

Duration: 4 sessions of 3 hours each

Course Code: RKP

Learning with Robotics in the Primary School classroom

Description: This course is ideal for Primary school teachers who would like to engage in innovative teaching methods. This course will focus on particular curricular areas fostering creativity, problem-solving skills and team building skills among the learners. Hands-on activities will enable teachers to create resources and discuss the implementation of programmable floor robots in Primary Education.

Requirements: Basic Windows and preferably good command of Office applications and internet browsing.

Duration: 7 sessions of 3 hours each

Course Code: NXT

Robotics in the secondary classroom

Description: This new course is intended for secondary teachers who are interested in new approaches which may be used in their classrooms. Focus is mainly for teachers of mathematics, sciences, computing or design and technology, although other practitioners are welcome to join.

This course presents an overview of robotics in practice. Through practical sessions, course participants will see how both Lego WeDo and Lego NXT Mindstorms kits may be used in the secondary classroom.

Requirements: Interest in mathematics, sciences, computing or design and technology

Duration: 4 sessions of 3 hours each

Course Code: EPF

Enhancing use of technology in the classroom.

1. Basic Skills – Office environment - Creating web based email accounts - Using the Internet - search techniques / finding reliable sources

2. E-tools for the classroom – Web 2.0 tools: E-portfolios; Social bookmarking - Online publishing

3. E-pedagogy – Using these tools for collaboration, sharing of resources and to deepen learning in the classroom.

Duration: 4 sessions of 3 hours each

Course Code: SMT

Smartboard Skills and Applications.

The course will include skills and templates for Smartboard which can be used over and over again in the classroom.

Requirements: Teachers should know the basics in Smartboard use, ie tools and interface.

Duration: 5 sessions of 3 hours each

Course Code: IWB

Using Interactive Whiteboards in the Primary Classroom

Description: Two sessions will deal with Smart Interactive Smartboard and two sessions will deal will Promethean Interactive Whiteboard. During the Smart sessions, basic features in the Notebook Software will be tackled. Practical examples will be given on how to use the Smart Interactive Whiteboard in the Primary classroom. Resources will also be created using the Lesson Activity Toolkit. During the Promethean sessions, basic features in ActivInspire will be tackled. Practical examples will be given on how to use the ActivInspire Whiteboard in the Primary classroom using the activities templates.

Participants will be given a basic introduction to the software interface and the creation of flipcharts.

Requirements: Basic skills in MS Word and MS PowerPoint

Duration: 4 sessions of 3 hours each (covering both Smart and Promethean)

Course Code: ECDL V

European Computer Driving Licence

Description: The European Computer Driving License is an internationally recognised qualification, certifying that the holder has the knowledge and skills needed to use the most common computer applications efficiently and productively. This is a one scholastic year course intended to prepare participants to undertake the ECDL exam. To gain ECDL certification, the applicant must pass one theoretical and six practical tests, which are
administered throughout Europe by accredited Test Centres. The ECDL syllabus is broken down into seven modules, each of which must be passed before the ECDL certificate is awarded. The seven modules that make up ECDL are:

· Module 1 - Concepts of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

· Module 2 - Using the Computer and Managing Files

· Module 3 - Word Processing

· Module 4 – Spreadsheets

· Module 5 - Using Databases

· Module 6 – Presentation

· Module 7 - Web Browsing and Communication

Duration: 25 sessions of 3 hours each

Course Code: AM3

ECDL Word Processor Advanced Level

Description: With the ECDL Advanced Word Processing certification, Candidates can demonstrate their ability to use the advanced features of word processing applications to enhance their work, improve productivity and save time. At the end of the course candidates will be able to:
• Create and manage large, complex word processing projects
• Illustrate sophisticated typographical, formatting and layout presentations, including tables, forms and graphics
• Use tools such as macros
• Carry out more advanced mail merge operations
• Work effectively on large collaborative projects

Requirements: ECDL Core Certificate

Duration: 10 sessions of 3 hours each

Course Code: AM4

ECDL Spreadsheets Advanced Level

Description: The ECDL Advanced Spreadsheets certification presents Candidates with the opportunity to bring their spreadsheet skills to an expert level. This allows them to use the full potential of the spreadsheet application to produce higher quality management information.

At the end of the course candidates will be able to:
• Produce higher quality information
• Pinpoint key information quicker and more easily
• Provide more sharply-defined analysis
• Produce more sophisticated reports
• Use advanced editing, data handling, functions and analysis features
• Use macros within the spreadsheets application

Requirements: ECDL Core Certificate

Duration: 10 sessions of 3 hours each

Course Code: AM5

ECDL Databases Advanced Level

Description: Anybody who works with databases on a regular basis already knows just how useful they can be for managing and analysing large quantities of information. Thanks to database applications we can structure and manage large amounts of data and manipulate it to
extract valuable information. But did you know that most database applications have advanced features that allow one to carry out more complex functions that can further enhance the quality of one’s work and save time - if one has the skills to use them?

At the end of the course candidates will be able to:
• Produce better reports with deeper data analysis
• Produce higher quality management information
• Use advanced features in table, query, form and report design
• Use macros within the database application
• Import, export and link data
Requirements: ECDL Core Certificate

Duration: 10 sessions of 3 hours each

Course Code: AM6

ECDL Presentation Advanced Level

Description: The ECDL Advanced Presentation certification is a vital tool for Candidates who wish to create effective, high-impact presentations using advanced features and who need to be able to prove their skills in this area. At the end of the course candidates will be able to:
• Plan and design more effective presentations with more impact
• Use advanced features to customise layout and shows
• Use and manipulate pictures, images and drawn objects, charts/graphs in presentations
• Add sophisticated multimedia elements to presentations
• Use the powerful relating tools to link information to other applications

Requirements: ECDL Core Certificate

Duration: 10 sessions of 3 hours each

Participants who obtain the four ECDL Advanced Certificates will qualify for the ECDL EXPERT certificate.

Gozo

Course Code: GZ ECDL V

European Computer Driving License

Description: The European Computer Driving Licence is an internationally recognised qualification, certifying that the holder has the knowledge and skills needed to use the most common computer applications efficiently and productively. This is a one scholastic year course intended to prepare participants to undertake the ECDL exam. To gain ECDL certification, the applicant must pass one theoretical and six practical tests, which are
administered throughout Europe by accredited Test Centres. The ECDL syllabus is broken down into seven modules, each of which must be passed before the ECDL certificate is awarded.

At the end of the course candidates will be able to:

· Module 1 - Concepts of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

· Module 2 - Using the Computer and Managing Files

· Module 3 - Word Processing

· Module 4 – Spreadsheets

· Module 5 - Using Databases

· Module 6 – Presentation

· Module 7 - Web Browsing and Communication

Candidates have to obtain the skills card listing all the modules. As they pass each module, the accredited testing body will sign the skills card. When all the modules have been successfully completed, the skills card is exchanged for a certificate.
Requirements: Knowledge of Windows XP, Computer awareness

Duration: 25 sessions of 3 hours each