The Department of Education, in partnership with the Eastern School District, Western School Board and La Commission Scolaire de Langue Française, today announced a new information technology mentoring program designed to enhance the technological skills of teachers across the province.
"The integration of communication and information technology in the Prince Edward Island curriculum has been identified as a priority and the need for teacher training is essential," said Minister of Education Chester Gillan. "By educating Island teachers on the latest technology, they in turn will transfer that knowledge and skills to the students."
Starting February 22, up to 50 unemployed teachers will be placed throughout the three school boards to act as communication and information technology mentors for a period of up to 13 weeks. Following a two-week training period in mentorship and current information technology systems, the mentors will work with the school's technology committees and the teaching staff to facilitate the integration of communication and information technology skills with curriculum.
"The mentorship approach has proven to be the most effective in various curriculum implementation initiatives in the past," adds Minister Gillan. "Not only will the teachers and students benefit from the increased exposure and understanding of the information systems, but the mentors will receive the additional experience as technology facilitators and classroom experience."