Intel strikes Jordan teacher training deal

US computer chip manufacturer Intel has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Jordanian Ministry of Education (MoE) to develop an advanced online training programme for teachers in the country.

Set to be launched in 2008, access to the program will be free of charge to all teachers in Jordan, as part of the Intel Teach offerings which teachers can take following their completion of the Intel Teach Essentials and Thinking with Technology training programmes.

"Our aim is to have trained 2 million teachers throughout the MENA region by 2010,"Gordon Graylish, Intel's Vice President and Assistant General Manager for MENA, told Arabian Business immediately after the signing.

"We want to bring as many people as possible into the 'knowledge economy', and schemes such as these will raise the bar in the region," he continued. "The Jordanian Government is very supportive, and together with them we want to help educate and enable the next generation, to reach its potential."

The MoE and Intel will work closely throughout the initial stages and in the future to ensure that all provisions and requirements are met, including preparing mentors and senior trainers on using the program, supporting the development of an evaluation plan, establishing a steering committee, and collaborating with local educational institutions.

"A solid education does not only benefit the students. Down the line, the same students will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on their community," said Dr. Khaled Toukan, Minister of Education for Jordan. "Through collaborations such as this, we can ensure that all measures are taken towards establishing a bright, unique and educated generation."

The advanced online program will build on three main educational pillars: teaching strategies, teaching models and learning styles. Based on an individual needs analysis, the program promotes online learning and collaboration while catering for students' diverse learning styles and building upon the teacher's existing competencies.

The MoE in Jordan adopted The Intel Teach programme in 2003, to date resulting in the training of more than 36,000 teachers within the Kingdom. In addition, the MoE also chose to introduce Intel Teach Thinking with Technology programme, which has grown to become an integral part of the professional teacher training of MoE teachers.

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