DIGITAL LITERACY TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION FOR PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS POWERED BY BRITISH COUNCIL & T_CEIPEC

The digital literacy training and certification workshop on “Stimulating Teachers’ Resourcefulness in Digital Education” STRIDE, took place at the twin 200 capacity computer laboratories of the Federal College of Education, Pankshin, from 16th to 17th July 2024. The primary aim was to enhance the skills of pre-service teachers by providing them with digital strategies for effective integration of ICT into their teaching practices.

Objectives

• Familiarization: Introduce pre-service teachers to the contemporary digital education tools and resources.
• Skill Enhancement: Improve pre-service teachers’ abilities in using digital platforms for teaching and learning.
• Innovation: Foster innovative teaching methods through the use of technology.
• Collaboration: Encourage collaboration among teachers on the use of digital tools.

Participants

The workshop had 205 participants from various departments within the College, including NCE II students and new entrants to the teaching profession, ensuring a diverse mix of perspectives and experiences.

Workshop Sessions

The workshop commenced with an opening address by the Director of the Centre of Excellence, represented by Dr. Peace Sorochi Longded, who emphasized the importance of digital education in contemporary teaching practices.

Outcomes

• Enhanced Knowledge: Participants gained a comprehensive understanding of various digital education tools and their practical applications.
• Skill Development: Participants developed new skills in using digital platforms for teaching and learning.
• Curriculum Integration: Strategies were formulated for integrating digital tools into the existing curriculum.
• Collaboration: A collaborative network among students was established to share best practices and resources.

Feedback

Participants exhibited positive attitudes towards the workshop, though there were some hitches like internet glitches, which sometimes slowed the pace of learning. About 70% of the students didn’t have emails on day 1, but facilitators assisted in getting them to participate in pre-tests and post-tests. Those with Android phones shared with those without, enabling everyone to participate. Overall, the experience was engaging, exciting, and rewarding for both students and facilitators.

Participants provided positive feedback on the workshop, highlighting the practical sessions and the relevance of the topics covered. Many expressed a desire for follow-up workshops to continue their professional development in digital education.

Conclusion The workshop was a significant step towards enhancing digital teaching capabilities of pre-service educators at the Federal College of Education, Pankshin. The knowledge and skills acquired during the workshop are expected to have a lasting impact on the quality of education provided to students, preparing them for the digital age.