IT for Teachers workshop

Arlinda Zeqiri, an English teacher from "Dardania" primary school in Pristina enjoys teaching but is frustrated by the lack of technology available to her and her students. All over the world, the use of modern technology is enhancing educational systems.

On March 15 and 16, 2011, selected language teachers from all over Kosovo attended a workshop on "The Practical Application of IT Technology" where they were exposed to educational approaches that emphasized 21st Century skills development.

Organized by the USAID Basic Education Program, participants included selected English language teachers from all over Kosovo. These teachers will act as facilitators in future workshops, as this was the first step in the development of a Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology accredited 3 day workshop for teachers throughout Kosovo. The workshop will provide English language teachers with the knowledge and skills to enhance their professional development and instructional practice through the strategic use of video technology as well as web-based tools and resources.

Arlinda found the workshop to be of great value as she was "introduced to new internet resources for teachers, as well as links that can be useful in classrooms for students engaging team work and self-assessment such as 'voice thread'. I have to say flip-cameras are amazing, you can do so much; students can practice team work, language fluency, assess themselves, improve writing skills... plus, it's fun! I can hardly wait to start implementing what I've learned."

The transition to the Information Society is one of the strategic objectives of the Kosovo Government and one of the EU pre-entry conditions, USAID's Basic Education Program identified this transition as one of the key areas where Kosovo education system needs support.