Intel Pakistan recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a consortium partner in Pre-STEP (the Pre-service Teacher Education Program). The agreement has been made to launch a technology program in Government colleges of Pakistan with a vision to improve the basic education by strengthening teacher training institutes.
Pre-STEP is a five-year, national program led by the Academy for Educational Development (AED), with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The program is designed to improve the quality of basic education in Pakistan by improving teacher preparation practices and strengthening the capacity of up to 75 teacher training institutes and 15 universities. This program will also provide an opportunity for teacher educators to learn about, practice and make plans to use active teaching approaches.
Under this agreement, Intel Pakistan and Pre-STEP will develop and pilot a technology course, with the objective that trainee teachers receive hands on experience with technology aided teaching methodologies during their coursework at the college or university where they are enrolled.
“Intel aims to support trainee teachers to learn about key 21st century skills through the implementation of the Intel Teach Program,” said Ashar H. Zaidi, Country Manager, Intel Pakistan. “With the help of Pre-STEP & USAID, Intel aspires to help student teachers to gain first-hand experience with technology. This will not only breed creativity in a more productive learning environment, but also endorse their careers as teachers in the future.”
The Intel Teach program is designed to enable teachers to effectively use technology to enhance student learning in the digital world. It has evolved into a laudable venture that has achieved many milestones. Launched in the year 2002, the program has won much acclaim in Pakistan as well as the international market.
Intel to date has trained 220,000 teachers in Pakistan, reaching out to over 60 cities and districts of Pakistan. Intel Education also conducts forums and workshops, and so far has reached out to over 28,000 teachers and principals, focusing on integrating technology and modern teaching methods in the teaching and learning process in Pakistan.
