Partnership to develop ICT Education Unit for GCC educators and learners

October 25, 2011 - The educational sector in the GCC region is expected to receive a major boost in digital competency among educators and learners with the development of a specific courseware that integrates ICT concepts into education. ICDL GCC Foundation, the governing body and the certification authority of the International Computer Driving License (ICDL) program in the Gulf States and Iraq, has recently signed a strategic MOU with Mosaica Education Inc. (MEI), an established provider of school management, curriculum and professional development programs for educators, to jointly develop ICDL Education Unit designed to help educators become skilled in employing technology in the classroom.

The MOU is a partnership with ICDL which underlines the significant impact of technology on effective schooling. Under the proposed agreement, ICDL GCC Foundation and MEI will jointly develop and pursue programs that help educators acquire the skills to employ technology in the classroom in an effort to improve students learning and achievement.

Jamil Ezzo, Director General of ICDL GCC Foundation, said: "We recognize that education is the most important factor for socioeconomic development; and that teachers play a direct role in the learning process and development of students. We've made it our policy since our inception to build and strengthen our strategic partnerships with key players in the education industry. Mosaica's expertise in the field of school management, curriculum and professional development programs will complement our undertaking in enhancing the ICT skills of students and educators as well as employing the use of technology in the classroom."

Kenneth Knox, Director of Partnership Development MENA - Mosaica Education Abu Dhabi LLC, said: "The partnership between Mosaica Education and ICDL GCC Foundation represents an important step forward for both organizations. Mosaica Education operates and supports over 90 schools globally, and has been repeatedly recognized for its successes in developing schools and enhancing student achievement. By combining Mosaica's expertise in the field of education with ICDL's influence on IT competency standards, we are able to provide the necessary resources and skills to support learners and educators to thrive in the imminent transformation of education for the 21st Century".

MEI seeks to promote ICT skills based on the ICDL qualification in Mosaica schools and programs by developing a specific Education Unit in line with the ICDL syllabus aimed at educators. MEI will also produce courseware and develop test scripts and exercises according to the most current ICDL syllabus for the assessment of the Education Unit. Additionally, a separate courseware will be developed by MEI for the 7 ICDL core units targeting pupils in the 11-18 age group, to be created with age appropriate instructions and examples.

MEI, which currently operates 90 schools and online educational programs for over 38,000 students across the USA, Middle East, Turkey and India, will likewise review and update all materials at review points set by ICDL on an annual basis. MEI will also project manage the production of the materials to ensure that they adhere to ICDL's international quality standards and are produced according to the agreed timeline.

Endorsed by over 22,000 renowned academic institutions around the world, ICDL is recognized as the de facto standard in basic ICT skills and often used as a descriptor for digital literacy. In the GCC region, over 100,000 teachers have so far received the ICDL certification through mandates or ministerial initiatives. Through the new partnership, both ICDL and MEI are seeking to increase the employability of technology in the classroom to enrich the educational experience of students and increase the productivity of teachers across the region.

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About ICDL
ICDL is an integrated digital literacy program recognized worldwide. The program empowers individuals with the essential skills and knowledge of computer and practical use of common desktop applications. ICDL is based on a recognized global standard, acknowledged through testing, and proves that the certificate holder has fundamental skills in IT, using the computer and managing files, word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, and information and communication (internet and e-mail). Available 41 languages, the program is endorsed by education ministries, universities and government organizations and is accredited by 148 countries.

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© Press Release 2011