University's ICT teacher training course now even better!
Release Date 20 June 2011
Prospective Information and Computer Technology (ICT) teachers will now receive an even better standard of training at the University of Reading's Institute of Education.
With funding from the Training and Development Agency for Schools the University's PGCE ICT trainers now have a deeper understanding of computing. This will enable them to respond creatively to support pupils' learning and problem solving skills.
Dr Yota Dimitriadi, ICT Lecturer at the University of Reading said: "ICT plays a large role in our everyday lives and activities. It is important to make young people aware of the potential career choices that make good use of digital technologies. ICT is still a key element of the secondary school curriculum and a popular choice at GCSE so having well trained, expert teachers in this field is crucial for our schools.
"The Institute of Education at the University of Reading is one of the leading providers of teacher training in the UK but we are always looking to improve. This funding allowed us to work collaboratively with local schools, make use of expertise in the University's School of Systems Engineering and visit learning spaces such as the National Museum of Computing and the Science Museum. Students enrolling on our PGCE ICT course will now have access to a range of resources and additional training on computing."
The University of Reading is the main supplier of newly qualified ICT teachers in the region. James Bridges graduated from the Institution of Education last year and is now an ICT teacher at Waingels College in Reading.
He said of his position: "I am only here today as a result of The University of Reading and more specifically the ICT course led by Dr. Yota Dimitriadi. My PGCE year provided me with an excellent understanding of teaching and learning in and outside of the ICT classroom and only increased my thirst for knowledge and personal development. I am now undertaking my Masters in Education with The University of Reading and wouldn't dream of being anywhere else. Their professionalism, support, and organisation is second to none and I would highly recommend the course to anyone seeking a truly fantastic PGCE experience."
The University of Reading is currently undertaking a major refurbishment of its London Road campus, the original home of the University in the heart of Reading.
The £30 million investment in the University's academic infrastructure will create a new London Road home for the University's Institute of Education, which trains nearly 1,000 teachers every year. The Institute will move to London Road in Winter 2011/2012.
Professor Andy Goodwyn, Director of the Institute of Education said: "This project is one of the largest investments in an education department in the UK in recent years. As a result, we will boast facilities that are truly exceptional."
The University of Reading still has places available for its 2011-2012 PGCE ICT course. Please contact email at y.m.woodward@reading.ac.uk or call 0118 378 5254. For any general enquiries about the course you can email Dr Yota Dimitriadi at y.dimitriadi@reading.ac.uk.
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For all University of Reading media enquiries please contact James Barr, Press Officer tel 0118 378 7115 or email j.w.barr@reading.ac.uk
The University of Reading's Institute of Education is a major provider of teachers nationally and regionally, offering PGCE Secondary and Primary, BA (Ed) and the Graduate Teacher Programmes (GTP). The secondary programme and the primary programme have both received the top Ofsted grades in 2006/7 and the Institute is now a category 'A' provider for all our courses. The employment rates of our graduates are the highest in the University and the best in the country of any initial teacher training provider.