Education Today Education Today Magazine
Fujitsu has announced the launch of an OCR-backed course (a leading UK awarding body) which will support teachers in developing their own understanding of technology, and it’s application in the world of work. It will focus on the technologies that are impacting the jobs of tomorrow, ensuring UK classrooms are coaching young people to be ready for an even more technologically-advanced world. Candidates will be awarded a professional accreditation – the Fujitsu Digital Badge – upon completion of the course.
Building on the expansion of the ambassador hub programme, the ‘Digital Badge’ initiative will empower teachers as they look to accelerate young people, making sure they develop the right skills for future employment and success. Working with OCR, Fujitsu has identified the technologies that are most in-demand in our increasingly digital industries, on which the programme will be based. These are: Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality (VR)/ augmented reality (AR), cyber security, data analytics and big data, programming and AI (cognitive computing).
Recent research by Fujitsu found that 1 in 4 (73%) of UK businesses admit to a clear lack of digital skills within their business. In addition 87% say attracting digitally native staff will be vital to their success in the next three years. As such Fujitsu is developing this programme which empowers the people in charge of delivering knowledge and building skills for young people – the teachers.
The course will initially involve online exercises around each of the six topics to help assess their level of understanding, and the support needed for the participant to be able to incorporate these topics into a programme of work. Once passed, candidates then progress to face-to-face training. Here candidates will be able to meet others on the programme and hear from Fujitsu – and its partners – on how the technology areas can be brought to life in the classroom.
The programme will be open for applications via the Ambassador Hub on the Fujitsu website in due course.
Regional expansion
The announcement of this new initiative coincides with the news that Fujitsu will be further expanding its ambassador programme into Scotland along with industry partners Intel, NetApp and Ruckus Networks an ARRIS Company.
This extension of the Ambassador Programme will see 10 new innovation hubs open in Scotland by 2019.
In line with the Scottish Government’s own plans to embed digital technology into education, Fujitsu’s mission is to enable a broader spectrum of Scotland’s students to experience learning and teaching that is enhanced by digital technology.
With two innovation hubs currently residing at Border College and Fife College, applications to be one of the ten initial new recruits to the extended programme will be open on the Ambassador Hub from the 1st March. Members of the ambassador programme work with Fujitsu, and their partners, to set up an innovation hub within their institution including the technology itself for students, the local community and local organisations to use.
Ash Merchant, Director Education at Fujitsu UK & Ireland said, “The ambassador programme is going from strength to strength, and we’re incredibly proud to showcase the stories of students who have benefited from it at BETT today. Technology is moving forward at lightning speed and it is transforming the way many organisations – like us – operate and interact with the wider world. As such we’re seeing increased demand for a new set of skills that will carry that transformation forward, and yet we mustn’t forget the key transformational ingredient – our teachers. Teachers sit at the heart of education, connecting bright young minds with the knowledge and skills they will need to succeed in the digital future we’ve created for them. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to provide opportunities for them to develop their own knowledge in key areas of technological development.”
“As one of the original affiliates for the Fujitsu Ambassador Program, we are excited to further extend our collaboration,” said Bart Giordano, vice president of worldwide business development and cloud services, Ruckus Networks. “This joint effort allows us to enable educators and students an enhanced and personalized technology learning experience with seamless connectivity using our latest wireless and wired connectivity solutions in schools, colleges and universities. The robust education program allows educators and students to further develop their digital and career skills.”
“We are excited to participate in the expansion of a successful Ambassador Education programme with Fujitsu,” said Eric Fusilero, VP, Global Enablement and Education, NetApp University at NetApp. “Digital transformation is accelerating our need to forge tighter connections with educators, ensuring students bring the most current skills and competencies to local job markets. Contributing to the community through education is a natural fit for NetApp as we look to empower the data visionaries of the future.”
