In support of the digital shift to online-based learning and the transition to remote teaching, Cisco Networking Academy has announced that it will provide free remote instructor training for education personnel beginning in the week of 11th May until 15th June 2020. A record +1300 registrations have been made for the remote instructor training which will enable instructors to expand their reach as educators.
Now anyone can become a certified Cisco NetAcad instructor by successfully completing any of the instructor training courses. Typically, course costs range from $500 to $1,000. However, Cisco will provide training for free across Africa.
The rising global demand for skilled technology professionals calls for the development of foundational digital and entrepreneurial skills of students, in order to fuel an inclusive digital economy for Africa.
This free remote instructor training is an opportunity for educators to bridge the digital divide and build a more inclusive future for all. When it comes to technology adoption, South Africa was ranked 56th in the world. This highlights major improvement needed in order to successfully become key players in 4IR as this demands the acceleration of digital products and services.
In an effort to advance digital readiness in Africa, training is designed to help instructors teach the technical skills needed to land in-demand IT jobs of the future in cybersecurity, networking, IoT and beyond.
With an understanding that teaching innovation and entrepreneurship skills using technology to solve problems will prepare todays’ students for jobs of tomorrow, Cisco has made education a priority.
“Due to the current pandemic, schooling came to sudden a halt, however, with the means and technological resources available to move Africa forward, learning and the building of futures must continue,” said Alfie Hamid, Regional Manager, Africa, Cisco Networking Academy. “As a commitment to empowering education, for the move to a virtual learning classroom environment, Cisco has offered free meeting tools and information to get your virtual classroom up and running.”
As educational institutions navigate new ways of moving forward with education outside of the traditional classroom model, technology as a mode of education will prove critical in ensuring that learning continues remotely for the legions of learners across the continent and also that educators are able to lean on these technologies to facilitate seamless learning.
Educators will need to be geared up and well equipped in the new mode of educating which will be an adjustment for both learners and educators. Benefits of the remote instructor training Cisco is giving free of charge include gaining professional experience, career development and professional recognition.
This is an opportunity for people to make the most of self-development during lockdown and upskill themselves from home. With a leading-edge curriculum and comprehensive instructor support provided, prospective instructors will not only grow professionally but have the platform via Cisco NetAcad to educate and empower African learners across the continent.
Cisco NetAcad is a global IT skills and career building program. It is the largest, longest-running educational program of its kind offering courses including networking, programmable infrastructure, and cybersecurity.
“In a recent survey, 97.2% of educators reported their involvement improved their teaching and professional growth and 85.2% said the program helped broaden their career,” said Hamid.
They are shown how to get the right technology, set up study spaces and begin hosting lectures from anywhere via Cisco Webex. They will also learn best practices by joining a webinar then reviewing some teaching tips.
This initiative highlights players such as Cisco’s commitment to developing the workforce of the future through empowering all students to have the tools they need for success in a new digital world, in spite of the limitations caused by the current pandemic.