Information and Communication Technology / Content and Curriculum / Idaho Department of Education

Information and Communication Technology is a broad term that encompasses all technologies that are used to handle telecommunications, broadcast media, and intelligent management systems. It is a wide range of tools that enables learning and facilitation around communication, managing, utilizing and creating information and resources. ICT plays a vital role within business, education, healthcare and government.

All public K-12 schools may participate in programs operated by Create Idaho Adobe and Microsoft Office 365 with the goal to:

Increase effective communication
Advance Data management skills
Produce effective research and digital writing skills
Enhance creativity
Introduce project management and digital organization
Create technological intelligence within students

HIGHLIGHTS

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Microsoft Office Specialist program video link

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Create Idaho

In 2016, the Idaho Department of Education and Adobe launched an innovative pilot program that offers Adobe Creative Cloud licenses to students and educators. As well, teachers and students have the ability to earn industry-standard Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) certifications. Idaho has taken the initiative as the only state in the union to begin this effort statewide. In essence, this had never been done before, and Idaho educators are thrilled to take part in this effort, which is called “Create Idaho.”

In July 2016, the Idaho Department of Education identified 25 schools to lead this first-tier implementation based on the schools’ success with the Idaho Microsoft Certification program. Each of the schools had the opportunity to provide access to Adobe Creative Cloud to their students, both in the classroom and on their home machines. In addition, with the help of BrainBuffet, they integrated Adobe Creative Cloud tools into their respective curriculums and ultimately prepared students to take and pass an ACA Certification exam.

Today more than 170 schools are participating in the program.

Idaho Microsoft Certification Program

The Idaho Microsoft Certification Program is a special project designed to provide 21st Century foundational technology job skills for Idaho students and citizens as well as and Certiport certifications proving competency in those skills. The program is available to all public schools in Idaho as an opt-in basis.

Academy courses offer a wide variety of free on-line information technology education in software programs such as Word and Excel for Office 2016 or 2019. The courses also offer instruction in Powerpoint, Sharepoint, OneNote, Access, Outlook and Office 365, plus more sophisticated technical courses that can make graduates IT job-ready in some cases.

For students in grades 7-12 looking to build a resume, certifications that demonstrate knowledge or mastery of those programs are looked upon favorably by many employers since they provide proof of skills attained.

Idaho Technology Facilitator Program

Utilizing new forms of technology within a classroom setting is a step toward creating modern learning environments, usage of computers, educating people around new skills, and exposing students to new opportunities. Yet, teaching these programs may pose a challenge for some; asking where do I even start?

With the help of veteran tech teachers across Idaho, this team of incredible educators are available as resources to provide trainings and materials, virtual meetings, and tools that will allow teachers to better use and understand the software and best support their students through the curriculum.

For more information about the Technology Facilitators program or how to become involved, reach out to Sydney Hansen.

Summary of Create Idaho (Adobe)

The Create Idaho Adobe Program is an initiative aimed at providing students in Idaho with access to Adobe’s creative software, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro. This program focuses on enhancing digital literacy and creativity among students by offering training and resources to help them develop skills in graphic design, video editing, and other digital media. It often involves partnerships between Adobe, educational institutions, and local organizations to integrate these tools into school curriculums.

Summary of Brain Buffet

The Brain Buffet Programs are specialized educational programs, often designed as professional development or enrichment courses. They offer a variety of short, intensive sessions on different topics, allowing participants to "sample" different areas of knowledge, much like a buffet. These programs are popular in corporate training, conferences, and educational settings, aiming to provide a broad overview or introduction to new concepts and skills in a condensed format.

Summary of Certiport

The Certiport Program offers certification exams and training for various professional software and technology skills. It provides industry-recognized credentials in areas like Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, Autodesk, and IT certifications such as CompTIA. These certifications are designed to validate proficiency and enhance employability for students and professionals in various fields. Certiport partners with educational institutions, businesses, and governments to deliver these certifications globally.

Summary of Coding in Minecraft

The Coding in Minecraft Prodigy Learning Program is an educational initiative designed to teach students how to code using the popular game Minecraft. This program integrates coding into the Minecraft environment, allowing students to learn programming concepts by solving challenges and creating projects within the game. It often includes certification opportunities, where students can earn credentials that demonstrate their coding skills. The program is widely used in schools to engage students in STEM education in an interactive and fun way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Idaho Microsoft Certification

Studies suggest that in the next 5 to 10 years, there will be a significant shortage in the supply of skilled technology professionals. Recognizing that Idaho employers are increasingly demanding basic skills by employees in software programs commonly used in business and college environments, in 2015 the Idaho Legislature funded a project to provide free training in those programs for Idaho students in grades 9-12 and for adults. Studies show that students and young people who can use software’s of Microsoft office and digital design platforms help in giving students moving to post-secondary education and advantage within the education industry.

To bridge some of those industry gaps, the state of Idaho provides programs like Brain Buffet, Create Idaho Adobe, Certiport, and Coding in Minecraft to schools to enhance digital literacy, foster creativity, and prepare students for the modern workforce. These initiatives aim to equip students with essential technical and creative skills, making them more competitive in higher education and job markets. By integrating these programs into school curriculums, Idaho supports a comprehensive educational experience that aligns with the demands of the digital age, helping students develop critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and proficiency in widely used software and technology. The goal from these programs is to not only certify and expose young minds to the tools that come with technology, but to introduce thesis types of programs earlier within the primary and secondary education level, to even better prepare students going into high school and university.

Who can provide these programs:
- Schools and Educational Institutions: These organizations often partner with the program providers to bring the resources to students.
- State Departments of Education: In cases like Idaho, the state government sponsors and helps distribute the programs across schools.
- Certified Instructors or Trainers: Individuals who are certified by the program providers (e.g., Certiport-certified instructors) can deliver the training and administer exams.
Who can use these programs:
- Students: Primarily targeted towards K-12 students but can also be available to college students.
- Teachers: Educators can use the programs for professional development or to integrate into their teaching methods.
- School Administrators: They may use these programs to enhance the overall educational offerings at their institutions.
These programs are designed to be accessible to students of varying ages and skill levels, often with different tracks or levels to accommodate beginners through advanced learners.

Leverage School Channels:
- Use brief, clear messages in newsletters, school websites, and parent-teacher meetings.
Utilize Social Media:
- Share quick, engaging posts with visuals and hashtags on platforms like Facebook and X.
Host Info Sessions:
- Offer short, focused presentations or webinars to explain the programs directly to parents, students, and teachers.
Partner with Local Media:
- Provide clear press releases or media stories that highlight the benefits in a succinct, relatable way.
Distribute Flyers and Posters:
- Keep them visually appealing and easy to scan, with essential information prominently displayed.
Empower Ambassadors:
- Encourage brief, personal testimonials from teachers and students who have benefited.
Collaborate with Partners:
- Work with educational organizations to spread the word through their established networks.

Many of these programs, such as those provided by the state of Idaho, are offered to schools for free or at a significantly reduced cost. The funding typically comes from state education budgets, grants, or partnerships with the program providers.
- State-Sponsored Programs (e.g., Create Idaho Adobe): Often free for schools and students as they are funded by the state
- Certiport Program: May involve fees for certification exams, though schools might receive funding or discounts to cover these costs
- Coding in Minecraft: Sometimes included in school curriculums at no extra cost to students, depending on funding
The availability of these programs at no cost or at reduced rates generally depends on state funding, school budgets, and specific agreements with the program providers.

For Students:
- Skill Development: These programs provide practical, in-demand skills in areas like digital media, coding, and professional software, which are crucial in today’s job market.
- Certification: Earning recognized certifications (e.g., Adobe, Microsoft) can boost college applications and job prospects.
For Educators:
- Enhanced Curriculum: Integrating these programs into your teaching can enrich the curriculum, making learning more engaging and relevant.
- Professional Growth: Access to advanced tools and training can improve your teaching strategies and subject knowledge.
For Schools:
- Competitive Edge: Offering such programs can differentiate your school, attracting more students and potentially improving academic outcomes.
- Future-Ready Education: These programs prepare students for the modern workforce, aligning education with industry needs.
If your focus is on improving skills, gaining certifications, or enhancing educational offerings, these programs are likely worth the investment of time and resources.

Idaho Department of Education