Courses aim to ease shortage of computing teachers

In an effort to alleviate the current shortage of qualified teachers of information and communications technology and computer studies, the university's Faculty of Education has for the past two years been offering an evening conversion diploma in the teaching of computer studies at secondary school level.

The diploma reopens this October. It is intended for qualified and practising secondary school teachers who wish to convert to computer studies from any other secondary school subject.

No knowledge of ICT is assumed of applicants beyond basic proficiency in using standard office application packages.

As in the past, the Education Division is willing to sponsor teachers wishing to follow this diploma course. Interested teachers may contact Mr Lawrence Zammit, Director, Technology Education, Department of Technology in Education, Education Division (telephone number: 2598-2164).

In addition, with effect from next academic year, students enrolling for a B.Ed. (Hons.) course are being offered the option of specialising in computing.

In the past, students were required to take computing either with mathematics or with physics. The new computing specialisation option ensures a wider and deeper coverage of computing topics.

To apply for the computing specialisation track, applicants will require a grade C or higher in computing at Advanced Matriculation level and a pass in mathematics at Intermediate Matriculation level or higher, together with a pass at grade C or higher in any other subject at Advanced Matriculation level.

Application forms for both courses can be obtained from the University Admissions and Records Office (University of Malta, Administration Building, Room 112). Further information may be obtained from the computing education coordinator, Mr Mario Camilleri, Room 217, Faculty of Education.