'Creating Educational Content using ICT' was the theme of two professional development workshops for teachers organised recently by Microsoft Malta.

The interactive sessions involved teachers testing different technology applications, most of which are freely available and can be easily integrated in schemes and lesson plans to create engaging class resources.

During the workshops, teachers explored how these technology resources can be used more effectively and learnt how freeware can also be an efficient way to personalise education and make learning more relevant and fun for students.

One tool, www.partners inlear-ningnetwork.com, provides a secure, online network where educators can come together to share classroom success.

Through this portal, teachers gain access to a library of resources including articles, tutorials, learning materials and samples of content made available free by Microsoft and its content partners.

The workshops were facilitated by Stuart Ball from Microsoft UK and Fabianne Ruggier from Microsoft Malta.

Mr Ball is not only a software expert but also an education professional with teaching experience, so his approach was practical and credible.

He highlighted difficulties teachers encounter in their daily work and how the Microsoft software can be a tool to overcome these problems, and make children more motivated, interested and forthcoming in their own learning.

For more information contact Ms Ruggier on 2138 1202 or e-mail v-farugg@microsoft.com.