1. Microsoft PS-toolkit for Institutional Leaders & Teachers
"The defining feature of a great education is what happens in the classroom. Everything starts from that and must be built around it. So we are going to sharpen our focus on effective teaching." - Bill Gates, Gates Foundation Speech Nov 08 It has always been a common complaint around the world that teachers are not adequately prepared to take advantage of technology, in both developed and developing nations. Helping educators to understand and apply compelling advantages of using technology in the classrooms as well as in their institutions is a daunting task but one that Microsoft is passionate about supporting. While the new generation may be using ICT all the time, they do not necessarily use or know how to use it for education. Using ICT for personal purposes is drastically different than for education. Today's high-quality teachers must be able to use ICT competently and creatively in educational settings. In order to meet these challenges, Microsoft Partners in learning has come up with innovative tools, software, lesson plans that are absolutely free of cost and allow students and teachers alike to explore, discover, create and share online for educational purposes. RAPID has partnered with Microsoft for training delivery of "Teaching with technology workshops for Pre-Service Institutions & Teachers." This workshop is based on the principle of competency based teacher development and uses the UNESCO ICT Competency framework for teachers. It shall also equip the teachers with interesting free software for their classrooms e.g. Auto Collage, Bing Maps, Windows Live Movie maker , Song Smith , Microsoft Photosynth, One Note supplemented by lesson plans which can be easily integrated into curriculum.

2. Intel – RIS joint Training Programs
Cooperation among education sector giants is the key to harmonization of innovative teaching approaches and eventually to achieving optimal education standards. Forging international collaborations is one of the cornerstones of the RIS 21st century learning & teaching approach. Intel and RIS jointly offer training programs for the benefit of RIS teachers.

INTEL GETTING STARTED PROGRAM
A professional development offering for classroom/subject-matter teachers with little or no experience with computers, in need of basic skills and introduction to project approaches

• Develops 21st century teaching and learning skills and approaches, such as student-centered instruction, critical thinking, and collaboration
• Involves the planning, doing, reviewing, and sharing of meaningful and relevant teacher activities
• Requires the development of individual action plans detailing how teachers will apply their new skill s and approaches to improve their productivity and enhance their professional growth over time

Intended Audience : Class Room Teachers with little or no computer knowledge

Intel Teach Program Skills for Success Course:
A professional development program designed for IT teachers

• Prepares IT teachers to implement a student curriculum that develops key 21st century learning skills with a focus on technology literacy, critical thinking, and collaboration
• Ideal for countries with a centralized computer model in school or computer lab environment

Intended Audience : ICT teachers

Intel Teach Program Essentials Course :
A professional development program to help teachers effectively integrate technology into their curriculum, classroom tools and resources to promote student centered learning. Intended Audience : Subject matter teachers:

Intel Teach Program : Thinking With Technology The TWT Course focuses on

• Enhancing students' higher-order thinking skills
• Using the Internet in new and constructive ways
• Integrating online thinking tools designed to help students visually represent their understanding of complex and interconnected issues
• Supporting good teaching practices

INTEL – RIS Skills for Success Curriculum Orientation:
This workshop focuses on the implementation of the jointly developed INTEL – RIS Skills for Success Curriculum. This workshop is aimed at bridging all gaps identified during monitoring sessions and will provide a platform to teachers to discuss common issues faced by them in real class rooms scenarios. Without you our initiatives cannot be a success as your role is instrumental in paving the way for student success.