"Six Complimentary Education Technology Certifications"
Top Free EdTech Credentials for Educators: A Comprehensive Guide
In the ever-evolving world of education, technology plays an increasingly significant role. To stay ahead, educators can benefit from various free or widely accessible professional development opportunities. Here are some of the top edtech credentials that focus on nurturing essential skills for the modern classroom.
Adobe Creative Educator (ACE) Level 1
Upon joining the Adobe Education Exchange, educators can register for ACE Level 1, a training programme that focuses on nurturing creativity in students. Upon completion, a digital badge and certificate are earned. The programme offers additional curated resources and provides free access to Adobe Express for Education with a verified K-12 school email address.
Book Creator Certified Author
Book Creator is a versatile tool with applications across academic content areas and grade levels. The Book Creator Certified Author training offers instruction on the features of Book Creator for classroom use. Upon completion, a certificate and digital badge are awarded. The training consists of 18 short videos.
Screencastify Master Screencaster
The Screencastify Master Screencaster certification course focuses on creating videos for students, parents, and connecting with colleagues. The course has a focus on multiple stakeholders and builds knowledge on screencasting and using video in education settings. Upon passing, a certification of completion and a digital badge are earned.
EdPuzzle Certification
EdPuzzle Certification offers online courses for using EdPuzzle in lesson plans. The platform offers 20 badges, including gamification in class, LMS integrations, and project-based learning. All courses are offered in Spanish.
Apple Teacher
The Apple Teacher program builds foundational skills using iPad and Mac devices and Apple applications within academic lessons. The program offers 12 badges in total, 6 for iPad and 6 for Mac. The Apple Teacher program covers Apple applications like Pages, Keynote, Numbers, iMovie, and GarageBand.
Canva Graphic Design Essentials
Canva Graphic Design Essentials focuses on building overall visual communication skills, including design principles and color theory. Completion of the training and corresponding test requires a free or paid Canva account. Upon passing the test, a digital certificate is emailed.
Tech & Learning Newsletter
In the Tech & Learning Newsletter, topics such as Leveraging Technology to Better Engage Learners in Lessons and 3 Tips for Veteran Teachers To Get Comfortable with Classroom Technology are discussed.
While many advanced edtech certifications tend to be paid, educators can often access free professional development or micro-credentials focusing on key areas such as pedagogical mastery of digital tools, critical thinking facilitation, AI literacy, personalization, and accessibility via platforms like Google for Education, Microsoft Innovative Educator programs, or vendor-supported webinars and workshops linked to the ISTE framework.
[1] International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) - https://www.iste.org/ [2] EdTech Magazine - https://edtechmagazine.com/ [3] EdSurge - https://www.edsurge.com/ [4] Education Week - https://www.edweek.org/
- In the realm of digital education-and-self-development, Google Classroom also serves as a valuable tool for teachers, offering ways to create and manage schoolwork, fostering online-education for students.
- Besides Adobe Creative Educator (ACE) Level 1, teachers can delve into learning Stem concepts using various LMS platforms, providing a conducive digital learning environment for students.
- To keep pace with tech trends, educators might find the Tech & Learning Newsletter particularly engaging, featuring discussions on strategies for leveraging technology to boost student engagement.
- Digital devices like laptops and iPads, when incorporated into lessons, can make learning more interactive and engaging for students in the school setting.
- Some free micro-credentials for educators cover crucial areas such as critical thinking facilitation, AI literacy, personalization, and accessibility in the digital realm, paving the way for strengthening students' learning experiences.
- Beyond certification programs, edtech platforms like EdSurge and Education Week serve as rich resources for educators, providing valuable insights into the latest trends and innovations in digital education.
