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For Immediate Release
IC³ Computer Literacy Certification Helps Waltham Public Schools Meet
Massachusetts
Requirements for Instructional Technology
The Charles River Public Internet Center (CRPIC), a non-profit organization
in Waltham, Mass., dedicated to providing equal access to computers and computer
training, offered the Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC³) course
in August of 2003. After extensive discussions with the Waltham Public Schools,
the course was designed specifically for teachers and conformed to teachers’ summer
schedules.
Sandra Roby, Director of Educational Technology in the Waltham Public Schools,
heartily embraced the IC³ program as being a great fit with the Massachusetts
Frameworks for technology learning. Roby positively asserted, “It’s
my responsibility to ensure that the technology throughout the school can support
the needs of students as they learn about technology and use it in their academic
pursuits. Having our instructional technology specialists certified will provide
reassurance that they’re properly prepared for their jobs.”
Roby also spoke highly of the course’s ability to track the knowledge
and competence level of students and teachers. She stated, “We need to
train our teachers who teach this technology, as well as those who use it to
enable their academic program. As a formal certification, IC³ is a great way
to help us track the knowledge and competence level of teachers, and we look
forward to using it with students as well.” The fact that IC³ has obtained
a credit recommendation from the American Council of Education also makes it
more valuable for teachers.
Roby was not the only person who believed the course would prove to be beneficial
for the Waltham Public Schools. Greg DeMeo, manager of Career and Technical
Education, was thrilled to have found the IC³ program and played a key role
in introducing the course to teachers in the Voc/Tech program. One of those
teachers, Wayne McCarthy, participated in the CRPIC’s program and received
his IC³ certification. “I’ve been using and teaching computers
in the high school for years, and even before taking the class I took the test
for the “Living Online” module, and passed with no problem. However,
in the other two areas—“Computing Fundamentals” and “Key
Applications”—the class really helped me round out my knowledge,
so now I feel prepared for anything.”
The CRPIC now offers IC³ classes throughout the year, with slightly different
formats and schedules to accommodate a range of participants. The CRPIC also
acts as a testing center so anyone can certify at any time.
Carol Woolfe, Director of Sales and Marketing at the CRPIC, was very pleased
with the results of the class. “We were extremely excited that Waltham
teachers found the IC³ program beneficial. We look forward to training more
teachers this year, and helping the schools prepare to teach their students
in the coming years.”
About the Charles River Public Internet Center
The Charles River Public Internet Center is a privately funded 501 (c)(3) nonprofit,
educational organization established in March 1999. The mission of the organization
is to narrow the dramatic and growing gaps in computer knowledge, access,
and literacy by developing, implementing and managing affordable, sustainable
technology education and job training. The CRPIC provides free public access
to Internet computers, free tutoring, and low-cost classes and job training.
Services are supported in part by the rental of four computer training labs
in the facility on the Charles River at Moody St. in Waltham. More information
about the CRPIC can be found at www.crpic.org.
Press Contact:
Carol Woolfe
Charles River Public Internet Center
(781) 891-9559 x201
cwoolfe@crpic.org
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