XtremeLabs is excited to feature Tarek Bacha, a university instructor and founder of ITLS Certiport – Lebanon Partner, as well as CEO of Tablet Academy MENA, and MCT Regional Lead, as a panelist in our upcoming webinar – Technology Learning for the Academic Community.

Panelist Spotlight

In addition to his many hats as an educator and training partner, Tarek is also a member of multiple NGOs, and an MCT Regional Lead. His certifications include MCT Regional Lead-Technology Expert -Microsoft Certified Trainer, MIE Master Trainer, MCE, Google Educator, MCSE, MOSM, ECI, CEH, LPI, and ESB.

He is dedicated to helping people succeed through applying technology in education, working in the MENA Region with the Ministry of education, universities, schools, and vocational training centers to develop educators’ and students’ skills. He is a result-oriented professional with 18 years of versatile experience across diverse organizational domains. Distinguished holder of multiple certifications.

Panelist Interview

1. Where do you teach, and what do you teach? How did you land in this field?

One of the reasons for becoming a teacher is to contribute to your community in a meaningful way. Teaching is one of the most direct ways to make an impact, as Microsoft certified trainer for 20 years, teaching technology in multiple educational institutes (Ex: ESA University, Ministry of education Lebanon, Ministry of education Jordan) being a teacher/trainer is an invaluable contribution.

2. Why is it essential to have technology subjects in college and universities? 

Technology moves students to a position where they can interact, communicate, and work in a digitally enabled community and helps to build a skilled workforce that meets the needs of local employers and government tech initiatives. technology subjects empower individuals with the skills they need to succeed in a digitally enabled world.

3. How are your students like professionals already at work? How are they different? How does your teaching method accommodate younger or less experienced learners?

With so many unique learners, using different approaches to teaching is necessary, it is not easy to accommodate a multitude of learners, for I customize training materials and labs to support all levels of learners.

4. Can you share your strategies and methodologies for putting together a new curriculum?

“Focus on the Students”

When writing a curriculum, we must remember that it is not about writing the best lesson or developing a perfect set of in-class projects. But it is about meeting the needs of the students in a way that ensures that they will obtain the skills they need for the future. Since students are already interested and engaged in technology, we can harness that attention for educational purposes. Using technology, the internet, laptops, and tablets in the curriculum have many benefits for teachers and students alike. As an educator, integrating technology into the curriculum is key. In other words, do not just add a piece of technology to a lesson plan just because you can. Make sure you understand:

• How to use technology
• How to train students on using technology
• How technology supports your curriculum
• What benefits does technology bring to your lesson

5. What are your thoughts on the future of learning? Thoughts specifically on technology learning?

Today’s students are the innovators and inventors of the future who can use technology to help find solutions to the types of problems we are facing. Work is changing, learning is changing, and life is changing. Every person on the planet will need new skills to be successful tomorrow, one year from now, and one decade from now. Learning technology must prepare our kids for future roles, for jobs that do not yet exist.

Thank you to Tarek for this interview! We look forward to hearing more at the webinar on May 24!