Canva launches a new Teacher Certification course to upskill educators in navigating the visual economy, amidst a surge in education users and integration of AI tools. The programme aims to enhance teachers’ proficiency with Canva’s educational tools, reinforcing their capability to drive engagement through digital and visual literacy.
Canva Unveils Teacher Certification Course Amid Soaring Growth in Education Sector
Sydney, June 25, 2024 – Canva continues its remarkable expansion in the education sector by introducing a new Teacher Certification course aimed at upskilling educators to better navigate the visual economy. This move comes as the visual communication platform reported an influx of 40 million education users in the past year alone, indicating a significant uptake in both K-12 schools and higher education institutions worldwide.
With the number of educators and students using Canva now at 70 million, nearly half of Canva’s total user base, the demand for digital literacy and visual communication in the classroom is undeniably on the rise. High-profile educational institutions such as the University of California and the New South Wales Department of Education have embraced the platform, indicative of a broader trend towards integrating digital tools in education.
Jason Wilmot, Canva’s Head of Education, highlighted the integral role of artificial intelligence (AI) in this shift. “AI is fuelling both our growth within education and the urgency to build skills for tomorrow’s workforce,” Wilmot stated. He emphasised the importance of preparing teachers to use AI tools effectively, thereby enabling them to equip students with necessary skills for the future job market.
The newly launched Teacher Certification course is a 60-minute programme designed to improve educators’ proficiency with Canva’s suite of educational tools. It includes video tutorials and hands-on activities, allowing teachers to explore practical applications for creating engaging lesson plans and student projects. Upon completion, educators receive an official certification, reinforcing their capability to enhance classroom engagement through digital and visual literacy.
Canva’s educators have been particularly adept at integrating AI tools into their teaching processes. For instance, at Poway Unified School District in San Diego, teachers are using Canva’s AI tools to streamline lesson planning and manage administrative tasks more efficiently. Danielle Reyes, a teacher at Poway middle school, told ABC News San Diego, “For AI to do those things for me, as long as I read through it and approve it and push it out to students, it’s making me a better teacher.”
This comes at a time when many educators feel overwhelmed by the demands of their profession. A recent Canva survey of 1,000 K-12 teachers in the US discovered that 92% find AI beneficial for addressing workplace challenges, and a majority are open to further exploring its potential.
In addition to the certification course, Canva has made a significant move by providing educators and nonprofit organisations with free access to Affinity professional design software. This software, known for its high functionality and use among over 3 million creative professionals, is now accessible at no cost, removing traditional financial barriers and promoting inclusivity in design education.
Since its inception in 2013, Canva has been dedicated to democratizing design through its intuitive online platform, which features a plethora of templates and design tools catering to diverse creative needs. Canva for Education offers K-12 teachers and students free access to its full suite of tools, along with additional features tailored specifically for educational environments.
As Canva continues to expand its footprint in the education sector, the introduction of the Teacher Certification course represents a strategic effort to ensure that educators are not only equipped with the necessary digital skills but are also prepared to foster an engaging and forward-thinking learning environment.
