EDC Hails Certiport Study as a Vital Part of the Power Users Initiative

Findings Reveal Educators Adapt Curriculum for Computer-Savvy Students to Maximize Favorable Learning Outcomes

SALT LAKE CITY � January 10, 2006

Certiport and Education Development Center (EDC) today announced new research findings stemming from Certiport�s involvement with the United Nations� World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) and EDC. Supported by the United Nations, EDC recognizes the Certiport study as a vital contribution to its Power Users Initiative, a four-year project focused on understanding and raising awareness of Power Users of technology. These findings by Certiport may be used to assist country leaders in planning effective education and workforce development policy and initiatives geared at leveraging the strengths of up and coming Power Users.

"This Certiport study advances our understanding of the unique needs and potential of students with advanced technology skills," stated Joyce Malyn-Smith, director of strategic initiatives for EDC�s Education, Employment, and Community Programs. "Perhaps educators and governments should consider adjusting curriculum and teaching methodologies to maximize the contribution of these computer-savvy students as they prepare to integrate into the global economy."

Who Are Power Users?

EDC describes Power Users as an emerging group of youth distinguished by their self-selected, long-term, intensive experiences with technology. They think, behave and solve problems differently from others who have not had a special relationship with technology. They are individuals who break out of the confines of traditional learning, demographic or technological barriers by constantly using, sharing, creating, producing and changing information in creative, innovative or unintended ways. By the age of 10 to 15, Power Users are in control of their technologies and have become self-directed learners, seeking and constructing new learning from their environments. A copy of EDC�s report on Power Users may be viewed at http://eec.edc.org/pdf/PowerUsersGenevaReport.pdf.

Study Findings

According to Certiport research, fostering the growth and development of Power Users in the classroom provides a positive impact to the quality of learning for both teachers and students. Among the highlights of Certiport study findings, more than 69 percent of teachers participating in the study indicated Powers Users influence what they teach, and 66 percent stated Power Users influence how they teach. Eighty-four percent of teachers said Power Users have positively influenced their learning and knowledge of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT). From the study, educators may look to use technology in the classroom to better suit the learning preferences and needs of these advanced students. A synopsis of the study report may be viewed at http://powerusers.edc.org/research.htm.

"The economic health and prosperity of nations lie in their ability to build basic ICT skills that qualify citizens to participate as effective members of the global community," said David Saedi, president and CEO of Certiport. "In addition, a unique population of Power Users is growing globally. We must develop curriculum, training and credentials that help fully develop and leverage their contribution to local economies."

About Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC)

Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC) is one of the world�s leading nonprofit education and health organizations, with 335 projects in 50 countries. EDC brings researchers and practitioners together to advance learning and healthy development for individuals of all ages and institutions of all types. For more information, visit www.edc.org.

About Certiport

Certiport provides industry-leading training, assessment, and certification solutions that enable individuals to develop the skills necessary to achieve more, distinguish themselves, and advance in today's academic and business environments. These solutions include the Microsoft® Office Specialist certification program and the Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC³®), delivered through a channel of more than 9,000 Certiport Centers worldwide. For more information about Certiport, visit www.certiport.com.

Certiport and IC³ are registered trademarks of Certiport, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.

Press Contact:

John Pilmer
801-369-7535
mediarelations@certiport.com