Acer and Intel introduce Skills for Innovation

As the education landscape undergoes significant changes, driven by both technological advancements and evolving workforce demands, Acer and Intel are responding with innovative solutions aimed at addressing critical gaps in digital literacy. According to the International Computer and Information Literacy Study (2023), over 40% of students aged 13 to 14 are underperforming in digital skills – a clear indicator of the challenges ahead. Through the SFI initiative Acer and Intel’s aim to provide educators with the tools and training necessary to meet these challenges head-on.

Transforming classrooms through technology and real-world skills

At the heart of the SFI initiative lies a commitment to blending technology with pedagogy to prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow. By 2027, more than 80 million roles will disappear to be replaced by new jobs focused on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and specialised data analytics, so different skills and mindsets are needed. In response to this shift, SFI offers a comprehensive ecosystem of resources, including SFI Starter Packs, advanced classroom technologies, and a suite to empower teachers to seamlessly integrate technology into their curriculum.

The SFI Starter Packs are a set of practical activities for students from the age of 10, all the way up to 19, having them get hands-on with genuinely useful, and pretty fun skills. They can learn in the classroom or remotely tackling problems with real world applications that test their creative and analytical cognitive thinking, through design work, coding, and visualisations.

SFI Starter Packs touch on a variety of subjects such as science, maths, and physics. For instance, the companies ‘Durability by Design’ brings STEM principles into real-world applications by using tools such as Autodesk Fusion 360; Screen Sense, science-based lessons on digital wellbeing to help students understand the impact of prolonged screen time and distance on their health. Students also learn how to optimise, design, and minimise waste to address real-world applications of packaging design and optimisation to enhance sustainability. Emphasising problem-solving and creative thinking, those activities prepare students for the demands of an evolving job market.

“The idea is to cover as many different topics as possible but with the same goal – filling the gap in digital literacy. By delivering solutions that are ready-to-use and easy-to-implement, we’re enabling educators, rarely having time to create their own content, to bring impactful learning directly into their classrooms”, said Roberto Rosaschino, Senior Business Manager for Education at Acer EMEA.

Building global momentum in education innovation

The SFI initiative is already making a global impact, operating in over 60 countries and engaging more than 130,000 educators. It’s also recognised by the European Commission as the first teacher training programme aligned with the EU DigComp framework, thus underscoring its effectiveness in addressing digital literacy on a systemic level.

“This partnership is not just about integrating technology, it’s about enabling teachers to inspire students, equipping them with the skills they’ll need to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Together with Intel, we are committed to shaping classrooms into dynamic hubs of creativity and innovation,” commented Cristina Pez, Commercial Director for Education at Acer EMEA.

A shared commitment to the future

The collaboration between Acer and Intel is rooted in a shared commitment to empowering the next generation of learners. Both companies recognise the importance of providing accessible, scalable solutions to schools, ensuring that educators are equipped with tools to transform their teaching practices. The partnership also reflects a deep understanding of the evolving demands of the global workforce and the role education plays in meeting those demands.