Exceptional Teachers Recognized at Microsoft 2008 Worldwide Innovative Teachers
Forum
HONG KONG, Nov. 6 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ --
From 64 countries around the world, 250 teachers, school administrators and
education policymakers meet to reward educator excellence.
Today in Hong Kong, teachers were recognized for their creativity and
innovation in the classroom as part of Microsoft Corp.'s 2008 Worldwide
Innovative Teachers Forum (ITF). Now in its fourth year, the Worldwide ITF
rewards outstanding teachers who practice exceptional 21st century learning and
incorporate the creative use of technology in their classrooms.
At the forum, a panel of distinguished education leaders from around the
world selected a handful of educators as Innovative Teachers of the Year for
creating solutions that improve and extend the way students learn using
technology, in the following categories:
Innovation in Collaboration
First place New Zealand -- Nathan Kerr, Collaboration and Digital
Learning Projects within a Multi-Cultural School
Second place Uganda -- Ronald Ddungu, Education for Sustainability
Third place Brazil/Portugal -- Emilia Miranda, Marise Brandao and Marli
Fiorentin, Flight BPF
Innovation in Community
First place Australia -- Andrew Douch, Anywhere Anytime Biology Class
Second place South Africa -- Sarietje Musgrave, Spread the Sunshine
Third place Germany/Austria -- Elke Mayer, Gabriele Jauck, Together in
a World of Learning
Innovation in Content
First place India - Parambir Singh Kathait, Let's Explore the Universe
Second place Senegal - Ousmane Diouf, Electronic Alarm
Third place United Kingdom - Dan Roberts, Recharge the Battery
Ireland - Kate O'Connell, Flying High Exploring Aviation
Educator's Choice
First place El Salvador - Mariella Paz, Business Game
Second place Singapore -- Fong Yin Kuan, Digital Story Telling @ Beacon
Third place Thailand - Pongpanote Phongpanngam, Instructional Games for
Kids by Kids
"It is an inspiration to see teachers from 64 countries around the world
collaborate together and show how they are using technology in innovative ways
to change the way their students learn," said Ralph Young, vice president of
Worldwide Public Sector at Microsoft, during the ITF awards ceremony. "At the
heart of the Innovative Teachers Forum is the belief that teachers from all
over the world are transforming education and using innovative learning
methods to empower their students and prepare them for the 21st century."
The ITF is part of Microsoft's Partners in Learning program, a global
initiative under the Unlimited Potential commitment designed to help increase
technology access for schools, foster innovative approaches to education, and
provide educators with the tools to manage and implement change. Since its
inception in 2003, the Partners in Learning program has reached more than 123
million teachers and students in 103 countries. With five years of continued
financial support so far, Microsoft's 10-year investment in the initiative is
nearly $500 million (U.S.), underscoring the company's commitment to making
technology more relevant and accessible for everyone through affordable
licensing programs, training and partnerships.
In Hong Kong, Partners in Learning has reached over 11,000 education
leaders and teachers and engaged over 80,000 students, bringing the benefits
of innovation and technology to education.
"The use of computers is no longer confined to the science or IT lab at
schools -- computers and devices are becoming central to our lives and are
shaping how we learn and access information," said Hoihung Ma, Hong Kong's
Microsoft Innovative Teacher of the Year. "Computers are not only a dynamic
way to deliver interactive educational resources, but also the first line in
teaching children fundamental information and communication technology skills
that will help them develop and become more competitive when they enter the
work force."
Erik Westrum, an Innovative Teacher from Norway, believes the Innovative
Teachers Forum provides a unique opportunity for teachers from all over the
world to share experiences and improve teaching methods with technology in
schools.
"Often, teachers are hesitant to adopt technology into their curriculum
until they get a chance to experience firsthand the benefits and possibilities
for their students," Westrum said. "Discussing with my peers how technology has
transformed their students' learning environment is very inspiring and reminds
me of why I began teaching -- to share my love of learning new
things."
More information about the Innovative Teachers Forum is available at
About Unlimited Potential
Microsoft, through its Unlimited Potential vision, is committed to making
technology more affordable, relevant and accessible for the 5 billion people
around the world who do not yet enjoy its benefits. The company aims to do so
by helping to transform education and foster a culture of innovation, and
through these means enable better jobs and opportunities. By working with
governments, intergovernmental organizations, nongovernmental organizations
and industry partners, Microsoft hopes to reach its first major milestone --
to reach the next 1 billion people who are not yet realizing the benefits of
technology -- by 2015.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in
software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their
full potential.
SOURCE: Microsoft Corp.
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