Canadian Teachers Honoured at the 2010 Annual Worldwide Innovative Education
Forum in Cape Town, South Africa
Microsoft awards teachers who use technology in innovative
ways to enhance student learning and collaboration
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Nov. 15 /CNW/ - Eight Canadians were among more than 500 educators, school leaders, government officials and others from more than 60 countries who attended the 2010 Worldwide Innovative Education Forum in Cape Town, South Africa. The teachers were recognized for their work integrating technology into the classroom to prepare students for tomorrow's workforce and for a lifetime of learning.
The Innovative Education Forum is part of Microsoft's Partners in Learning Forum. Each year, thousands of teachers from around the world participate in country-level and regional competitions. After each competition, winners move to the next level, culminating each year at the global summit.
This year, eight Canadian teachers from across the country were named Innovative Teachers. The teachers were challenged to use technology to develop innovative projects that will improve students' 21st-century skills such as critical thinking and problem solving, collaboration, communication, contextual learning, creativity, and information and media literacy.
The Canadian teachers honoured in Cape Town were:
- Jeff Osinski and Jon Funk, Garden Valley Collegiate, Winkler, Manitoba
- Curtis Wagner and Kelli Boklaschuk, St. Angela School, Saskatoon Catholic Cyber School, Saskatoon, SK
- Clarke Hagan, Fisher Branch Collegiate and Lakeshore School Division, Eriksdale, Manitoba
- Ian Fogarty, Riverview High School, Riverview, NB
- Trevor Driscoll, Bathurst High School, Bathurst, NB
- Frédéric Roussel, École La Villa des Amis, Tracadie-Beach, N-B
In the category of Innovation in Collaboration, Canadian Ian Fogarty was named second runner-up for his work on "Xenotransplant Debate" - a program designed to encourage complex thought through a semi-fictitious, bioethical issue debate. After researching a variety of stakeholder perspectives, deciding on a position and creating a political party with an associated media campaign, students engaged in a town hall debate and bill proposal.
Curtis Wagner and Kellie Boklaschuk were named semi-finalist for their work on their project "Connecting Kids" - a program designed for a grade 6 Social Studies Unit that integrated over 25 different types of software and technology. During the unit a partnership is created between two different classes on opposite sides of the world. Students work in groups to collaboratively explore, research, develop and ultimately teach their classmates the curricular outcomes using different types of technology.
"The Innovative Teacher Awards exemplify the creativity and dedication of the world's most forward-thinking educators," said Jacinthe Robichaud, Manager, Partners in Learning, Microsoft Canada. "We are proud to have such a strong Canadian representation at the Innovative Education Forum and continue to be impressed and amazed by the ideas and programs that Canadian educators are cultivating for 21st Century teaching and learning."
"It's quite an honour to be recognized for something that I do every day," said Ian Fogarty, teacher, Riverview High School, NB. "Technology is changing and enhancing the way that I teach and engage with my students, and it's exciting for me to share my experience and learn from other educators around the world at the Innovative Education Forum."
Fast Facts: Partners in Learning and the Innovative Education Forum
- Number of attendees anticipated: 500 from 60+ countries
- Number of participants at the country/regional level: 200,000
- Number of countries participating in the Partners in Learning Program: 114
- Teachers/School officials trained since 2003: Nearly 8 million
- Schools participating in the Innovative Schools Program: Nearly 3,000
- New Pathfinder Schools: 54 (one Canadian school is New Maryland Elementary School in New Brunswick)
- Teachers on the Partners in Learning Network: Nearly 3 million from 97 countries. Content localized in 39 countries.
- Students Reached (via Student Helpdesk, curricula): 185,759,408
About Partners in Learning
The Worldwide Innovative Education Forum is hosted by Microsoft Partners in Learning, a 10-year, nearly $500 million commitment by Microsoft to transform education systems around the world. Announced in 2003, Partners in Learning helps schools and teachers more effectively use technology to advance teaching and learning, provides leadership and change management information to school leaders, works to strengthen teachers' capacity to use technology effectively in the classroom, and provides greater access to technology for teachers and students.
About Microsoft Education
We believe that technology can expand the power of education and unlock the potential of students, educators and schools. Microsoft partners with education communities around the world to deliver relevant solutions, services and programs that focus on improved personalized learning outcomes.
About Microsoft Canada
Established in 1985, Microsoft Canada Co. is the Canadian subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq "MSFT") the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Microsoft Canada provides nationwide sales, marketing, consulting and local support services in both French and English. Headquartered in Mississauga, Microsoft Canada has nine regional offices across the country dedicated to empowering people through great software - any time, any place and on any device. For more information on Microsoft Canada, please visit www.microsoft.ca. For more information on Microsoft Canada's citizenship initiatives, please visit www.citizenship.microsoft.ca.
For further information: For further information:
For more information and to speak with Canada's Innovative Teachers please contact:
Angelika Rau
High Road Communications
Office: 416-644-2240
Email: [email protected]
Share this article