Microsoft recently hosted 9 educators from United Arab Emirates and Qatar to join 300 Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) experts and Students' Ambassadors from around the world at its E2 Global Educator Exchange event. Taking place in Redmond, Washington (USA) at the Microsoft headquarters campus, educators were selected from amongst the most innovative in the world to attend the event, and collaborate, create and share experiences with their peers on how to integrate technology in education, in ways that improve learning outcomes and equip students for the world of work.

Awarded Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert status in 2014, four educators from UAE and one from Qatar were selected because of their abilities to employ technology effectively within the classroom in order to help students develop all-important 21st century skills. The educators also demonstrated excellence in creating and leading transformational learning environments.

Also, in line with the strategic partnership between Microsoft and Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Learning Program (MBRSLP), four other educators from UAE attended the event for the experience and to gain insights.

"Our MIE Experts worldwide are transforming the learning environment in truly pioneering ways, and the E2 Global Educator Exchange event gives them the chance to share these experiences amongst their peers and work together to solve the challenges faced," said Anthony Salcito, Vice President, Worldwide Education, Microsoft Corp. "Hosting E2 at our campus in Redmond means we can hear their innovative ideas and bring them back into Microsoft, ensuring that we support this transformation and work together to adapt learning to equip students for tomorrow's workforce."

As part of the event, MIE Experts participated in the Global Educator challenge, where they were divided into groups with peers from different parts of the world to design a project around the use of Microsoft technologies within a specific theme of bravery, courage, and leadership.

The event culminated with the Global Educator Challenge awards, which recognised educators who have shown exceptional innovation in their fields and during competitive sessions at E2.

The award for the best achievement under the category "The Pitch" went to two groups that included two UAE educators Zainab Al Baloushi (MBRSLP, UAE) and Zoe Tostevin (Deira International School, UAE).

Each year Microsoft identifies educators to be part of this exclusive global community – educators that are truly transforming learning environments while also being open to share ideas, try new approaches and learn from each other. MIE Experts work closely with Microsoft to lead innovation and communicate a vision for education.
Source: WAM