Irish teacher Kate O’Connell has come third in the ‘Innovation in Content’ category at Microsoft’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.
Kate’s project, Flying High: Exploring Aviation integrated every subject in the primary school curriculum with ICT and digital learning. The children used Lego to construct their own working models of aeroplanes, building hydraulic lifts to raise the planes and stimulate flight. It used the constructivist approach developed by Professor Seymour Papert of MIT and pioneered in Ireland by Dr Deirdre Butler at St. Deirdre Butler at St. Patrick’s College.
Speaking about her award O’Connell said: “I am delighted to be taking home third prize in Hong Kong. It’s been an absolutely wonderful week. After spending 5 days here with teachers from all over the world it really opens your eye to the magnificient project teachers are implementing in the class room. I am looking forward to coming back and competing next year.”
Dr. Kevin Marshall, Academic Programme Manager, Microsoft Ireland, said: “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. Kate’s entry was one of 100,000 entries and I am delighted that her achievements have been recognised.”
Subscribers 0
Fans 0
Followers 0
Followers