Microsoft
recently organized the Partners in Learning Global Forum 2012 in Prague to
acknowledge the contribution of teachers in implementing technological
resources in schools and class rooms from all over the world.
During the ceremony, held in the prestigious Prague
Castle to mark the culmination of the 2012 Microsoft Partners in Learning
Global Forum, Microsoft announced 21 winners, narrowed down from more than
250,000 teachers registered across national and regional forums throughout the
year.
MunazzaRiaz,
teacher at Roots International School, Islamabad was recognized in the “Teacher
as Innovator & Change Agent” Category for her innovative project “Aqua
Crunch” that won the 1st place. The project was created for students
of 8-10 years of age and raised awareness about conservation of water. It dealt
with the issue "Why Water Conservation Needs to be Addressed When Water is
70% of Our Earth?" Global and national surveys using BING search engine
guided students well about exactly where and how the problem needs to be looked
at and how water can be conserved and recycled with less resources and low
cost. Students worked in collaboration with government and non-government organizations
to create awareness.
Saturday night, awards were presented to educators
across six categories. All winners will be automatically included in the new
Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert Program, a one-year initiative created to
recognize educators globally who are using technology to transform education.
Expert Educators will become Microsoft’s partner in many of its education
activities throughout the year, focused on ensuring learning outcomes and
sharing of experiences with peers and policymakers on effective use of
technology in education.
In return, members receive the inside track on the
latest Microsoft thinking and technologies, as well as access to the latest and
greatest software and products. In addition, Microsoft will ensure that this
group is getting the professional and career development opportunities that
will be long lasting and help them make a difference in their students’ lives
“I am
delighted to win such a prestigious recognition among teachers from all around
the world. Microsoft Partners in Learning Global Forum is playing an integral
role in promoting technology in schools and making the learning process more interactive
and fun for students.” said MunazzaRiaz.“I believe that with my induction in
Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert Program, I will be able to play my part in
transforming the education scenario in Pakistan and bridging the gap between
students and technology.”she added.
Participants were judged by an international panel
of education professionals through rigorous scoring criteria which ensures that
entries are reviewed in the most professional and fair way. Through virtual
classroom tours and onsite interviews by judges, these teachers demonstrated
innovative teaching practices, giving their students critical 21st century
skills, such as collaboration, critical thinking and social responsibility, by
leveraging effective and engaging technology resources. Teachers were
recognized across the following categories:
1. Extended Learning Beyond
the Classroom
2. Collaboration
3. Knowledge Building and
Critical Thinking
4. Cutting-Edge Use of
Technology for Learning
5. Educator as Innovator and
Change Agent
6. Educators’ Choice
Speaking
on the occasion, Muhammad Usman Khan, Citizenship & Community Affairs
Executive said’ “It gives me immense pleasure to
congratulate Ms. MunazzaRiaz on this brilliant achievement. The award is a testimony
of her dedication andthe work she does every day to enrich the
educational experiences of her students. Through the Microsoft Partners in Learning Global Forum, weaim to
facilitate technology usage in classrooms whichopens a plethora of avenues for
students of all ages and helps them realize their potential.
