TEAM PILIPINAS. Philippine delegation to the 2018 Microsoft’s E2 – Education Exchange (L-R): Clarissa Seguismundo, Ernani Jun Fernandez, Marivi Lim-Castro, Jomar de Leon, Michael Dela Cruz Morella, Anior Librando Jr, Jen Padernal, and Grace Co. Contributed photo.
On its 4th Annual E2 – Education Exchange, Microsoft gathered together around 400 of the most innovative educators from across the world in an exclusive three-day event to collaborate, create, and share experiences on how to integrate technology and pedagogy to advance learning, achieve student outcomes, and transform education.
The conference was held at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel in Singapore from March 13-15, 2018.
As Microsoft Innovative Education Experts (MIEEs), Xavier Ateneo JHS teacher Anito Librando Jr, Marivi Lim-Castro of General Santos City SPED Integrated School, and Michael Dela Cruz Morella of Pinagbuhatan High School in Pasig City represented the Philippines for the event. They were also joined by Microsoft Innovative Education Fellows Jen Padernal and Ernani Jun Fernandez.
This year’s conference commenced with keynote speeches and presentations from education innovators from all around the world.
The participants were grouped to collaborate on the Global Educator Challenge to develop learning activities centered on computational thinking and its four characteristics of algorithmic thinking, decomposition, abstraction, and pattern recognition while the breakout sessions included topics and hands-on activities on Minecraft lesson mechanics, MakeCode for Minecraft, Giving Students Voice and Choice in their Learning, Smart-STEM: Code with Purpose, Classroom in the Sky, Codes for Digital Transformation, how 21CLD works inside existing school frameworks, and certification exams, among others.
Other highlights in the event included The Technology Showcase where the participants got the chance to get hands-on and provide feedback with some of latest technologies and products from Microsoft, like coding Micro Bit, Minecraft for Education, Microsoft Education Community, and Microsoft Paint 3D.
The Learning Marketplace also provided a venue for the participants to showcase to other educators and Microsoft employees how they have integrated Microsoft technologies in their classrooms and schools. Librando presented his performance task on “Argumentative Paragraph Writing with Edmodo x Word Online” while Morella and Lim-Castro showcased their PBLs on Gender Equality and SPED respectively.
During the conference, Librando was invited by Microsoft’s VP of education Anthony Salcito to a one-on-one interview where they discussed the challenges faced by schools in Mindanao and the opportunities Xavier Ateneo can tap as a Microsoft Showcase School.
The awards ceremony and dinner was held at the Gardens by the Bay Flower Field Hall.
As a Microsoft Showcase School, Xavier Ateneo JHS tuned in to a livestream for the faculty members to see the two conference keynotes.
“The Microsoft Educator Community is an amazing portal where teachers get to take charge of their own professional development, from thousands of online training sessions, materials, resources, and the chance to connect with innovative educators across the globe,” said Microsoft Philippines programs specialist Grace Co.
“Educators who want to take it a notch higher are encouraged to apply to be a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert (MIEE). MIEEs get to share their learning, showcase, and present best practices across conferences and Microsoft Education events,” she added.∎
For interested educators for the Microsoft Innovative Education Expert nominations, pop over here!
INTERVIEW. Xavier Ateneo Junior High School educator Anito Librando Jr shares a moment with Microsoft’s VP of education Anthony Salcito to discuss the educational technology challenges faced by schools particularly in Mindanao. Contributed photo.
PROJECT BRIDGE. Michael Morella of Pinagbuhatan High School in Pasig City presents his poster entitled “Project Bridge: a Project-Based Learning for Gender Equality” during E2’s Learning Marketplace. Contributed photo.
#TEACHERHACKER. Marivi Lim-Castro of SPED Integrated School in General Santos City showcases her poster “#TeacherHacker: A Project-based Learning for SPED” during E2’s Learning Marketplace. Contributed photo.
ARGUMENTATIVE PARAGRAPH. Anito Librando Jr of Xavier Ateneo Junior High School presents his poster “Argumentative Paragraph Writing with Edmodo x Word Online” during E2’s Learning Marketplace. Contributed photo.
MICROSOFT INNOVATIVE EDUCATOR EXPERTS. MIEEs proudly represent the Philippines in the 4th E2 - Education Exchange during the Awards Ceremony held at Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay Flower Field Hall. Photo from Microsoft in Education Flickr Account.