Learning innovations at Auckland school grabs Microsoft attention
Opaheke School has been selected to be a 2015-2016 Microsoft Showcase School due to its successful integrations of technology with teaching and learning.
According to Microsoft, Opaheke was chosen as it has demonstrated excellence in transforming its learning environment to deliver more personalised education to students, using mobile and cloud technology to better students for success in the workplace.
As a Showcase School, Opaheke School will work closely with Microsoft to lead innovation in education and work to host and mentor other schools in the community on transformational educational practices and how education can be enabled by technology.
Showcase Schools also receive the following from Microsoft as part of the programme:
- Collaboration with an international group
- Special pricing on SteelCase Education learning classroom furniture
- Microsoft Innovative Educators Experts (MIE Experts) on staff to help drive innovation and to support staff, peers and students
- Access to professional development for Educators within their school
- Invitations to regional and global events
- Monthly community webinars and Yammer group discussion, exclusive to Showcase Schools
- Email signature and digital signage
The Microsoft Showcase School community is now more than 400 strong, bringing together schools from around the world that are rethinking teaching, learning and assessment in order to drive 21st century competencies.
Opaheke School began working with Microsoft at the beginning of 2014. Then, in early 2015 the school was recognised at a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert and in November two further teachers at Opaheke School became MIE experts.
Sean Valvoi, Opaheke School Principal, says, "Being selected as a Microsoft Showcase School is an amazing honour and recognition of the passion our teachers and staff have for creating the best learning environments possible.
"We look forward to sharing our experiences with other schools in our community and the world to continue finding innovative ways to equip our students with the proper tools needed for success inside and outside of the classroom.
"Microsoft Showcase Schools are shining examples of those applying purpose driven innovation in a variety of ways to build connection, motivate students and to create community in and out of school, " says Anthony Salcito, Microsoft vice president Worldwide Education,.
"These schools are truly transforming learning and providing more personalised education to students empowering them to achieve more," he says.
