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The fifth Microsoft Innovative Teachers Forum Arabia was hosted by Oman on 29-30 September 2009 at the Crowne Plaza Muscat.The event aims to bring technological tools to a global network of educators to promote 21st century teaching techniques and was attended by 95 teachers and 20 policy makers.
Amongst the participant, a delegation of Lebanese teachers led by Mr Abdo Yammine was chosen by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education to participate in the Event and represent Lebanon in this Forum.
The Innovative Teachers Forums were developed by Microsoft’s Partners in Learning to promote the regional sharing of innovative practices through the integration of technology as an education tool and to create a network of top innovators in the Arab world. This event included representatives from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Libya, Tunisia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. The annual forums recognize and reward teachers who incorporate innovative practices into their teaching programmes and the student learning environment.
Participants were divided into groups of eight, and they conducted field visits visiting the souks and historical sites. These participants were asked to demonstrate ideas based on these visits within a simple educational framework (practice) that allows students to understand the material in an effective and powerful manner.
The Lebanese delegation presence and participation in the event was highly recommended. Six out of the 8 groups were led by Lebanese teachers, resulted in these groups ranking first, third and fourth places. The first team winner, with Mr. Hussien Abdul Halim from Lebanon have been qualified to participate in the Global Forum for Outstanding teachers taking place next month in Brazil.
“Microsoft is committed to helping create a global community of educators and a pool of collective knowledge”, said Ali Faramay – Vice President, Microsoft - Middle East and Africa. “All teachers taking part in the Innovative Teachers Forum will have access to this network and be able to share ideas and best practice with their peers. The Innovative Teachers Programme has empowered hundreds of educators to transform educational methods in classrooms around the world.”
Mr. Fadi Yarak (Director-General of Education- Ministry of Education & higher Education المدير العام للتربية), stated: “We- at the ministry- always advocate practices promoting innovation and development in the methods of teaching & learning process. The participation of the Lebanese delegation members is noteworthy. We are proud of their performance especially that they ranked first and have been qualified to participate in the global forum taking place in Brazil early November”
Microsoft’s mission to empower people to realise their social and economic potential by enabling access to quality education experiences for all through technology forms the foundation for Innovative Teachers Forum 2009.
Editor’s Note/Company Information:
Microsoft’s Innovative Teachers program is built on the understanding that informed, empowered teachers are at the heart of meaningful and effective teaching and learning. By inspiring and learning from each other, educators around the world are transforming the way their students engage with the world and their learning. Today, more than a million Innovative Teachers from 86 countries share great ideas, best practices, and professional development resources.
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