Meet our Microsoft experts

12/07/2021
​BCE office MIE:E experts (from left) Nathan Richards, Rochelle Smith, Grant Shipton, Anne Fenwick and Robert Burke are ready to support our schools

​TECHNOLOGY is now a prominent feature in the classroom. 

Used right it can support and enhance the educational experience and outcomes for our students. 

However, when used wrong and chaos ensues who are you going to call? - our Microsoft experts of course. 

Over the last couple of years a number of BCE office and school staff have become Microsoft Innovative Educator: Experts (MIE:E). 

The MIE:E global program supports a community of passionate educators whose aim is to improve their ability to integrate technology tools that improve student outcomes.

There are a variety of programs to help both educators who are just beginning the MIE:E journey, as well as programs for educators who are leaders in innovative education.

Being part of the MIE:E program provides opportunity to gather as a community to network, exchange ideas, learn from one another and inspire each other. 

Aquinas College, Ashmore, teacher Andrew Battese said he thrives on the opportunities being an MIE:E provides him to connect with other Microsoft experts.

“I love to meet, share, and learn from other teachers across Australia and internationally on new and innovative ways to use technology in the classroom.

“There are also some sweet perks to being a part of the MIE:E community e.g., Microsoft merchandise, free access or early release to different apps/websites, and the opportunity to give feedback on apps or features that influence how they will look or function for teachers."

“Being a part of the MIE:E program has impacted my teaching mostly from knowledge and experience I have learnt from other MIE:E's.

“From simple tips and tricks, to brainstorming best practice to enhance my pedagogy and improve learning outcomes for my students," Andrew said.

“The Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert program is a community of amazing teachers who love to share and support each other."

Andrew is now working with other staff at Aquinas College to apply to be a part of the program.​

Melissa Fallarino, a teacher at Southern Cross Catholic College's Kippa-Ring campus, said being an MIE:E has been a great experience.

“It has given me the tools and insight with new ways of using ICT skills across the curriculum and enriching the learning experiences of my students.

“It has also allowed me to learn how to equip students who need support by teaching them how to use assistive technology which has opened up avenues for them to demonstrate their learning."

Melissa said she also enjoyed tuning in to the regular community calls that are held via Teams once a term.

Melissa looks forward to being part of the community again in 2021-2022.

“I am so glad that I applied to be an MIE:E for 2020-2021 and am excited to apply again for 2021-2022 to continue my own learning journey," she said.

Nominations for the Microsoft Innovative Educator: Expert program are NOW open. click here​ to find out more. 

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