MIEExperts: Connecting People

Yesterday, the 7^th of December, 2014 marked the beginning of another year in my life. I indeed had a wonderful time surrounded by family and friends. There was food, fun and fellowship as we celebrated another mile stone in my life, four decades of God’s faithfulness to me.

This wasn't the first time I would be having family and friends celebrating my birthday with me, (although there have been quite a number of very quiet birthdays) but as a family tradition we like to make a big deal about birthdays, as we use it as an opportunity once again to reaffirm our love for the celebrant and remind each other of how special he or she is to us. But there was something different about this birthday.

The major ‘high’ for me on this day was getting birthday wishes from across the continent. I couldn't help but brag to my family and friends at home about my international connection and Global friends Thanks to the Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert 2015, I got wishes from different continents, awesome.

Being part of the MIEExpert 2015 family has been one of the best things that has happened to me this year. I would like to say a big thank you to all the MIEExperts who gave me a shout out on my birthday and especially my Indian Friend, Hari Krishna Arya Who made a customized greeting and initiated the whole thing. All these makes me glad to be a part of an awesome and wonderful global family of MIEExpert 2015.

Love you all and hope to have the privilege to meeting you one on one. My Thanks also goes to Microsoft for creating the platform to build bridges and connect with people through ICT.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

"Let us spare no effort to ensure that policies, programmes, guidelines and 21st century technologies are accessible to persons with disabilities, and sensitive to their perspectives and experiences". Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon."

                     

International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3) is an international observance promoted by the United Nations since 1992. It has been celebrated with varying degrees of success around the planet. The observance of the Day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life. It was originally called "International Day of Disabled Persons". Each year the day focuses on a different issue.

Theme for 2014: Sustainable Development: The Promise of Technology

Throughout human history, technology has shaped the way people live. Today information and communications technologies in particular have impacted a lot of people’s daily lives. However, not all people have access to technology and the higher standards of living it allows. With an estimated one billion people worldwide living with a disability, and 80% of them living in developing countries, access to technology is key to help realise the full and equal participation of persons with disabilities.(UN)

At UN Headquarters, this year’s commemorative events will be organized by the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA). Representatives from Member States, UN system, civil society, the private sector and others will discuss how advances in technology can be utilized to improve the lives of persons with disabilities, with three different sub-themes:

·         Disability-Inclusive Sustainable Development Goals

·         Disability and Disaster Risk Reduction / Emergency Responses

·         Creating Enabling Work Environments

More information of the various events is available on  UN Enable

Even as we celebrate today, Microsoft is not left out in the bid to assist  persons with disabilities.

Every student brings his or her own unique experiences, talents, and challenges into the classroom, including those students with special education needs. December 2nd marks Special Education Day in the U.S. - because each child's learning style is different, teachers must strive to support their students' unique learning styles while balancing the demands of larger classrooms, standardized testing and changing curricula. With this in mind, we're sharing stories of teachers and educators who are using technology in inventive ways to instruct students with a variety of learning styles and disabilities.

To learn more about how teachers are using Microsoft Tools to instruct students with disabilities: click on link below 

Personalize Learning for Students with Special Education Needs Using Windows and Office including OneNote and Lync

Microso

ft Education Team 

5 Empowering Technological Breakthroughs for people 

with with disabilities

Eyegaze offers a selection of machines, including desktops and tablets, to empower both adults and children. The technology can be used to provide education, write books, draw and even generate speech by typing a message or selecting phrases. Other eye-tracking developments include software that allows a person to do day-to-day tasks, such as opening curtains.    SMART belt, iBot stair-climbing wheelchair, Google's driverless car, DEKA robotic arm

Microsoft and I

Microsoft and I.

Microsoft is a household name to many. Known for their products, tools or technology. First embraced by the business world and then the grand entry into the educational sector. As an educational enthusiast I have come to know Microsoft as a Friend. I am particularly tripped by the Educator Network, being a member of such a community has been a worthwhile experience.

So how did this friendship begin? Of course I had known about Microsoft for quite a number of years now, having started using the computer and been introduced to Microsoft office, to me Microsoft was just a brand name and office tools just made my work neater (a cover up for my not too good handwriting, and of course lesser spelling mistakes) but then I met the faces behind Microsoft and discovered an awesome community.

It all started on the 25^th -27^th of May 2010, I had the privilege of attending for the first time the Elearning Africa conference held that year in Tanzanian at the Miami Conference center where I met a very warm and friendly Microsoft representative (don't remember his name anymore but still have the pictures).

He took his time to introduce me to the PIL network and gave me an "I am a partner in learning" sticker which I still have stuck on my laptop till date. He also introduced me to Mouse Mischief , which I found quite interesting and a solution to technology integration for most of the schools in my community.

Prior to my attending the conference I had been considering topics for my doctoral thesis, that one meeting brought an end to my search for a research focus and a commencement of my field work.( I examined the effect of PowerPoint and Mouse Mischief on students learning outcome as compared to the traditional classrooms with no technology at all). Of course my institution found the technology quite novel, interesting and readily adaptable since it was a low budget intervention and yielded better learning outcomes. I have successful completed my doctoral program (although still waiting for the official conferment of a PhD in Educational Technology from University, and the title Dr.)

I would like to say a big thank you to Microsoft for saying "YES" to my dream. And for adding another feather to my hat, by selecting me as an MIEEXPERT 2015. Microsoft and I, a friendship meant to be.

Gratitude Can Fuel School Transformation

Gratitude Can Fuel School Transformation

Ed-Techy: Microsoft Empowering Educators

Ed-Techy: Microsoft Empowering Educators:                  When it comes to technology in education, your school needs more than a device or a service. Your school deserve...

The Ebola Challenge: Instructional Design E-Learning Challenge

                                     

The Ebola Challenge: Instructional Design E-Learning Challenge

 

The Rapid E-Learning Blog hosted by Tom Kuhlmann recently posted a challenge to instructional designers, Sometimes the world seems a bit scary as is definitely the case with the news regarding Ebola. However, just because we’re not doctors and nurses doesn’t mean we can’t use our skills to help in the fight against Ebola.

The e-learning challenge asked course designers to create a short training interaction around the Ebola crisis. designers responded with amazing examples including prevention tips, statistics, and stories of health workers battling to control the spread of Ebola.

Jeff Kortenbosch

View Demo | Download (PowerPoint)  Jeff Kortenbosch | Website | @elearningjeff

Jackie Van Nice

View Demo | Learn More… | Jackie Van Nice | @jackietrains

Kristin Anthony

View Demo | Learn More... | Kristin Anthony | @anthkris

Joanna Kurpiewska

View Demo | Joanna Kurpiewska | Website | @unicorntraining

Nick Russell

View Demo | Nick Russell | Benchmark Learning

Dawn Tedesco

View demo | Dawn Tedesco

Gerard Friel

View Demo | Learn More... | Gerard Friel | @gerardfriel

Jennifer Valley

View Demo | Jennifer Valley | Website | @jvalley0714

Paul Alders

View Demo  | Paul Alders | Website | @paulalders

Tom Kuhlmann

View Demo | Tom Kuhlmann | Website | @TomKuhlmann

I have viewed these demos and found them not only amazing but quite informative too. I just may throw the same challenge to my students and see what they can come up with. But i think i need to take on the challenge first.

see more at - : http://www.articulate.com/rapid-elearning/ebola-training-volunteer/#sthash.2IuNdnLl.dpuf

To view demos: https://community.articulate.com/articles/ebola-outbreak-training-examples

The post appeared first on The Rapid eLearning Blog.

Microsoft Empowering Educators

                

When it comes to technology in education, your school needs more than a device or a service. Your school deserves a complete solution. Your end–to–end solution begins with Microsoft.

	Powerful Devices Create dynamic learning experiences in and outside of the classroom with devices that deliver the power of a PC and the mobility of a tablet. Find the right fit device for you and your student. Explore devices
	Tools for Learning With the right devices in hand, unleash the power of rich content and robust tools that inspire students to consume, create and produce knowledge. Tap into the ultimate classroom collection. Discover how
	Training and Professional Development Technology in education is about more than a device or software. Empower your educators with great training and professional development. Connect with our network and world-class training. Sign up now
	Manageability Solutions Manage all your devices, services, tools and more with manageability solutions that keep your students safe and secure. Help IT protect your institution while keeping it running. Start now    Learn more at EduEmpowered.com

Global Accessibility Awareness Day. May 15 2014

Global Accessibility Awareness Day

The target audience of GAAD is the design, development, usability, and related communities who build, shape, fund and influence technology and its use. While people may be interested in the topic of making technology accessible and usable by persons with disabilities, the reality is that they often do not know how or where to start. Awareness comes first. Read the blog post by Joe Devon that inspired GAAD.

Learn more about

• How this all got started
• Public events that you are invited to attend
• Other activities taking place to mark the day

On May 15

Whether you participate in an organized activity with others or not, join us and take an hour out of your day to experience digital accessibility first-hand.

Contribute Directly To The Digital Accessibility Effort

Karen Mardahl in Denmark has suggested the following additional ideas for designers, developers, and others to take on as part of the day. These will help directly to improving the accessibility of the web and to spreading awareness.

• Caption a video - at least prepare a transcript. If it is not your video, send the transcript to the owner and suggest that they follow the information provided by Google for YouTube or 3Play Media for Vimeo to add captions.
• Write a blog post on what digital accessibility awareness is and what your (the writer's) ideas are for raising that awareness.
• Create a video demonstrating how you use some type of assistive technology and upload it to YouTube.

Additionally:

• there are a number of free toolbars that can help designers and developers to test the accessibility of their pages. One of these is WAVE - Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool from the folks at WebAIM.
• Why not run this toolbar on a page or pages you have developed and see how accessible these are to your visitors, including those with different disabilities. Take the results and implement the suggested changes.

More Ideas

• Publish a blog post on or before May 15, including background on GAAD and your organization/company’s commitment to digital accessibility.
• If you are a web design, usability, web development, digital agency, digital accessibility or related firm, send an e-mail to your clients on or before May 15 to let them know that May 15 is Global Accessibility Awareness Day, with a link to www.globalaccessibilityawarenessday.org, drawing attention to how your firm supports accessibility through services or education.
• Announce a digital accessibility-related initiative on May 15, using the occasion of Global Accessibility Awareness Day to do this.
• Identify and contact local Meetup or other associations/organizations of developers/designers (web, mobile, other tech), usability and other associated IT professionals and let them know May 15 is Global Accessibility Awareness Day and ask them to inform their memberships.
• Let your favorite tech publication or better yet, reporter or columnist know that May 15 is Global Accessibility Awareness Day and encourage them to cover the event.
• Send an internal e-mail (e.g., to your IT staff, web development team, anyone involved in technology decision-making) informing them that May 15 is Global Accessibility Awareness Day, discuss any accessibility initiatives that may be under way/remind staff of any technology accessibility policy that may exist and the role everyone plays in its success.
• Contribute your time to projects such as Fix The Web

 This entry was posted in www.globalaccessibilityawarenessday.org,.

Great Educators in History: Anne Sullivan and Helen Keller

Being a great educator is not only about mastering the discipline of teaching but also about having the ability to adapt the craft according to the needs of the learner. This week in our series, Great Educators in History, we present Anne Sullivan and Helen Keller, two women who redefined the boundaries of both teaching and learning – two lives that are so inspiring, they make it hard to believe that any obstacle is too large to overcome.

Anne Sullivan finds a new student

Born in 1866 in Feeding Hills, Massachusetts, USA, Anne Sullivan experienced near blindness early in life. Although she never fully lost her eyesight until shortly before her death, her educational career was focused on schooling for the blind. After graduating from the Perkins Institution for the Blind in 1886, she soon found herself the governess of a particularly challenging pupil. Helen Keller was just over 6 years old when she fell under the instruction of Anne Sullivan, and she had suffered from extreme isolation due to being both deaf and blind. Anne, presented with the task of tempering a child whose only contact to the world was through touch and who expressed her frustration through frequent tantrums, writes, “The greatest problem I shall have to solve is how to discipline and control her without breaking her spirit” (Gardner: 15). As headstrong as Helen, Anne would struggle with her for hours at a time, even locking themselves into a room together until they reached an agreement. Within the first year, she won the trust and heart of young Helen, the next big step being to establish a means of communication and engagement with the outside world.
It was in the summer of 1887 when Anne unlocked the world to Helen. While outside touching a water pump, Anne spelled out “w-a-t-e-r” into Helen’s hand repeatedly until her face lit up with understanding. A few months later, Helen had learned how to write, read braille and knew over 600 words. From touching objects and associating them with words, to learning to lip-read by touching lips, to reading text that was raised on the page, the world had opened up to her. By the age of 14, Helen entered high school, first attending the Wright-Humason School for the Deaf in New York City and then the Cambridge School for Young Ladies in Massachusetts.

Helen Keller becomes a leader

It became clear from the start of Anne Sullivan’s work with Helen Keller that Helen was extremely intelligent. Helen’s thirst and ability to learn could not be quenched. Helen worked to finish her high school degree with the dream of attending college. Anne would spell out entire books not available in braille into Helen’s hand as well as transcribe full lectures into her palm. Helen’s life story and intelligence would soon earn her fame. In 1903, Helen published The Story of My Life and went on to graduate with honours from Radcliffe a year later. She was touring the world giving lectures by 1913 and published a number of books over the following four decades.
By the late 1930s, Helen had helped establish commissions for the blind across the US. Anne remained a close companion to Helen until she passed away in 1936, even often joining her on tours. Helen Keller lived until 1968. By the time of her death, she had worked to improve the treatment of the deaf and blind, particularly fighting for the end of committing people with disabilities to asylums.

Their impact today

To look at the lives of Anne Sullivan and Helen Keller, it is hard to imagine that being blind or deaf, let alone both, could ever have been considered a disability. They proved that learning is a matter of resources and reimagining how one communicates with the world. Their influence on education today is twofold. For one, they helped establish educational institutions for the deaf and blind and attacked the social taboos attached to impairments of the senses. Secondly, they showed that learning and teaching is only as limited as the method. If you are open to the needs of the students and finding a way to facilitate communication and understanding, educational methods are limitless and learning abilities unfixed.

Resources

• Anne Sullivan Macy. 2013. Encyclopaedia Britannica website. Available from: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/355531/Anne-Sullivan-Macy [Accessed 10 Feb 2014]
• Gardner, Howard. 2006. Multiple Intelligences: New Horizons. Basic Books.
• Helen Keller. 2013. Encyclopaedia Britannica website. Available from: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/314352/Helen-Keller [Accessed 11 Feb 2014]
• Nielsen, Kim E. 2009. Beyond the Miracle Worker: The Remarkable Life of Anne Sullivan Macy and Her Extraordinary Friendship with Helen Keller. Beacon Press: Boston, MA, USA.

 This entry was posted in Rethinking education on 17. February 2014 by iversity.

Teachers Matter

Today, The 6th of May marks the Teachers Appreciation Day. The question is at the pace of educational "reforms", technology inclusion and all, do teachers matter?
It seems common sense that teachers matter, even if it's not easy being a teacher today.

Teacher quality is the single most important factor in student learning within a school’s power to influence.

According to Angela Maiers "As the pace of education "reform" heats up, we need to remind ourselves of these two undeniable words:  Teachers matter."

Indeed, teachers matter more now than ever.

9 Things Teachers Do Gladly

1. You do what you are born to do. You do what you are called to do.
2. You do what students need you to do.
3. You make time to touch their hearts every day.
4. You look into students' eyes, and they see in yours that you love them.
5. You serve as the voice of reason, courage and hope.
6. You assure them with your poise and presence that the world is a beautiful place, and that they are beautiful creatures.
7. You tell them that they matter, that they are geniuses, and that the world needs their contribution.
8. You choose your words carefully, so that those words help students envision success, stretch their thinking, and advance independent behaviors and actions. Well-chosen, impactful words will stick with your students the rest of their lives.
9. You TEACH.

Your students need you more than ever. There is nothing that you will allow to get in the way of your changing the lives of your students -- for good.
No, it's not easy being a teacher today, but yes, teachers matter.

Teachers Make the Difference. "Thank God for teachers. Thank God you know what to do. Thank God you do what you do."

ACCEPT

You were born to make an impact. Accept that you matter. Accept that your work and ideas count. Accept your role as agents of change. Use what you have all the way.

ACCELERATE

You have the opportunity to stand for something. Do the people you see each day KNOW they matter to you? Start now. Inspire many.
Imagine the possibilities.

ACT

You don’t need permission to speak up. It's time to act. Ask yourself: What breaks your heart about the world? What are WE going to do about it?
Don’t wait a single moment.

 Get involved  CHOOSE2MATTER