Educators around the world are invited to participate in Microsoft’s annual two-day Skype-a-Thon, where thousands of students will attempt to travel around 4,8-million virtual kilometers.
On 29 November and 30 November, the event connects classrooms in more than 47 countries to showcase how technology can be used to enhance the learning experience and promote global citizenship.
“In order for today’s students to become the successful innovators, inventors, entrepreneurs and business leaders of tomorrow, they’ll need to be adequately prepared today to employ technology to solve problems and create opportunities for themselves, their future workplace and their communities,” says Keshma Patel, a Grade 6 teacher at Micklefield Primary School for Girls in Cape Town, who herself is a very innovative educator. Patel uses Minecraft in her class to promote creativity, collaboration, and problem solving.
“This event provides an opportunity to demonstrate the possibilities that technology in the classroom provides on particular topics or subjects in collaboration with other parents, educators and experts around the world.”
For this year’s global Skype-a-Thon, educators can choose from thousands of activities including speaking with an expert guest speaker on a topic their class is studying. They can also choose to take their class on a virtual field trip. Educators also connected with classrooms in other countries with #Mystery Skype, a global guessing game that teaches kids geography, promotes cultural understanding and broadens perspectives.
“This Skype-a-Thon event is a major opportunity for our local educators and students to present their innovative ideas on a global stage and exchange learnings and practices with teachers and education experts from all over the world,” says Angela Schaerer, teacher engagement manager at Microsoft South Africa.
“Innovative solutions play a big part in boosting a country like South Africa’s capabilities beyond abundant natural resources and a youthful population. This event will empower teachers to better prepare their students for the workplace or to start their own businesses that will push the country’s economy and innovativeness forward,” Schaerer adds.
