David Young accepts his award in Lisbon, Portugal
Northern Ireland teacher David Young from Limavady High School has won out over 122 European entries to glean the ‘Cutting Edge Use of Technology’ category at Microsoft’s Partners in Learning European Forum in Lisbon.
In all, 250 educators from around Europe took part in the competition, with 24 people being awarded for their innovative uses of technology in the classroom.
Young’s winning project ‘Ignite Pupil’s Innovation’ was judged the best amongst 81 entries from 41 countries in Western Europe and Central and Eastern Europe.
Entries were judged by an international panel of 30 education experts based on a number of criteria.
According to Microsoft, the shortlisted teachers demonstrated innovative teaching practice through virtual classroom tours and with on-site interviews by judges with each entrant outlining how they teach their students critical 21st-century skills, such as collaboration, critical thinking and social responsibility.
Speaking about his win, Young said he had gained a lot from participating in Microsoft’s programme.
“The exhilarating and exciting week in Lisbon has really pushed me to drive further innovation in my classroom. I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of preparing and presenting my innovative methods of teaching to the judges and leading educators and am delighted to bring home the coveted prize to Limavady High School.”
Now, Young will be representing Europe in the World Competition in Athens in November.
Representing the island of Ireland in world finals
Tom Jackson, Microsoft’s Education and Business Programme manager, said Young’s project was an example of how the use of technology in the classroom can really change and enhance the learning experience for students.
“I am delighted that a teacher from Northern Ireland has been recognised at this hugely competitive event and we look forward to supporting him on the road to Athens where he will represent the island of Ireland at the world competition,” said Jackson.
