Filipina teacher honored for innovative teaching

Veering from familiar teaching methods may not be easy in a classroom setting but this teacher perseveres, as she believes in the benefits of trying something new — especially where technology is concerned.

Filipina English teacher Cecilia Estoque from Agusan National High School in Butuan City was recently recognized for her innovative teaching ways when she was awarded Best Representative for the Innovation in Community category during Microsoft Corp.’s Worldwide Innovative Teachers Forum held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

A panel of distinguished education leaders from around the world honored Estoque’s work entitled, "My Personal Encounter with The Little Prince," which demonstrated the innovative use of information and communications technology (ICT) in building a technology-rich community that reaches out beyond the classroom, local and national boundaries.

"When I began using technology in the classroom, many thought it was too unusual. Some just wanted things to stay the way they were," said the 30-year-old Estoque.

"After pursuing ‘The Little Prince’ special project, my students, fellow teachers and I experienced how technology enhances teaching and maximizes the opportunities for learning. We are able to expand our horizons beyond the four walls of the classroom," she added.

Estoque represented the Philippines in the event that was held from Nov. 10 to 11, drawing almost 100 educators from more than 30 countries.

Estoque won in the local Microsoft Innovative Teachers Leadership Awards (ITLA) last year. Through the ITLA, Microsoft Philippines recognized high school teachers who have effectively integrated technology into classroom teaching and learning.

"Cecille is a positive example for teachers who strive to deliver quality education to their students. Microsoft Philippines recognizes the important role of these teachers in developing the minds of the future leaders of our country. We aim to enable these educators to do what they do best, which is honing and guiding Filipino students to become competitive and competent, with the help of technology," said Michelle Casio, academic programs manager of Microsoft Philippines.

"The Little Prince project" was a collaboration between Estoque and Adrian Asis, a teacher from Xavier High School.

The Agusan National High School has a one teacher to 36-students ratio, with a population of 9,000 students and 250 teachers. The school also has one computer laboratory and one speech lab, which students can use only once every quarter.

The Worldwide Innovative Teachers Forum is the culmination of a series of regional education events designed to distinguish and honor outstanding educators who are collaborating and sharing expertise to build educators’ collective knowledge on improving student learning through technology.

Recently, the Philippine Education Roadmap conference was held to gather various education stakeholders from public and private institutions to discuss and pool ideas to respond to the challenges that the education system faces in today’s technology-driven setting.

Supported by Microsoft Philippines, the two-day event was participated in by over 500 delegates.

In addition to this, Potensyal, a Microsoft Philippines’ PiL search for outstanding Department of Education school divisions, was recently concluded with the awarding of technology and training grants to the top three school divisions from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Empowering students and teachers around the world to reach their full potential is a top priority for Microsoft. Through PiL, Microsoft’s global initiative for education with localized programs, educators, students and schools are provided with access to the latest computer technologies and ICT skills development and training.

Speaking at the forum, Gerri Elliott, corporate vice president of Microsoft’s Worldwide Public Sector organization, stressed the importance of offering technology tools and skills training to help students and educators succeed and contribute to the growth of strong, vital local economies.

"Microsoft’s vision for 21st-century learning is driven by the passionate belief that the use of technology in education creates dynamic opportunities for students and their families, and teachers and their communities," Elliott said.

"The Innovative Teachers Forums held around the world are one way we can help teachers share their ideas and build on their best practices to advance the use of technology in the classroom," he also said.

Following the Innovative Teachers Forum, the recently opened School of the Future in Philadelphia will be host of the second annual Microsoft Worldwide School of the Future Summit, Nov. 13 to 15.

More than 200 education leaders from 44 countries around the globe who are actively and passionately improving schools by using technology will attend.

For three days, attendees will gain new perspectives, share best practices, learn from known researchers and practitioners, and engage in lively debate on issues affecting education and student learning.

Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Jesli Lapus is part of this year’s Philippine contingent to the Summit.

Since 2002, the Microsoft Innovative Teachers program has connected communities of educators who share a common interest in enhancing teaching and learning through the use of technology. The program provides classroom learning and professional development resources, and recognizes and rewards teachers who demonstrate exemplary use of technology in the classroom, with their peers, and for their own professional development and productivity.

Opened last Sept. 7, the School of the Future is a state-of-the-art working example of this public-private partnership, featuring a progressive and research-based curriculum, integrated technology, and environmentally advanced architecture.