MIEE Application process

Each year, as part of the renewal process for MIE Experts, I find it both a challenge and an opportunity for reflection on how far I’ve come in using technology to impact education. This year’s renewal process required some key updates, including completing the AI for Educators Learning Path on Microsoft Learn, which has been incredibly insightful. But beyond the technical requirements, it’s about how we as educators integrate technology into teaching and share that with our colleagues.

Sharing My Learnings With Educators

Over the past year, I’ve taken every opportunity to share my insights, not just as a formality but as part of my passion for educational technology. During Term 2 and Term 3, I conducted professional development (PD) sessions for our school. These weren’t just one-off sessions – I embedded them into the school calendar, creating a structured routine where educators were regularly updated on Microsoft’s latest developments. One of the key focuses was the MIEE program and changes to the login process, ensuring that all staff had the resources and support to get the most out of the Learn courses.

This approach wasn’t just about delivering information but ensuring that educators felt supported, with fortnightly one-hour slots available for any questions or help they needed. By making this a regular part of our professional development, the initiative became an essential part of our school’s approach to EdTech.

Tools I Rely On and Their Value

Microsoft tools have been central to my teaching and collaboration. OneNote is the backbone of lesson organisation, where I create and share resources seamlessly. Whether it’s creating templates or lesson plans, it ensures consistency and ease of use for my colleagues. Teams allows us to collaborate effortlessly, whether that’s between staff or with students. Together, these tools make our workflow efficient and structured. SharePoint, on the other hand, acts as a central repository for all school documents, ensuring that everyone can access the information they need at any time.

These tools aren’t just about efficiency; they’ve created an organised, supportive environment for teaching and learning, where we’re all on the same page – literally.

The “Go-To” Person for OneNote and Collaboration

Over the years, I’ve become the “go-to” person in my school for OneNote and all things collaboration-related. Whether it’s creating professional templates or organising learning resources, I ensure that everything is laid out so any teacher can step in and use the materials. This has saved time and effort across the department, allowing teachers to focus more on teaching rather than admin. Through the courses and webinars I attend, I continually share useful tools and tricks in our Teams channel, keeping the whole department up to date.

One of the most engaging activities I organised was introducing the new Designerapp. After attending an MIEE presentation, I set up a fun competition where staff created avatar characters using the app, turning it into a quiz where we had to guess which avatars represented which staff members. It was a creative way to introduce the tool while fostering community spirit.

Giving Back to the MIEE Community

I take pride in contributing to the wider MIEE community. This year, I joined the Speaker Progress Beta Team, where we explored new beta features within Teams and collaborated on best practices. I’ve also been active in the MIEE Facebook group, answering questions and sharing strategies for increasing staff certifications. One of my main focuses has been encouraging staff to work towards becoming certified as Microsoft Educators and even pushing towards our goal of becoming a Microsoft Showcase School.

My Goals for the Next 12 Months

As I transition to a new role in the Cayman Islands, I’m excited to take on the challenge of adapting and sharing Microsoft tools in my new school environment. I plan to focus on:

  1. Creating and sharing tailored resources for fellow educators, drawing on my new experiences.
  2. Actively participating in feedback sessions and pilot programs, helping to shape the future of EdTech tools.
  3. Collaborating globally through blogs and social media, ensuring that the lessons I learn can benefit others in the MIE community.

Using Generative AI in My Work

This past year, I’ve embraced AI tools in my teaching, from report writing to content creation. Inspired by Patrick Fitzpatrick’s keynote on AI in the classroom, I experimented with tools like Conker for quiz creation, Murf.ai for music generation, and Blackbox.ai to explain code for my computer science students. These tools have revolutionised how I create content and engage students. By providing tutorials and hosting drop-in sessions, I’ve empowered my colleagues to do the same.

Main Takeaway

The MIE Expert renewal process is not just about ticking boxes; it’s about reflecting on the journey and planning ahead. My experiences this year have been about sharing knowledge, collaborating with colleagues, and pushing boundaries with new tools like AI. If you’re applying to renew your MIEE status, remember: your journey will be unique, and your success lies in how you integrate these tools into your teaching, not in following someone else’s path.

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