UWTSD lecturer awarded ‘Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert (MIEE)’ Teaching and Learning Award

22.06.2021

A UWTSD lecturer selected as a Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) Expert last year has now been awarded a ‘MIEE Teaching and Learning Award’ during this year’s Microsoft Community Celebration ceremony.

Laura Hutchings, Programme Director of the Education Studies programmes at UWTSD, is currently part of the Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert (MIEE) Community which allows her to provide expertise on a range of digital learning approaches that support her students. Each year, through the MIEE programme Microsoft selects innovative educators from across the world to share ideas, try new approaches and learn from each other as a global community dedicated to improving student outcomes through technology.

At the end of every academic year, Microsoft Education UK organises a special event to celebrate the work, effort, and dedication of Microsoft’s Innovative Education Experts. This year’s celebration ceremony was held online where 1250 of UK’s current Innovative Educator Experts were invited to attend.

During the ceremony, Laura secured the Wales MIEE Teaching and Learning Prize which is awarded to an individual that demonstrates excellence in student centred learning, curriculum, and assessment.

Following the ceremony Laura Hutchings, commented:

“我绝对很高兴获得这个奖项。我哈ve thoroughly enjoyed being part of the MIEE community over the past year and have gained so much from the programme. The programme has enhanced my innovative approaches to teaching and learning and has provided me with the opportunity to collaborate with other MIEE Experts in the UK. The programme has truly shaped my teaching practices and students on the Education Studies programmes at UWTSD have been introduced to new technologies and learning tools, I believe that this has enriched their learning experience. I am thankful to be part of such a great community and truly humbled by this award.”

As anMIE Expert,the key focus for Laura is sharing her expertise with her students. Already, Education Studies students can directly access resources and training because of Laura’s work as a MIE expert. Over the last year and during the Covid-19 restrictions, there has been a strong focus on digital learning where it has been essential to create opportunities for students to gain new and innovative ways of learning themselves, as well as having the skills to support other people’s learning. Laura added:

“This programme has helped me to inspire students with creative thinking. All students on the Education Studies programmes at UWTSD are now being encouraged to complete their Microsoft Innovative Educator badges so that they are equipped with the skills and knowledge to become educators of the future.

This year our students participated in the Microsoft Education Exchange event. We have been very fortunate to be provided with this opportunity because it links with the University’s graduate attributes framework and will further strengthen the foundations for future employability for students taking part.”

Laura has also supported the wider lecturing team within the Childhood, Youth and Education Studies team, providing ideas and support to underpin their work with students across a range of subjects. Dr Glenda Tinney, Senior Lecturer, at the University, is one of the academic staff members to benefit from Laura’s expertise. She commented:

“It has been great to have an expert on the team to discuss and try out new ideas and to see examples of what can be done online. Laura has also created new ways of communicating with students alongside traditional methods and it has been great to work with her to trial these new approaches.

Laura’s expertise will be vital moving forward to the new academic year so that students can benefit from a high-quality blend of both face-to-face campus experiences and engaging, interactive, online learning.”

To find out more about UWTSD’s Childhood & Education Studies programmes please visit://www.guaguababy.com/childhood-and-education-studies/

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