For the last seven years, Microsoft E2 | Education Exchange has brought education changemakers together from around the globe. They collaborate on teaching and learning technology, share student solutions and inspiring keynotes, and network with other educators and school leaders. This year, Microsoft set out to share E2 with an even larger global education community by offering the event virtually for the very first time. From Texas to Vietnam to the U.K., we saw some of the education industry’s most innovative leaders come together and experience the adventure of E2.
It’s not too late to learn from these E2 changemakers. With sessions available on demand, everyone has an opportunity to participate in and learn from the 25 thought-provoking professional development sessions. But don’t just take it from us. Hear what three attendees had to say about the experience. Bhavani Kola, a Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) Expert and math teacher in Arlington, Texas; Lâm Thị Thanh Uyên, another MIE Expert and educator in Can Tho City, Vietnam; and Rachel Evans, a Director of Digital Learning & Innovation in Wimbledon, U.K. offered their perspectives on E2’s inspiring keynotes, energizing conversations, and innovative education technology solutions.
On Day 1, educators and school leaders attended a welcome address and keynote on the importance of living the best versions of themselves for their students. For Kola, this message of empowerment rang true.
“Through the MIE program and events like E2, I have the confidence and motivation I need to become a better educator,” she said. “I can empower myself and my community by building connections.” As a first-time attendee, Kola felt immediately welcomed by the “amazing and inspiring” educators and was motivated by their passions.
The excitement built on Day 2, when attendees were able to choose their own professional development paths based on their individual interests, including a whole track for education leaders. This included a wide range of sessions covering everything from social-emotional learning to career development, all led by MIE Experts and Microsoft Showcase School leaders.
Uyên chose to focus on the STEM Professional Development Track, attending sessions such as “Flipping out with Flipgrid in the STEM classroom.” These sessions were particularly valuable for Uyên since her students use Flipgrid regularly for STEM courses. “I thought I knew Flipgrid well until I heard the experts talking about it,” she said. “These sessions taught me to use it in more effective ways.” Uyên plans to share her E2 learnings with her colleagues.
To conclude the three-day adventure, the long-anticipated Tech for Good Challenge winners were announced. Together, we celebrated all the incredible submissions from educators and school leaders who had been working on their projects since November 2020. We recognized this year’s Expert Educator winner, Amani Mohamed Rasmi Farraq from Kuwait’s Ministry of Education, as well as the Showcase School winner, India’s DPS International School led by Rima Singh and Gunjan Tomar. You can view the full list of winners and learn more about their inspiring projects here.
To close the event, guest speakers shared how E2 has energized them and helped them become the changemakers they are today. Evans agreed.
“The helpful thing was that so many of my colleagues were able to join in because the event was online,” said Evans. “It was great to compare notes with our teachers about the sessions they had got the most out of. They’ll be able to share their learning with other colleagues next term as we plan our curriculum for next year.” Evans understood the lasting impact that E2 learnings would have not only on her colleagues who attended the event, but also on her entire school.
Uyên also valued the collaboration and connection she saw at the event. Although she has attended E2 in the past, she said this year’s virtual event was even more “wonderful” due to the ability to meet with other changemakers from different locations. “Teaching is challenging, but it can change the world. And I got so much new energy as an educator, thanks to E2,” she said.
If you were not able to attend E2 this year, there’s still time to experience the magic—from wherever you are in the world! You can access the event playlist, which includes a video recording of every session and keynote speech, here. We hope you find inspiration and excitement as you explore the numerous professional development learning paths, speakers, and outstanding work from the education community.
