Partners in Learning – Global Forum 2012

Two months ago today, I embarked on an what has turned out to be an experience of a lifetime.  I traveled to Washington DC to cover the  2011 Partners in Learning Global Forum live on Twitter. (You can check out that Twitter stream here.)

To get a sense of the essence and energy of the week, take a moment look at this short video and browse through the event photostream which beautifully portrays the fascinating projects, engaged collaboration, and transformative learning that happened when 700+ teachers, school leaders, education and government officials from more than 70 countries come together to share their vision of what’s possible in education.

My friend, Johnny Kissko , 2011 award recipient, said it beautifully in his reflective post here:

“I am most in awe of the sincerely passionate people at this event and their vision on how to develop lifelong learners and relationships of significance, both in the classroom and beyond.”

These feelings were validated and resonated loud and clear when Anthony Salcito, Vice President for Microsoft Education, addressed the crowd:

At Microsoft, we believe that education can change the world. We recognize that teachers play a direct role in education and influencing the lives of students. Each year, millions of teachers contribute to the learning and development of students across the U.S. They instill life lessons that live on well after education is complete.  Teachers have the ability to build communities. I know…I’ve seen it happen.

Here were my first tweets of the opening keynote address:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was both impressive and exciting to see hard working educators get the recognition they deserved, not only during the Awards Ceremony, but throughout the week. No detail was left to chance and no teacher was left behind thinking: Does the work I do matter? 

I am thrilled that I had a chance to sit down with Anthony during the event (and yes give him that hug!) and he shared with me his vision for continuing to ensure that this message of  YOU MATTER reached teachers everywhere.

Through his new blog, Daily Edventures will be sharing the  stories of “everyday heroes” in education worldwide. Each day he will include an interview and information on how these brave leaders are making meaningful changes in their community to ensure a brighter future for the next generation through education.

 

 

Microsoft’s commitment to supporting, recognizing and inspiring educations around the world, left excited and energized about the future. If you are not a member of the Partners in Learning Community already, sign up today!

Just this week, Microsoft launched the revamped Partners in Learning Network, a worldwide collaborative network and resource designed to encourage the communication and sharing between the world’s brightest and forward-thinking educators. You will be amazed at the resources you will find.

You can read more about the updates to the New Network and recent developments in 21st Century Skills research here and at EMEA Press Centre.

Thank you Microsoft for a wonderful and invigorating expereince, and thank you to my college and “tweet crew” Alfred Thomason, Doug Peterson, Lee Kolbert, Olie Bray, and Johnny Kissko for making the week even more special.

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