A few years back, Microsoft began a new initiative specifically aimed at transforming K-12 education across the world. Dubbed Showcase School, this program provides numerous benefits to schools that are a part of it, including resources from Microsoft's Educator Community.
This year, 290 new schools have been announced as the Showcase School's "Class of 2018-19" by Microsoft. Along with that, 61 of the most innovative educators, known as School Leaders, have been paid special recognition as well.
The selection this year features schools that have demonstrated diverse practices and much better results from students. Moreover, Microsoft solutions such as a Teams-powered online community available exclusively to School Leaders, Skype in the Classroom, the Microsoft Educator Community, and even classrooms using Minecraft have been employed by these schools in order to further student outcomes. Leadership, modern teaching and learning, inclusivity, and innovative thinking are regarded by Microsoft as the hallmarks of those included in this program.
Aside from empowering their educators and students, the following additional uses for Showcase Schools have also been specifically noted by the Redmond giant:
- Provide Microsoft engineers with valuable insights and ideas, in an effort to evolve technology and improve teaching and learning practices based on classroom experience;
- Gain access to professional and career development opportunities and certifications;
- Host regional events showcasing their use of Microsoft solutions
The list for October includes a variety of schools from all over the world. If you're interested in learning more about Showcase Schools or would like to register your school as part of the program, you can do so here.