Innovative Connections: Walking Backwards into the Future at MIEE Hui 2024

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Helping organise and attend the Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert (MIEE) Hui 2024 in Auckland was nothing short of extraordinary. Over two days, the conference seamlessly blended technology, culture, and education, creating an unforgettable experience for all participants.

 A Fusion of Technology and Kaupapa Māori

The event kicked off at the Microsoft House, where we witnessed a harmonious weaving of advanced technology and kaupapa Māori. The mihi whakatau, both inspiring and modern, set the perfect tone for the days ahead. Special thanks go to Dan Te Whenua Walker for his incredible korero, which enriched our understanding and appreciation of integrating cultural values in educational technology.

Inspirational Keynotes and Workshops

The line-up of speakers was nothing short of stellar. Each session offered unique insights and practical strategies that we can apply in our educational contexts:

Traci Sietu delivered a powerful keynote and an engaging session on culturally responsive pedagogies, reminding us of the importance of honouring our students' identities in our teaching practices.

Beverley McCormick, an Irish educator, conducted workshops on effective pedagogies that left us with practical tools like Microbits and methods to enhance our teaching.

Bex Rose and Kerryn Annan shared their expertise in leadership, offering valuable perspectives on leading with empathy and innovation.

Steve Crapnell and Kylie Kingdon, our Australian MIEE fellows, impressed us with their workshops on mastery learning and the use of Microsoft Teams to prove pavlova is indeed a New Zealand invention, respectively.

Hugh Meenagh, another esteemed Irish educator, enlightened us on the role of AI in education, opening our eyes to the future possibilities of this technology.

Andrew Murray focused on teacher well-being in his keynote and workshop, reminding us to take care of ourselves as we care for our students by taking time for those long walks and crime fiction novels.

Andrew Wray led an engaging session on esports, highlighting its potential to foster engagement and learning.

Natalie Tubman and David Campton demonstrated their exceptional work with Promethean, showcasing interactive solutions for the classroom and lots of chocolate for the audience.

Danny Bedingfield captivated us with his workshops on AI, presenting practical applications for enhancing our teaching.

Nathan Scott from Cyclone shared his insights on tech in education, emphasizing the need to prioritize pedagogy and student outcomes above all.

Celebrating the Organizers

A heartfelt thank you goes out to my fellow incredible MIEE fellows who worked tirelessly to organize this amazing conference. Ryan Higgins, Luisa Longone, Thane Williams, and Rennatta Thomas, your dedication and hard work behind the scenes made this event possible. Your efforts have truly paid off, and I am immensely grateful.

A Testament to Innovation and Collaboration

The NZ MIEE Hui was a powerful testament to what we can achieve through innovation and collaboration in education. Every attendee left the conference feeling inspired, connected, and empowered, ready to make a positive impact in their educational communities.

In the spirit of our whakatauki "Kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua: ‘I walk backwards into the future with my eyes fixed on my past’", we carry forward the wisdom of our past as we embrace the future of education. Let’s continue to put our students and effective pedagogy at the forefront of our efforts, creating a brighter future for all.

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