Every teacher knows how frustrating it is to teach at the front of the room, tethered to the computer without ability to move around freely. Sometimes you need to walk around the room and help students, without having the lesson come to a complete stop. Not any more, at least not for me! My FREE new Surface Pro4 is here to rescue me! |
Yes, I did say FREE. In December I submitted my application to become part of the 2016 MIE Surface program. The purpose of the program is to learn and share how the Surface and digital inking can evolve the teaching and classroom experience at Cougar Ridge Elementary. In early March I received the news that my application was approved
Microsoft in education has sent me this great letter:
On Friday, February 5, 2016 3:42 AM,
Surface Team <[email protected]> wrote:
“Dear 2016 MIE Surface Expert:
Yes, you read that correctly. You have been selected for the 2016 MIE Surface Experts program. Congratulations! We are excited to have you join us this year.
As a MIE Surface Expert, all we ask is that you engage with us to learn about Surface, as well as the programs and applications that support teaching and digital inking in the classroom. And, that you share what you learn with other teachers, your students, and your institution’s administrators. In return, here are some of the things you will enjoy:
· Recognition on the Microsoft Educator Community site when you add the NEW MIE Surface Expert badge to your profile
o Simply follow the directions in the attached PDF file to create a profile on MEC, and then download your MIE Surface Expert badge.
o When you get to the screen asking for a “Promotion code” enter MIE6102Surface011116
· MIE Surface Expert Connection Calls – These monthly calls are where you can join your fellow Surface Experts to learn and share. Each Connection Call is held twice to accommodate time zone differences. To select the upcoming meetings you would like to attend, follow these steps:
o Go to the Connection Calls registration site
o Click on all the Events you would like to attend
o Click the “Register” button, which is located at the bottom of the registration page
o Enter your name, email address, country, and then click “Submit”
o You will now receive email reminders prior to each meeting for any Events you selected
o NOTE: All Connection Calls are recorded. To view an on-demand recordings follow the same steps noted above to register for Events – even if they have already happened – and then you will see a “View Event” button. Sign up today so you do not miss any of the great information shared!
· Surface samples – Our goal is to keep you up-to-date on the newest Surface equipment so you can try it, give us feedback, and share the products with your fellow educators – on social media and in person. We are excited to be providing all 2016 MIE Surface Experts with a Surface Pro 4, which we plan to have delivered to you in April.
o A requirement of providing Surface equipment is getting a signed “gifting letter” from your educational institution. Look for an email in the next few weeks from your Microsoft Education Lead that will include the document that needs to be signed before anything can be sent to you.
· Surface Expert Education Kit – To support your efforts sharing Surface with your fellow teachers and students, we will provide you materials throughout the year to use in the classroom and during training sessions you host. To get you started we will be sending you a kit that includes print materials like posters and flyers. Other information you are welcome to share is posted on the Surface for Education share.
· Social media hashtag – As you share Surface information on social media, please make it easy to find by using #SurfaceEDU.
Some other things we hope to provide soon include Surface training videos and a MIE Surface Expert community site where you can chat with other Surface Experts from around the world.
On Friday, February 5, 2016 3:42 AM,
Surface Team <[email protected]> wrote:
“Dear 2016 MIE Surface Expert:
Yes, you read that correctly. You have been selected for the 2016 MIE Surface Experts program. Congratulations! We are excited to have you join us this year.
As a MIE Surface Expert, all we ask is that you engage with us to learn about Surface, as well as the programs and applications that support teaching and digital inking in the classroom. And, that you share what you learn with other teachers, your students, and your institution’s administrators. In return, here are some of the things you will enjoy:
· Recognition on the Microsoft Educator Community site when you add the NEW MIE Surface Expert badge to your profile
o Simply follow the directions in the attached PDF file to create a profile on MEC, and then download your MIE Surface Expert badge.
o When you get to the screen asking for a “Promotion code” enter MIE6102Surface011116
· MIE Surface Expert Connection Calls – These monthly calls are where you can join your fellow Surface Experts to learn and share. Each Connection Call is held twice to accommodate time zone differences. To select the upcoming meetings you would like to attend, follow these steps:
o Go to the Connection Calls registration site
o Click on all the Events you would like to attend
o Click the “Register” button, which is located at the bottom of the registration page
o Enter your name, email address, country, and then click “Submit”
o You will now receive email reminders prior to each meeting for any Events you selected
o NOTE: All Connection Calls are recorded. To view an on-demand recordings follow the same steps noted above to register for Events – even if they have already happened – and then you will see a “View Event” button. Sign up today so you do not miss any of the great information shared!
· Surface samples – Our goal is to keep you up-to-date on the newest Surface equipment so you can try it, give us feedback, and share the products with your fellow educators – on social media and in person. We are excited to be providing all 2016 MIE Surface Experts with a Surface Pro 4, which we plan to have delivered to you in April.
o A requirement of providing Surface equipment is getting a signed “gifting letter” from your educational institution. Look for an email in the next few weeks from your Microsoft Education Lead that will include the document that needs to be signed before anything can be sent to you.
· Surface Expert Education Kit – To support your efforts sharing Surface with your fellow teachers and students, we will provide you materials throughout the year to use in the classroom and during training sessions you host. To get you started we will be sending you a kit that includes print materials like posters and flyers. Other information you are welcome to share is posted on the Surface for Education share.
· Social media hashtag – As you share Surface information on social media, please make it easy to find by using #SurfaceEDU.
Some other things we hope to provide soon include Surface training videos and a MIE Surface Expert community site where you can chat with other Surface Experts from around the world.
What’s in there for me? So besides I got another „badge“ for my Microsoft education profile, there are monthly Surface Expert Calls, where some pro’s from all around the world show their use and hacks for working with the Surface. I have already been invited to one of these calls These truly inspiring online meetings are very useful and give you the power to make the most out of your Surface. Second – and I have to admit, this is the most cool thing – I will be provided with a brand new Surface Pro 4 shipping in April! BOOM! I will get my hands onto a brand new Surface Pro 4! Wow, I can not believe this! |
The last week was the most exciting week for me. I received my certificate as official trainer and my signature as 2016 MIE master trainer. I received Microsoft gift after I had been selected as 2016 MIE Surface expert. It is the new Microsoft device Surface Pro 4. The surface pro device is the magical device of digital ink and class management. It is the ideal device for 1:1 learning and for developing the 21th century skills.
I have to say, “Thank you for my school supporting and the ministry of education and high education supporting.”
“To be the best you have to make your surroundings the best or you have to be in the best surroundings.”
I am so lucky to be a member of my innovative school staff.
Microsoft is our learning partner. “Thank you, Microsoft.” “Thank you, Microsoft Surface team.” “Thank you, Microsoft Gulf.”
I have to say, “Thank you for my school supporting and the ministry of education and high education supporting.”
“To be the best you have to make your surroundings the best or you have to be in the best surroundings.”
I am so lucky to be a member of my innovative school staff.
Microsoft is our learning partner. “Thank you, Microsoft.” “Thank you, Microsoft Surface team.” “Thank you, Microsoft Gulf.”