THE global software giant,  Microsoft has announced the winners of its annual Microsoft Partners in Learning Middle East and Africa forum, an event that recognises innovative teachers who creatively and effectively use technology in their curriculum to help improve the way students learn.

This year’s winners included John Osigbemhe of Government Secondary School Garki, Abuja, Nigeria who won in the “Extending Learning Outside the Classroom” category, and Saeed Hakeem of Armed Forces Senior High Technical School, Kumasi, Ghana who won in the “Knowledge Building” category.  The winners is expected to  join two other winners from Mauritius to represent Microsoft West East Central Africa/ Indian Ocean Islands at the Partners in Learning Global Forum in Washington DC, USA on 6th November 2011.

Speaking shortly after the announcement,  the  excited John Osigbemhe said, “This win means so much to me!  With the standard of work showcased by other competitors, I initially was intimidated.  I am happy I did not disappoint my students and my country.”

While thanking Microsoft, he said, “The forum afforded me the opportunity to network with other educators as well as learn new things in technology which I hope to pass on to my students.”

John’s project showcased his students’ work on technology and religion.  It involved the use of Microsoft multimedia tools like Movie maker and Photostory to make a video which theme centred on religious tolerance.  With the video, the students sought to change the perception of other people about another religion other than theirs.