Notes

Like those who Struggle with Language Barriers

Article content Joseph Filiplic changed the way he taught during the pandemic. He's not changing it back.



Article content After COVID-19 was announced and classes were made available in 2020 The Edmonton social studies instructor realized the magnitude of the problem the school was facing. "When everyone was learning online, many also worked from home. I noticed that many of my students were taking on additional roles at home. They were taking on the role as babysitters for their younger siblings and more," he says of his J.J. Bowlen Catholic Junior High pupils. "I needed to make sure that I was communicating with my students, who were now being pulled in different directions and doing something that was completely new to them."



The answer? Filiplic calls it an "flipped lesson style" that uses a lot of Microsoft tools for education like OneNote, OneNote, and Teams video-conferencing platforms. "I would record all my lessons and put them onto YouTube, then I would integrate them into Teams and OneNote," says Filiplic. From there, the course materials and assignments were accessible on almost every device.



He hoped that his pupils would be able to weather the epidemic without suffering. They did more than just survive, and they did so to his delight. The kids who had succeeded in a traditional school environment continued to succeed. However, now he was able to reach students who learn differently as well. Like those struggling with learning disabilities, language barriers and even shyness.



"I was aware at that point that I wouldn't be able to return to the old method of stand-and-deliver. It's going to be more interactive from now on. He claims it needs to be more co-operative. The digital tools were able of working after the classes in person were resumed. Filiplic continues to record his lessons in video which allows students to respond to him using Flipgrid. Students can also contact Filiplic or text him through Teams whenever they want. It's a lot like a modern workplace, with fluid hours and self-motivated employees. "My students aren't stuck within the four walls any longer," says Filiplic. They understand that the teaching does not stop when the bell rings. It has broken down a lot of barriers.



Article content From the start, it made sense to use Microsoft the gold standard for working in the world according to Filiplic. "I thought, okay I'm teaching social studies but am I just teaching one subject or am I teaching my students how to become better citizens in society? And what is going to be the outcome when they reach a certain age? Everything was pointed towards Microsoft," he says.



As an organization, Microsoft has been laser-focused on the educational market as well - especially with the release of Windows SE, a cloud-based version of its renowned operating software. The new operating system will be available on budget-friendly tablets and laptops from Acer, Asus and Dell and Microsoft directly under the Surface brand.



Paige Johnson, Microsoft vice president of education marketing she states that Windows SE has purpose-built features that will aid students from kindergarten to eight in the ways we've heard students asking for. The new interface minimizes visual distractions, for instance and puts inclusive, flexible learning tools front and centre. These include Microsoft Teams, OneNote, and features like Reading Progress, which is an AI tool that lets teachers remotely assess student fluency - and Immersive Reader which is a dynamic reading comprehension tool and learning tool that makes text easily accessible for learners of all ages.



"Reading Progress is fantastic for helping teachers focus their teaching time on areas that require it," says Johnson. "If I notice that my children do not pronounce the word 'physical' I may realize that I'm not speaking it loud enough or that I require more reading samples that contain that word.



Article content The company also offers free Microsoft 365 for students that includes Flipgrid and an educational edition of Minecraft, the popular world-building video game.



For Filiplic his new releases, they will surely open new doors in a field that's rife with opportunity for students, teachers and even parents - who can now follow along with their children's progress like never before. His YouTube videos have been a hit with teachers across Canada also and he's been helping others flip the script on the lecture model.



He says, "I'm in 17 years of teaching and I feel like a first year teacher again." all about minecraft servers and minecraft in general "I'm extremely grateful that I've discovered these tools, because I know I'm reaching my students more effectively than ever before. I can't go back. I'm not going back."



This story was created by Content Works, Postmedia's commercial content division on behalf of Microsoft.



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