This is a profile of Kathryn Riva (@KathRiva), a Microsoft #MIEExpert15 teacher from South Africa. Kathryn has contributed a post on this blog before namely ‘My First Microsoft Sway and how I got started’. Visit her class blog at http://kidblog.org/MrsRsClass-14/ and her Grade 5 wiki at: https://micklefieldgrade52014.wikispaces.com/ Kathryn’s profile on the Microsoft Educator Network can be found at http://www.pil-network.com/profile/resources/93c9c707-803f-4fac-a53b-bc1e294a0b5e (you will need to (join and) log in first to view this) where you’ll see she has uploaded 13 great activities.
Tell us about yourself and your school
My name is Kathryn Riva and I am a Grade 5 class teacher at Micklefield School in Cape Town. I teach English, Mathematics, Natural Science and Technology, Social Science and Life Skills. I am also in charge of a staff computer up-skilling programme at our school.
Give us some details about your learning activity on the Microsoft Educator Network
I did not have one project that I focused on. Instead I uploaded 13 ideas of how I have infused computer technology into my lessons and assessments, using Microsoft and Web2.0 tools. They can be viewed at: http://www.pil- network.com/profile/resources/93c9c707-803f-4fac-a53b-bc1e294a0b5e. You will need to log in to the Microsoft Educator Network first to view these. If you have not yet joined the Microsoft Educator Network please do – it is an amazing resource for teachers (http://www.pil- network.com).
How you feel about being selected as a 2015 Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert?
It is a great honour to be chosen as a 2015 Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert. It is wonderful how Microsoft acknowledges the teaching profession and the wonderful ideas and creativity teachers bring into their classrooms. I look forward to learning more about and trying out what Microsoft has to offer the world of education. I recently attended the Global Forum in Dubai with three other South African teachers – it was an unforgettable experience and an honour.
What do you love about teaching?
I love that at Micklefield I am given the freedom to use computer technology in my classroom as well as create blended learning tasks. The children find using technology exciting and it teaches them a different way of problem solving and thinking while becoming more confident in using technology. I find that the work that the children produce is of a higher level and I can extend the learners without them feeling any pressures. It is a very exciting era in which to be in the teaching profession.
What you would like to see happening in education?
I would like to see teachers upgrade their computer skills to enable them to keep up with the times and keep the children they teach interested. I would like to see children learning with passion, excitement and computer confidence.
