Global Indian International School Abu Dhabi received ‘Microsoft Showcase School’ status from Microsoft for having demonstrated commitment to embracing technology to transform education and improve learning outcomes for students.

GIIS Abu Dhabi, ever since its inception in September 2015, has been focusing on Total School Transformation to deliver 21st Century Education to its students. We realize that the world in which our students will live and work will be so much different from the one that we see today. Science and Technology are changing our world at an exponential pace! Realizing that change is imminent and rapid, we set out on a journey of Total School Transformation through innovation. If we have to prepare our students to live and succeed in a world that is going to be much different than now, we need to equip them with appropriate skills and attitudes, which is why we adopted the 21st Century Learning Design recommended by Microsoft for school transformation. The design focuses on transforming the way teaching and learning is carried out in the school.

The first step was to take the School Transformation Survey on the Microsoft website. The survey assessed how frequently teachers engage in innovative teaching learning practices in these areas: Student Centered Pedagogy, Extending Learning Beyond the Classroom and ICT used for Teaching and Learning. All teachers responded to the survey. Microsoft provided a detailed report based on the responses given by teachers. The survey results brought out some recommendations for Professional Development for teachers. All teachers are enrolled for appropriate online courses for their Professional Development which in turn will result in improved learning opportunities for students.

Student engagement in learning is a significant contributor for student achievement in education. Keeping this in view, GIIS Abu Dhabi had launched ‘Mouse Mischief’ a highly interactive programe which contributed to enhancing students engagement in learning. Take a look at how GIIS uses cost effective technologies to enhance student engagement.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTXk7OElvkg

Spearheading this initiative is Principal Mr.Ramesh Mudgal who himself is an influential Member of Microsoft Educator Community and is a Certified Microsoft Innovative Educator Trainer. Besides extensive use of Microsoft Office Products, Mr.Mudgal has been associated with their Education Transformation efforts. A lifelong learner, Mr.Mudgal has so far achieved 17 badges, 12 certificates and more than 25000 points on the Microsoft Education website for professional development. Leading by example, he has inspired teachers to take up online and face to face professional development courses so that they help students succeed in a world that will be different and challenging!

Mr.Mudgal was invited to the BETT Conference held at Ducit Thani, Abu Dhabi on 25th and 26th April 2017 and shared his experience on the School Transformation Journey at the Leadership Summit Organized by Microsoft. School leaders from the various countries in the Middle East took part in this summit. GIIS Abu Dhabi and Mr.Mudgal’s efforts in transforming Education were appreciated by Mr.Antony Salcito, Vice President – Worldwide Education, Microsoft, USA.

As a 21st Century school, GIIS Abu Dhabi is committed to leading transformation efforts for improving student learning outcome. We wish to congratulate Team GIIS Abu Dahbi for this remarkable achievement and thank all the parents for their ever ready support! We promise to continue the journey of transformation and will achieve many more milestones!