Transforming learning and impacting student skills, Microsoft Invites Richard Akoto to Singapore

Mar 16, 2018

Microsoft hosts Richard Akoto at its 2018 Microsoft Global Education Exchange Summit (E2) conference taking place in Singapore.

Richard Akoto

You surely have come across the post or image about a teacher who drew Microsoft Word on a chalkboard. No? Really? Not yet? Okay, let’s catch up. 
Richard Appiah Akoto an ICT junior high school teacher at Betenase Municipal Assembly, Sekyedomase in Kumasi, Ghana shared a post about his challenge teaching the course in his school. This story wouldn’t be any different in other parts of Ghana. But with his passion and love for his students, he decided to do his best. 

Richard Akoto

Richard didn’t think his post would amount to him going viral or getting so much attention he will end up in Singapore. In a conversation with NPR he said he didn’t think it will go that far.

Hey @MicrosoftAfrica, he’s teaching MS Word on a blackboard. Surely you can get him some proper resources. https://t.co/u8N3eXguXS

— Rebecca Enonchong (@africatechie) February 25, 2018

Supporting teachers to enable digital transformation in education is at the core of what we do. We will equip Owura Kwadwo with a device from one of our partners, and access to our MCE program & free professional development resources on https://t.co/dJ6loRUOdg

— Microsoft Africa (@MicrosoftAfrica) February 27, 2018

The post was drawn to Microsoft’s attention and they decided to do something about it. Microsoft promised to equip Richard Akoto also known as Owura Kwadwo, with a device through its local partners. Also giving him access to the Microsoft Certified Educator(MCE) program and other development resources. It is through this MCE program that Microsoft invited Richard to join them at its 2018 Education Exchange conference taking place in Singapore.

BREAKING NEWS:
We’re excited to see Owura Kwadwo Hottish in Singapore attending the Microsoft Global Education Exchange Summit! pic.twitter.com/2msY0msIAQ

— Microsoft Africa (@MicrosoftAfrica) March 13, 2018

Richard Akoto at the 2018 Microsoft Global Education Exchange Summit 

Microsoft’s Education packages and solutions are about empowering every student and educator to achieve more. Doing this with the best of Microsoft tips and resources for education. Last year Microsoft launched new education packages that schools and educators can use to transform learning.

At E2 Microsoft Worldwide Education Vice President, Anthony Salcito, welcomed Richard on Stage to share his story. E2 is a Microsoft event that brings together innovative educators from around the world to collaborate, create and share experiences on how to integrate technology, advance learning, and transform education. 

Anthony said; “when we saw what he did we were inspired, we thought this is amazing. We said this is an MIE (Microsoft Innovative Educator) in action, why don’t we bring this MIE into our community.” 

Speaking to the audience Richard said;

“I never grew up with a computer, I said to myself if i wasn’t able to get the chance to use a computer the students should get a chance. 

We were launching Microsoft Word and per the curricular we have to take them through the steps. I wanted to teach them how to launch Microsoft Word but I had no computer to show them. I had to do my best.

So, I decided to draw what the screen looks like on the blackboard with chalk. I drew the features and labeled them correctly so that they would know what-was-what. Then I drew what you would see on your computer screen after launching Word.”

“I have been doing this every time the lesson I’m teaching demands it. I’ve drawn monitors, system units, keyboards, a mouse, a formatting toolbar, a drawing toolbar, and so on.
The students were okay with that. They are used to me doing everything on the board for them. When I did this, it was nothing new or strange for them.

Something very positive has come out of this and I am very happy. We are no longer going to use the chalkboard again. We will have computers.”

Watch it here.