Microsoft Global Learning COnnection 2019

Tradition. That’s what Skype-a-thon or its newest moniker the Microsoft Global Learning Connection (MGCL) has become at our school. What can appear as a superficial international Kahoot game about pop culture, is indeed an event that inspires a sense of school pride, belonging and even strength. Our girls finished first and second last year in the Kahoot World Cup event and wished to defend their title this year during the Global Learning Connection. They not only recaptured their international title but three friends joined them in completely winning the leaderboard for Canada. Sure it was pop culture as a topic, but when you get every single question correct and quickly do so, well, that’s intelligence and confidence displayed in a pressure situation. The five winning girls are right to be proud.

It is our mission however to use the annual Microsoft Global Learning Connection is a much deeper way than just games. As Canadian Remembrance Day approached we decided it would be ideal to have a chat between Canadian students and students in the Netherlands. The Dutch and Canadian societies have been forever bound together since World War 2 and with our day to remember coming we wanted to solidify the meaningfulness for our students. Microsoft Innovative Expert Jorne from the Netherlands aided us by having his students present Dutch culture and then ask our students questions about Canada. Despite the age difference in the two groups of students all of the students left the connection feeling better about our relationship and more informed about the other nation. 

The timing of the MGLC this year was perfect and we are already thinking of what we could do next year (outside of defending our global Kahoot crown) to empower students further through global outreach. Thanks Microsoft for organizing such an event.