Ollie Bray, Musselburgh Grammar’s depute headteacher, saw off competition from across the continent to scoop top prize at the Microsoft European Innovative Teachers Forum Awards in Vienna.

Ollie Bray, educator chose to educate his students using the same tools they were using but in a different way. For 2 years he has been teaching subjects with games. Brilliant. Using Guitar Hero, a game that teaches rhythm, math and concentration. Its no news flash that music helps kids better their math skills and increases focus. For schools with no music programs this is a great alternative. Bray says,

This is an investment in children, not in computer games. I was pleased the judges realised the idea was not about learning guitar. It’s not expensive to run and children are already experienced in technology.

When we meet our students and our kids on the level to which they are, we connect and they are more likely to listen to what is being placed in front of them. I mean, what kids wants to sit in a classroom six hours a day and be so disconnected that he only dreams and checkout when the bell rings. Kids need to be understood and know that their ideas and interests are valid. If you can utilize tools that will get into kids heads that is the key to learning. 

Most teachers would just use play in schools. This gets teachers using good tools – computer games are very encouraging.
“I only play games that have some educational benefit to them. I was surprised, but absolutely delighted to get this award.
He will now qualify automatically for the Worldwide Innovative Teachers Awards in Brazil, taking place in November 2009.

 Get outside that four-walled box, try something new and different and see the response.