A TRAFFORD College lecturer has been recognised as somebody who can teach his students how to transform the lives of other through on-line technology.

Michael Woods, a lecturer and lead internal verifier for science based at the college’s STEM campus at Talbot Road, joins a select band of educators from around the UK after being recognised as a Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) expert.

Each year, the computing giant selects innovative educators who are creatively using technology to help students achieve more and succeed in a digital world, share ideas, try new approaches and learn from each other as a global community dedicated to improving student outcomes through technology.

The new status means Mr Woods can build on the capacity for using technology in both the classroom and curriculum, in turn to improve learning outcomes for his students, advise peers on how to integrate technology in ways that are effective for teaching, and to act as an advocate at conferences, events and training for how Microsoft technology could improve learning.

Mr Woods said: “I have been working with cloud-based Microsoft products for about four years and I am delighted to have been selected as an expert.

“The recent opening of the Microsoft Imagine Academy demonstrated that digital skills have been put at the heart of the college.

“In terms of teaching and learning, we are now embarking on our blended learning strategy, which includes Office 365 as a significant component.

“As a senior practitioner, I can offer CPD sessions as well as advice on the use of Office 365.”

To be considered for the MIE Expert program, Michael had to submit a two-minute presentation to be assessed by Microsoft UK.

In his presentation he had to showcase examples of how he had cultivated a strong 21st century teaching and learning environment, incorporated various technologies in innovative ways in the classroom, and how he had impacted on the digital learning of his colleagues.