This Old Dog is learning some new tricks...

Leo has been our family dog for 13 years old but circumstances have demanded he find new ways to find his way around recently as a combination of detached retinas and wounds from a cornered cat have meant that he’s lost his sight in both eyes.

Over the last few days - and especially since relieved of his 'cone of shame' - he's slowly found his way around and bumped into less around the house. It’s heartening to see how well he’s adapting to the new reality.

In a neat segue – says this ‘old dog’ - I’m delighted to be able to celebrate my re-accreditation as a MIEE (Microsoft Innovation Education Expert)! Since I rejoined Novatia in 2022 it’s been important to maintain this qualification because how software is used in schools has changed markedly over the last decade and is continuing to do so. (I hope that I'm a bit more clued into my new reality than poor Leo).

Responding to the changing environment, the MIEE application process changes every year with a significant aspect now being engagement with the learning around AI on Microsoft’s excellent self-directed learning platform, Microsoft Learn.

The learning demands for this year’s qualification included:

The learning adds up to 25+ hours and if you’re anything like me you’ll dive down some rabbit holes into the Microsoft Learn wonderland and find some other courses to do on there!

My ‘external’ interests as an MA student, talk presenter, church leader and charity trustee all give me additional opportunities to leverage that learning for maximum effect… and I’ve also been able to utilise my Microsoft experience in those arenas as part of the evidence to support my MIEE application.

Maintaining our skills, understanding and expertise as teachers helps to ensure that our extensive educational work as Novatia consultants is effective. It results in some very grounded practical advice to our main contractor partners during education construction projects as well as the specialist ICT infrastructure knowledge and expertise which is a key element of our offer as a company.