“I have had to convince skeptics in my region and beyond that technology is a necessary requirement and it is the key to increasing the quality of teaching,” says Satki Ismaili. “The quality of education in our region is improving rapidly and is oriented towards contemporary trends in education.”
In fact, Ismaili – a math teacher – and his school were among the first in Macedonia to take part in a USAID/PEP project focused on Improving Mathematics and Science Education. All teachers of mathematics and science subjects in Albanian and Macedonian languages in the school took part in training programs. Ismaili in particular took his role as innovator to heart, and became a trainer himself. He has led over 50 seminars, training over 1200 teachers in 21st century mathematics skills, computer applications and other projects. Ismaili has won numerous awards, including the Microsoft Partners in Learning Innovative Teacher of the Year Award in his region. “Undoubtedly most memorable for me was winning the first ever ‘Microsoft Partners in Learning Forum’ prize in Macedonia in 2009, then participating in the European Forum in Berlin in 2010.”
Here, Ismaili shares his views on how ICT has transformed his school, and the lives of his students.
What has changed in your school (or area of influence) as a result of your efforts?
My ambitions for modern teaching with ICT integration have motivated me to make changes in my school, both as a teacher and as a school principal, leading to creating spaces where students can acquire proficiencies and life skills to be able to compete in today’s work force.
How can other educators facing similar challenges implement what you’ve learned through this project?
The most convenient way to achieve what I have managed to do during my experience as a teacher is to permanently track the experiences of other teachers from different countries. Today, thanks to the “Partners in Learning Forum” and continuous technology, our job has become easier and more creative. Additionally, various teaching applications such as Microsoft Learning Suite enable us to more efficiently achieve the goals of our students.
What conditions must change in your country to better support education?
Curriculum change, with priority given to the integration of technology as well as the development of students’ life skills and competencies to meet the demands of the labor market.
What is the best opportunity for innovation in education?
* Teaching where the student is central to the activities while the teacher is a motivational observer and facilitator for activities.
* The use of technology must be a priority for creative teaching.
* Schools must be open to all those who can positively contribute to the educational process.
* Sharing good school practices is essential.
What advice would you give a new teacher (or to anyone wanting to make a difference in education)?
* Love your students and always be honest with them.
* Conduct creative teaching by using technology to meet the requirements for teaching the children of the 21st century.
* Follow the creativity of all experienced teachers and always share your creative experiences with other teachers.
* Be patient. Through consistent work and cooperation, the positive results are inevitable.
If you could give one educational tool to every child in the world, what would it be?
Undoubtely, the iPad.
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About Satki Ismaili
Satki Ismaili has been a mathematics teacher for more than 30 years. He uses information technology to offer students the opportunity to embrace the science of mathematics in an easier and more creative way, by engaging high-tech and researching opportunities based on cognitive claims. Ismaili has conducted numerous training programs globally, emphasizing the implementation of ICT in teaching.
Birthplace: Tetovo, R. Macedonia
Education: Faculty of Mathematics- Kliment Ohridski University-Skopje & Faculty of IT Engineering – State University of Tetovo-Tetovo,
Websites I check every day: 1. Partners in Learning Network 2. Facebook 3. Teachers TV, etc.
Person who inspires me most: The person who constantly inspires me is my daughter Dina. She keeps telling me: “Father you can do this, I have faith in you because you have the heart of a mathematician and memory of a computer.”
Favorite childhood memory: -If you carry your childhood with you, you never
become older. - (Tom Stoppard) At the age of 13, I participated in regional mathematics competitions and acquired first prize, and won a calculator as a gift. This gift was my favorite tool for a long time, and helped me open new horizons in my love of mathematics and technology.
Next travel destination (work or pleasure): Wilson School-Tirana in Albania
Favorite book: One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Favorite music: Rock ballads
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