Featured Teacher
Lisa Finch... Writes the code on
students’ achievement in ICT
them for a future workplace where
computerised skills and mastery will
be important and valuable. However,
students should not be limited to
engaging with code. They must also
interact with emerging technologies
that can work hand-in-hand with
programming - such as 3D Printing,
Robotics, Drones, etc., and do this
safely, as responsible digital citizens.
What are some of the ways
in which you use ICT to help
other educators to improve in
their practice?
Lisa Finch, Director of
Instructional Technology at DESC.
L
isa Finch is the Director of
Technology at Dubai English
Speaking College, where she
also teaches Computing and
ICT. Having lived in several different
countries, she is a keen observer of
the various ways in which people use
technology. As well as being passionate
about educational technology, she
loves to experiment with cooking. She
values spending time with her family in
Dubai.
Why did you become a
teacher?
I was employed in industry prior to
becoming a teacher. My work was,
however, largely unrewarding, and
I realised that training to become a
teacher might offer me a more fulfilling
career path. I had collaborated with
internship programs and students
in London and really enjoyed the
interactions with young people, so I
knew I would enjoy it. At that stage,
I didn't have a suitable degree, so I
pursued a course on a part-time basis
(working during the day and studying
in the evenings). I then completed
my PGCE teaching qualification at St
Martin's College in Lancaster, UK. I
have never looked back or regretted
my decision to switch careers - moving
into education was the best career
choice I could have made. It was life
changing in every way. Despite not
having completed a conventional
journey into teaching, I feel content.
26 | Jan - Feb 2016 |
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Every day is different and having a
positive impact on young people is an
extremely rewarding (and sometimes
humbling) experience. I love what I do.
Who or what inspires you
most?
Tech Fest is an annual, non-profit
celebration of all things technology.
It's not a slick, corporate event. It is
an organic, hands-on, series of flash
learning opportunities. This includes
volunteers
delivering
workshop
sessions to teachers. I believe it is
vital that educators are given the
opportunity to take risks and try to
learn new skills. We should be resilient,
life long learners who lead by example.
I am inspired by students and by
my colleagues. The students never
cease to amaze me, especially
when I discover their hidden
passions. I love to see young people
succeed, perhaps against the odds.
Education should be an empowering
experience. At times, fellow teaching
professionals inspire me, whether
they are musicians, scientists, artists
or sportsmen. At DESC, our teachers
work extremely hard in supporting
the whole community and ensure that
stakeholders are happy and fulfilled.
We are much more than just a series of
different departments. As a team, we
strive to dare, excel, share and create.
Why is it important for children
to learning coding?
Coding is a skill that allows students
to refine their creative problemsolving skills. It can be carried out
and mastered independently or in
collaborative teams. Coding enhances
logical thinking and encourages
students be productive, industrious
individuals who have real-world skills.
It is inventive and unleashes the
imagination. Above all, it is preparing
Class Time
Lisa smiles
brightly against
the backdrop of
an infographic
on coding in her
classroom.