A Moment with

Ahmed , was born in Egypt . However , between 1980 and 1990 , he was educated in Kuwait . With over 15 years of experience in education and training , he has held various positions such as ; Head of Department , Principal , and Administrative Director . He is the founder of SchoolGamed , an education change initiative . Ahmed is also the administrator of Resources 4 Educators , which is a Facebook group with more than 1,000 members worldwide .

Ahmed received his M . Ed . in International Education from AIC ( Springfield , MA , USA ). In addition to a B . Sc . from the High Institute for Tourism and Hotels ( Cairo ), he currently holds Postgraduate Diplomas in Education and Islamic Studies , a Cambridge International Diploma in Teaching with ICT and several additional certifications . Ahmed lives in 6 October City , Giza , Egypt . A regular tester of new educational innovations , Ahmed is currently enrolled in a US-based , start-up Executive MBA program . Below Ahmed provides us with some valuable insights into how he keeps his passion for education going every day .

Who was your favourite teacher ? Why ?

My favourite teacher , was my Social Studies teacher , at Abdullah Assalem Secondary School , Mr . Mohammed Hegazy . He was supportive of my learning and other activities outside the classroom . He provided useful advise to me and my colleagues . I considered him to be more than just a teacher , he was more like an older brother .

What inspires you most ?

Macedonian Conductor Von Karajan puts it “ I discovered that my two hands were not enough .” I feel that the work that needs to be done in education is bigger than just me , it will take everyone working together .

Share two major challenges that you faced . How did you overcome them ?

The challenges I face in executing my duties on a daily basis are many . One major challenge I face is that of trying to develop leadership in my school . It is difficult to find and train the right people for each position , as well as delegate responsibilities to them . I encourage them to make decisions , while supporting them remotely , when needed . Another challenge is , providing the educators with the professional development they need , in order to help them become better in their current roles , as well as for their career progression .

What are some key qualities that every leader should possess and why ?

In my opinion , leaders need to be connected to their teams and to the outer community , to be able to influence both circles . They should be able to provide sincere kindness to everyone around them , and make informed and courageous decisions , regardless of the opposition that they may face .

Share the ways in which the work that you are currently doing positively impacts young people .

My colleagues and I , help educators discover their inner hidden skills and meet professional development goals . We help them achieve selfgovernance , which ultimately leads to improving students ’ attainment and progress .

What is one of your proudest achievements to date ?

Introducing the idea of SchoolGamed initiative to schools , is one of my proudest achievements to date . SchoolGamed is an initiative which is seeking to change the K-12 education landscape . The concept of K-12 education has not changed since the Prussians started compulsory education in 1763 . Every enhancement was done within the frame of school and classrooms . No major change of the whole system has been implemented . Therefore , my concept is to use several technologies to change K-12 education . The main technology or device is Microsoft HoloLens , which will be the method of delivering the curriculum . This technology uses computer embedded in glasses to deliver a holographic experience mixed with real life ( Mixed reality ).

Another concept in changing the curriculum , is centered around games which are designed to simulate students , allowing them to advance according to performance and not age , while being automatically positioned by the system into a field which they excel at . I am also working to change the education environment in which teaching and learning typically takes place , the classroom , and replace it with social and green indoor and outdoor spaces , using bean bags , couches , gardens , playgrounds , and lounges . In addition to this , I am also trialling , a new technology called Hypercells , which can be used to automatically create , shape shifting social spaces , that can be programmed to design and create the desired learning environment on its own .

What are three fun activities that you do to relax and take your mind off work ?

In my free time , I promote educational professional development and reform . In addition , I like genealogy , listening to music , reading about history and technology , watching documentaries , and investing in crypto currencies

After The Bell | | Jan - Feb 2018 | 41