BackPackLIVE! empowers teachers to make a difference, and acknowledges the efforts of those who do. The fourth area of BackPackLIVE! will recognise and propagate good ICT practices among our teachers.

The MOE-Microsoft Professional Development Award (MMPDA) recognises and rewards teachers who make outstanding, effective and innovative use of ICT to support engaged learning. Over five years, MMPDA has attracted 326 entries from 218 schools, with 25 teachers emerging as award winners. These award winners went on to represent Singapore at worldwide and regional ICT forums, winning a further eight awards. The experience gave the teachers the opportunity to expand their professional practice and explore the educational potential of emerging technologies as they interacted with professionals from all over the world.

An “Innovative Teachers Award”, which comes under Microsoft’s Professional Development Award initiative, will also be introduced to recognise teachers’ efforts in areas such as “Content Creation”, “Innovation in Community” and “Innovation in Collaboration.

Through these initiatives, BackPackLIVE! will provide teachers with opportunities to participate and showcase their good practices in the use of ICT at international and regional platforms. Singapore schools and teachers will be able to showcase ICT-related pedagogical practices to a wider audience at educational technology conferences.