Scottish teacher wins award for pioneering work using computer games

Ollie Bray, depute headteacher of Musselbrough Grammar School, East Lothian, took first place in the Innovation in Community section for his presentation of 'Thinking out of the XBOX' at the Innovative Teachers Forum 2009 in Vienna. He is currently on secondment to Learning and Teaching Scotland as a National Adviser for Emerging Technologies in Learning.

The Scotsman reports that Mr Bray was the only Scottish entry for this sixth Microsoft European Innovative Teachers Forum Awards. He had never used computer games until two years ago. Now he regularly uses them to find new and innovative ways of teaching.

His work with the music game Guitar Hero will be rolled out across East Lothian schools within weeks and other schools, from Shetland to London, and from Hong Kong to Australia, are interested in the project. Mr Bray devised a three-step process of 'learning, social interaction and reflection and moving on' as children change.

The Scotsman article: Teacher who inspires pupils with rock 'n' roll wins top award

Merlin John's blog: Ollie Bray takes gaming to international stage

Ollie Bray's blog: Microsoft 2009 European Innovative Teachers Forum