Empowering Education: My Transformative Experience at Ohrid TechCamp 2023

My Experience at Ohrid TechCamp 2023

Hello everyone, my name is Aleksandra Mitrovska, and I am an English Language Teacher at Petar Pop Arsov Primary School in Skopje, North Macedonia, with 15 years of experience in teaching. I recently had the incredible opportunity to attend the Ohrid TechCamp 2023, a transformative experience that I would like to share with you all.
 

The TechCamp Experience

TechCamp Ohrid 2023 focused on "Combating Disinformation through Education," bringing together educators, media professionals, and tech enthusiasts from various backgrounds. From the moment I arrived, I was immersed in a vibrant atmosphere of learning and collaboration. The camp provided a unique platform for us to exchange ideas, explore new technologies, and develop strategies to combat disinformation—a growing concern in our digital age.

One of the highlights of the camp was the hands-on workshops. These sessions were not only informative but also highly engaging. We delved into various topics, such as media bias, fact-checking techniques, and the ethical implications of journalism. The practical activities, including creating multimedia projects and digital storytelling, were particularly beneficial. They allowed us to apply what we learned in real-world scenarios, enhancing our understanding and skills.
 

Advice for Future TechCamp Participants

For anyone considering attending a TechCamp, I highly encourage you to apply. Here are a few tips based on my experience:
1. Be open-minded: Embrace the opportunity to learn from others. The diverse perspectives and expertise at TechCamp are invaluable.
2. Engage actively: Participate in discussions, workshops, and group activities. The more you engage, the more you will gain from the experience.
3. Network: Connect with fellow participants, trainers, and facilitators. These connections can lead to future collaborations and projects.
4. Follow up: After the camp, stay in touch with the network you have built. Share your progress and continue to exchange ideas.
 

My Follow-On Project

After successfully completing the TechCamp, I joined a team of teachers from five primary schools in North Macedonia to implement the project "Developing and Testing a Media Literacy Curriculum." Supported by a grant, this initiative was carried out by the Center for Innovation and Digital Education, the United States Embassy in North Macedonia, and the TechCamp team from the U.S. State Department.

The participating schools included:

- Petar Pop Arsov Elementary School - Karposh, Skopje
- Blaze Koneski Elementary School - Prilep
- Hristijan Todorovski Karposh Elementary School - Rankovce, Kriva Palanka
- Dimitar Miladinov Elementary School - Centar, Skopje
- Marko Cepenkov Elementary School - Zelenikovo, Skopje

The media literacy program aimed to enhance students' critical thinking and analysis skills concerning media content. It focused on understanding media bias, persuasion techniques, and the ethical aspects of media production. Students learned to recognize and verify facts, understand the influence of media on public opinion and politics, and express themselves creatively through digital storytelling.
 

Impact and Outcomes

Implementing the media literacy program had a profound impact on both the students and teachers involved. The practical activities, such as creating videos and podcasts, allowed students to apply their knowledge in real scenarios, fostering a deeper understanding of media literacy. Debates and discussions on topics like freedom of expression and responsible media use encouraged critical thinking and active participation.

One significant outcome was the creation of a website, www.nasmedium.edu.mk, where we posted resources and best practices for implementing the program in primary schools. This platform became a valuable resource for educators seeking to enhance media literacy in their classrooms.
 

Future Collaborations

Thanks to the connections made at TechCamp, I had the opportunity to be part of the Winter 2024 OPEN courses, specifically the course "Teaching for the Future: English Teaching to Take on Climate Change," delivered by Kansas State University. This opportunity came through the recommendation of Ms. Borka Taneska from the U.S. Embassy in Skopje, for which I am immensely grateful.

The purpose of this online course was for participants to learn about, discuss, and create English Language Teaching (ELT) materials that could be used in the classroom to help prepare students for the future. Participants examined documents about climate change and the environment and evaluated their usefulness in their own teaching contexts. We then prepared to share what we learned in the course with colleagues through conference presentations, workshops within our schools, or discussions with others within our contexts. I successfully completed this course, which has further enriched my teaching repertoire and enabled me to bring critical environmental issues into my classroom.
 

Greatest Lessons Learned

The greatest lesson I learned during TechCamp was the importance of collaboration and continuous learning. The camp emphasized that combating disinformation requires collective effort and ongoing education. It also highlighted the need to adapt to new technologies and approaches in teaching.
 

Expanding Global Connectivity

Being part of the TechCamp alumni network has expanded my sense of global connectivity. It has opened doors to international collaborations and provided access to a wealth of knowledge and resources. The network's support and encouragement have been instrumental in the successful implementation of our follow-on project.
 

Conclusion

Attending Ohrid TechCamp 2023 was a transformative experience that has significantly impacted my career and my approach to teaching. It reinforced the importance of media literacy in education and provided me with the tools and knowledge to make a difference. I encourage all educators and tech enthusiasts to seize the opportunity to attend a TechCamp. It is an experience that will inspire you, broaden your horizons, and empower you to effect positive change in your community.

Thank you for reading, and I look forward to connecting with you through the TechCamp community!

Warm regards,
Aleksandra Mitrovska