Shenzhen is renowned internationally as China’s hub for technology innovation, and similarly Shen Wai International School is building a reputation for embracing opportunities to innovate, and integrate technology in the education realm. The school recently hosted the latest Nanshan Education Innovation Network (EIN) event, which attracted educators from across Shenzhen, and beyond.

SWIS students from PYP and MYP were ambassadors for innovation, as they took center-stage to showcase the inquiry learning process, which is at the core of an IB school. Students described approaches to learning, demonstrated risk taking and resilience, and highlighted products they had designed, all of which exemplified how integrated design thinking and learning is placing SWIS at the forefront of 21^st Century teaching and learning.

Outstanding student work featured at the event included: pastel and laser-cut portraits, a Minecraft virtual model of SWIS, a drone tutorial web channel, a liquid-3D printed Lego Wall, Kittenbot Interviewer, a GoPro video tour of SWIS and passion projects created in Maya. EIN guests also experienced podcasting, Touchcast, stop motion animation, Nearpod Virtual trips and they recorded Flipgrid video exit slips. Students from maker and design related After School Activities like Vex and First Lego League Robotics, Drone Club, and Scratch Coding demonstrated proficient block programming, assembly, problem solving, collaboration and communication skills.

The event concluded with a presentation by inspirational guest-speaker Helen Leigh Steer, an internationally recognized innovator who provided engaging examples of teaching with new technologies. Teachers, administrators and students alike were fully engaged in a hands-on workshop that introduced the Microbit, and the construction of simple musical instruments.

The team from SWIS Campus TV were on hand to capture the event and apply their creative digital media skills to shine a spotlight on the enriching teaching and learning that is happening at Shen Wai International School.