Michael Irabor-Benson

Role Description: Games and Web Development Teacher

Michael Irabor-Benson brings a wealth of expertise and innovation to her role as a Games and Web Development Teacher at the British Creative Institute (BCI). With a deep understanding of the dynamic digital landscape, Michael contributes to post-16 SEND learners’ educational growth by fostering creativity, technical skills, and a passion for technology.

Academic and Professional Expertise

Michael’s games and web development journey is rooted in a solid academic foundation and extensive industry experience. His qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science with a specialization in Interactive Media Development.
• Master’s Degree in Digital Innovation, focusing on integrating gaming technologies in education and commerce.
• Certifications in Advanced Web Design, Game Engine Programming, and UX/UI Design.

His professional trajectory includes roles in leading tech firms, where she spearheaded projects in web development and game design. These experiences gave him practical insights into industry expectations, emerging trends, and cutting-edge technologies.

Role at BCI

At BCI, Michael’s role as a Games and Web Development Teacher encompasses a wide range of educational and developmental tasks. His primary goal is to equip learners with industry-relevant skills, achieved through a variety of responsibilities.

Curriculum Design and Delivery

• Developing and delivering a robust curriculum tailored to the needs of SEND learners and those pursuing games and web development careers.
• Incorporating the latest technologies into lesson plans, such as Unity, Unreal Engine, HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and frameworks like React and Angular.
• Ensuring lessons are aligned with industry standards and promote employability skills.

Innovative Teaching Practices

• Utilizing project-based learning to engage students in real-world scenarios, such as designing games or developing fully functional websites.
• Incorporating gamification techniques to make learning interactive and enjoyable.
• Creating differentiated instruction methods to accommodate various learning styles and abilities, ensuring inclusivity.

Support for SEND Learners

• Developing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) to address SEND students’ specific needs fosters academic and personal growth.
• Collaborating with teaching assistants and support staff to ensure the accessibility of technical content.
• Additional one-on-one support and mentoring will be provided to SEND learners as needed.

Knowledge Transfer and Professional Growth

Michael leverages his extensive knowledge to inspire students and colleagues alike. Key areas of his knowledge contribution include:

Games Development Expertise

• Demonstrating proficiency in game design principles, including storytelling, character development, and mechanics.
• Teaching programming languages such as C#, Python, and Java is essential for game development.
• Guiding students in creating playable prototypes and testing game functionalities.

Web Development Expertise

• Offering in-depth knowledge of responsive web design, ensuring students can create websites optimized for various devices.
• Teaching backend development technologies, including Node.js and PHP, to provide a comprehensive understanding of web systems.
• Highlight cybersecurity’s importance in web development and equipping students with best practices.

Emerging Technologies

• Introducing learners to AI and machine learning applications in games and web development.
• Exploring the use of AR/VR technologies in interactive media, opening avenues for innovative student projects.
• Discussing blockchain applications in-game economies and web transactions.

Mentorship and Industry Engagement

Beyond classroom teaching, Michael plays a vital role in mentoring students and connecting them with industry opportunities:

• Student Mentorship:
  • Providing career guidance and advice on building portfolios and preparing for interviews.
  • Supporting students in entering competitions, such as game jams or web development hackathons, to showcase their skills.
• Industry Links:
  • Leveraging his professional network to arrange guest lectures, workshops, and internships.
  • Facilitating partnerships with tech firms to offer students real-world experience.

Impact on BCI and Learners

Michael’s contributions significantly enhance BCI’s reputation as a hub for creative excellence. His efforts have led to:

• Improved Learner Outcomes:
  • Students demonstrate higher engagement and skill acquisition, reflected in their project quality and assessment results.
  • SEND learners show notable progress due to his tailored teaching approach.
• Recognition for Innovation:
  • Michael’s integration of emerging technologies has positioned BCI as a forward-thinking institution.
  • His students’ achievements have garnered attention from industry professionals, strengthening BCI’s industry connections.
• Inclusive Education:
  • His dedication to inclusivity ensures that every learner, regardless of ability, has access to quality education and opportunities.

Future Goals and Vision

Michael envisions further advancements in his role at BCI, aiming to:

• Develop specialized modules in AR/VR game design and advanced web frameworks.
• Introduce coding boot camps and intensive workshops for accelerated learning.
• Foster a culture of innovation by encouraging students to pursue research-oriented projects.
• Strengthen ties with industry leaders to create a pipeline for internships and employment.

Conclusion

Michael Irabor-Benson’s Games and Web Development Teacher role at BCI is a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. His profound knowledge of games and web development, combined with his fervour for teaching, inspires learners and elevates the education standards at BCI. Michael is shaping the next generation of creative professionals through his efforts, ensuring they are well-equipped to thrive in the ever-evolving digital landscape.