MJ Raatz

Forest Lake SHS (QLD)

In Empowering Educators, inspiring Aussie teachers share how they build and nurture entrepreneurial mindsets in their classrooms. Here we ask MJ Raatz, Head of Digital Technologies & Business at Forest Lake SHS about his inspiration and how he creates creating authentic and connected learning experiences.

Q1. Can you give us three words (or phrases) that describe your life as an educator? 

Fun, Innovation, Life-Long-Learner. 

Q2: What’s one of the best learning experiences you’ve ever delivered?

Currently we are delivering Esports for the very first time. It’s an amazing new opportunity for our entrepreneurial students and is worth billions!

Mapped directly to the Australian Curriculum Digital Technologies, this innovative new subject has students building computers and networks, casting (broadcasting / commentating), and training to become professional gamers.

For those interested in getting started, check out PC Building Simulator on GOG here – this will blow your mind and make learning more fun.

My focus is always on FUN for students. Fun = intrinsic motivation for your learners!

There’s lots more to learn – teachers that want to find out more on Esports can visit our Facebook Page here. 

The beauty of Esports is that we also mapped it to achievement standards across Health, Physical Education, and Business / Economics. We’re sure there are plenty more areas we could have mapped, but it’s a great way to use your imagination!

Q3: What’s one book, website or podcast you’d recommend to educators keen to build the entrepreneurial mindsets of their students?

I use Blinkist –  – this is a great and very useful little tool to gain a whole heap of information on building an entrepreneurial mindset. Check it out. It basically takes a whole book and knocks it down to chapter “Blinks” then if you need more info you can actually get involved in the book.

If you’re asking me who’s my favourite entrepreneur… it just has to be Sara Blakely. We use her materials from MasterClass in our year 11/12 Business program. In particular Sara has done amazing things for women in business and one of my heroes.

As a dad with two awesome adult daughters, these stories are important to inspire our young ladies and in general, all our students.  

Meet this week’s Empowering Educator, MJ Raatz 

MJ is Head of Digital Technologies and Business at Forest Lake State High School in Queensland. In 2021, Forest Lake students will be taking part in Future Anything’s Activate program for the very first time!

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