Having the opportunity to reflect upon the ‘Epic CItadel’ Challenge that we undertook in 2010, we achieved a number of unexpected outcomes throughout the course of the program. We set out initially to explore the use of iPads as a creative tool for digital storytelling through the use of games and a wide variety of apps.

Yet, as the project developed, it became more about the connections being made through the use of technology. Students and teachers from opposite sides if the globe collaborating on this project, sharing ideas, providing feedback for one another’s work, and as a teacher, having the opportunity to work with other enthusiastic educators - although we have never actually met!

At the recent Learning Without Frontiers Conference held in London during January 2011, Time Rylands (@timrylands), well known for his work with game based learning, highlighted the use of Epic Citadel as a tool for creative storytelling.

During a busy week, Tim also presented with Simon Widdowson (@xannov) and Kevin McLaughlin (@kvnmcl), another two of our talented contributors to the challenge, to share their experiences with educators at BETT. I have no doubt all in attendance would have been blown away by the quality and creativity of the students work, as well as been inspired by the enthusiasm and dedication of Tim, Simon and Kevin.

It has been exciting to see the interest in this project, and where schools in other parts of the world have taken this challenge. It has provided many memorable teaching moments in my class, as my students shared in the successes of their English colleagues, enjoyed making comments on their work, and sharing their own ideas with people from all over the world.

So, a big thankyou and congratulations to everyone who has been involved in the project. I feel it has highlighted what our students can achieve when we promote curiosity, creativity and collaboration in the classroom.