“What’s Possible” is the theme of the fourth annual School of the Future World Summit. At the event hosted by Microsoft's Partners in Learning, the software company will explore scenarios orbiting around its vision of the school of the future, together with over 250 worldwide leaders in education. The focus will be placed on the options the evolution of education has in the context of the global financial crisis. Education investments in taking 21st century learning to the next level will also feel the impact of the global economic slowdown, but Microsoft is ready to talk opportunities.

“Educators today face many economic and political challenges, including decreases in funding in tough economic climates as well as the pressure to generate performance results that allow students to compete on a global stage,” revealed Mary Cullinane, director of Innovation for U.S. Public Sector Education at Microsoft.

Microsoft itself is promoting an example of the school of the future. The software giant is permitting members of educational systems worldwide to access the School of the Future Resource Kit, enabling them to take advantage of templates and datasheets designed to offer a set of scholastic best practices.

Of course, technology represents an integral part of the Redmond company's vision of the school of the future. The conference will, in fact, also discuss the role that the evolution of technology has in terms of advancing education. The School of the Future World Summit is set up to deliver an ample perspective over just how systems, processes and integrated technology will be able to benefit education by delivering change and innovation despite the global economic crunch.

“We fundamentally believe improving education is a global imperative and strong investment is vital to our future success,” Cullinane added. “This event will push people to collaboratively address new ways of thinking and provide specific strategies to implement within their local context, allowing them to turn possibilities into reality.”