14 DAY TRIAL // In a move designed to underline the increasing commitment to take 21st-century learning and teaching to the next level, Microsoft has announced an expansion of its Partners in Learning program. In this context, the company indicated that over 72,000 schools across no less than 100 countries would benefit from its Innovative Schools Pilot Program. The company headquartered in Redmond, Washington, announced the expansion of the program in a workshop for senior European education officials in London on January 14, 2009.
“With Partners in Learning, we’re taking a realistic approach to education transformation that encompasses all of the key stakeholders, and moves beyond abstract theory by putting innovative ideas into practice,” Ralph Young, vice president of Worldwide Public Sector at Microsoft, said.
“Through the Innovative Schools program, we’re implementing technology and tools in live education settings to identify what works and what doesn’t, in an effort to help enhance learning outcomes around the world.”
The software giant will continue to meet with education leaders and government officials through additional workshops in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. The company stated that the total investment for its Partners in Learning program would reach $500 million in the course of 10 years, with $235 million committed to March 2008 alone.
“Our three-year partnership with Microsoft provided us with new opportunities to have a positive impact on schools in the U.K. and abroad,” Tim Tarrant, head of ICT at the U.K.’s Training and Development Agency (TDA), revealed. “Microsoft’s support for our jointly funded projects has been a tremendous asset, as has the ICT expertise it has contributed. Work between the TDA and Microsoft on Partners in Learning will continue, as part of the memo of understanding signed with the Department for Children, Schools and Families in October 2008.”