Microsoft Gulf to Showcase 21st Century Education Solutions at Gulf Education
Forum 2009
Event will showcase Microsoft’s advanced solutions around Connected Learning and Innovative Schools Program
Participation in line with company’s long-term commitment to enabling opportunities
through learning
Furthering its commitment to the region’s education sector, Microsoft Gulf today announced their participation at this year’s Gulf Education Forum and Gulf Educational Supplies & Solutions event taking place from March 10-12, 2009 at the Airport Expo in Dubai, UAE. The technology vendor’s presence at the event is in line with its efforts to empower people to realize their full potential by enabling access to high-quality education experiences through technology. In addition to participating in the keynote and workshops, Microsoft will also have an innovative booth at the event that will showcase interactive and connected learning solutions such as Microsoft Learning Gateway, Microsoft Surface, Live@Edu, eLearning Content Development, Smart Board, Classroom Management Systems and more.
Commenting on Microsoft’s participation at the event, Mark East, Managing Director, Education Division, Microsoft Corp. said, “We believe that the evolving demands of the global economy make education vital to sustainable social and economic success. Education represents the catalyst for unlocking human potential in today’s knowledge economy. At Microsoft, we remain committed to working with educators, educational organizations and industry partners to expand the world of learning through technology to implement better ways to transform education for the benefit of students and communities worldwide.”
The forum also aims to address key issues facing the education sector in the region including digital learning and the use of more effective learning and teaching tools. Workshops around ‘Innovative Schools’ and ‘Connected Learning’ will be conducted by Microsoft and its education partners to provide insight into how education can be aligned with technology to address the needs of the global knowledge economy.
“Aligning education with the needs of the emerging global knowledge economy is one of the most pressing challenges facing the world today,” said Sue Rothwell, Group Event Director of Fairs & Exhibitions, the event organizers. “eLearning solutions are increasingly becoming part of mainstream education and by working with Microsoft for the Gulf Education Forum and Gulf Educational Supplies & Solutions 2009, we aim to help increase schools’ access to technology and improve its use in the classroom.”
The Innovative Schools program is a key component of the Microsoft Partners in Learning program and seeks to foster improved global understanding of how schools can help students acquire the skills required for success in the global knowledge economy. To this end, Microsoft works with schools to examine how they can marshal technology to meet the educational imperatives of the 21st century and how technological innovation can underpin a comprehensive “whole school” approach to reform, spanning instruction, assessment, curricula, teacher training, school leadership and learning-space design.
“With Partners in Learning, we are 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,” said Zaki Khoury, Gulf Education Alliance Lead. “Through the Innovative Schools program, we are implementing technology and tools in live education settings to identify what works and what does not in an effort to help enhance learning outcomes around the world.”
Some of the offerings that will be demoed at the event by Microsoft partners include:
Online Collaboration: ITWorx will demonstrate their Microsoft Learning Gateway implementation services along with Live@edu implementation and integration applications
eLearning Content: SIVECO will demonstrate their eLearning content development capabilities and how this content can integrate seamlessly onto the Microsoft Learning Gateway
Classrooms Management: SANAKO will demonstrate their class room management system where teachers can be empowered in their classrooms with a set of technology tools
In Classroom Collaboration: HP will provide laptops to demonstrate how technology can provide a more enriching learning experience
With this investment, Microsoft is making a long-term commitment to working with governments, education officials, development organizations, teachers, students and parents globally to increase schools’ access to technology and improve its use in the classroom to empower teachers, enrich instruction and enhance learning outcomes for students. Partners in Learning is an integral part of the Microsoft Unlimited Potential program, the company’s commitment to bringing the benefits of technology to people around the world.
