SA joins Microsoft`s global partners in learning programme

The Department of Education has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to participate in Microsoft`s global Partners in Learning programme.

Building on Microsoft`s commitment to provide free software to all government schools, the initiative has been designed to best meet local needs and challenges.

Despite real improvements in access to, and use of, information and communications technology (ICT), many students and teachers still lack basic access to technology and training. The result is a widening ICT skills gap that contributes to disparities in quality of life, competitiveness and economic development. Recognising the educational value of technology in schools, the programme aims to deliver ICT skills training and tailored curriculum development for school students and teachers, technical support and research over the next four years.

"Partners in Learning is about investing in the future so students will have a better chance of turning technological disadvantage into technological advantage," says Enver Surty, deputy minister of Education.

"It provides for a sustained investment to address local education priorities and makes software accessible to people who need it and who wouldn`t otherwise be able to afford it."

Employing a systemic and comprehensive approach to the challenge of empowering students and teachers, the Partners in Learning initiative is comprised of two main areas of focus.

Learning Grants programme - This programme provides an investment to deliver technology skills training to students and teachers and to assist in ICT integration into curriculum and learning. Funding will support the establishment of local Teacher Training Centres through joint partnerships with local advisory boards, education institutions and training providers. The Teacher Training Centres will use a mix of training methodologies to deliver leadership training and customised curriculum and certifications, the goal being to empower schools to increase student achievement through teacher leadership.

Fresh Start - helps schools make the most of donated computers received by providing software and so promoting increased access for students through wider deployment of PCs in classrooms.

"The Partners in Learning programme broadens the use of technology and training in schools and will help create connections and dialogue among teachers, educational experts and education policy-makers," says Gordon Frazer, managing director at Microsoft South Africa.

"The initiative will help provide a stronger background in computers and technology and better prepare students for today`s competitive hi-tech economy."

Following on the company`s commitment to provide free software to all government schools, the MOU aims to foster greater understanding of, and access to, technology tools and training. The Partners in Learning initiative is not a one time give-away of technology. It is a long-term commitment to partner with government, local schools and teachers to establish a foundation for continued advances in education and learning.