In milestone deal, Microsoft and the Ministry of Education and Sport will support policymakers, students, and private sector to ultimately improve educators’ capabilities and youth employability.
Singapore – December 15, 2015 – Microsoft Asia has expanded its commitment to supporting education in Laos, by signing a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Education and Sport. The three-year agreement will cover a range of programs that will support the development of 21st century skills and employability of students.
Under the Education Transformation Agreement, Microsoft and the ministry will explore ways to improve access to and use of ICT in schools to support teaching and learning, as well as facilitate international collaboration to improve the sector.
“Technology plays an important role in providing access to new learning experiences, improving pedagogical practices and empowering educators, especially in this mobile-first, cloud-first world,” said Michelle Simmons, General Manager, Southeast Asia New Markets, Microsoft Asia Pacific. “Integrating technology in the education experience will help equip students with skills for the modern, global workforce and future workplace.”
“Our partnership to support the Laos education sector marks a major milestone for both the country and Microsoft,” said Associate Professor Dr. Somkiat Phasy, Director of Information and Communications Technology Center and Education and Sports, Ministry of Education and Sports of Laos PDR. “We look forward to working with Microsoft to make the vision of our plan both scalable and sustainable.”
Engaging policymakers, educators and students
The partnership will cover five broad areas:
1. ICT Policy Workshop – Microsoft and the Ministry of Education and Sport will partner to undertake a two-day policy workshop for education’s stakeholders, including policymakers, development partners, ICT private sector and civil society. This workshop aims to provide a platform for high-level policy dialogue and knowledge sharing on how to harness the potential of ICT integration into teaching and learning.
2. Microsoft Innovative Educator – This program includes assessment tools and curriculum to help raise the capabilities and competencies of educators, with the aim of enhancing the teaching and learning experience through the innovative use of technology.
3. Microsoft Technology Enhanced Instruction – This initiative will support school faculties in preparing their students to use technology more effectively. Microsoft will work with educators to better utilize technology in the teaching process.
4. Microsoft IT Academy – This provides institutions with a full curriculum solution for delivering technology courses, learning tools and other educator resources.
5. Microsoft Certification Programs – Through globally recognized Microsoft certification, schools can incorporate industry credentials and implement technical skills validation to align technology education programs with industry requirements and employer demand.
Microsoft works extensively across the Asia Pacific region to help prepare students prepare the workplace of tomorrow through technology. For example in Indonesia last month, Microsoft partnered with the Indonesian Teachers Association (PGRI) by handing out Office 365 Education – the cloud-based version of the world’s most-trusted productivity and collaboration software suite – to 3.5 million members and providing comprehensive training on cloud computing technology.
The global Microsoft Educator Community portal supports the innovative use of technology in education to help students around the world maximize their potential. So far, the program has provided training to more than 9 million educators and enhanced the learning experience for 200 million students in 114 countries.
More information on Microsoft Educator Community can be found at https://education.microsoft.com/
