September 25, 2014
HopeCam and Skype help young cancer patients fight loneliness and isolation

Battling cancer is hard enough, but especially difficult for young ones, who are often isolated from school and friends while they’re undergoing treatment. Non-profit organization HopeCam uses Skype-enabled tablets to help between 500 and 700 children a year overcome the loneliness they face during those times.

September 25, 2014
Partners: Changes coming Sept. 29 for Intelligent Systems competency

The Internet of Things (IoT) represents a huge opportunity for Microsoft’s partners, and “we’re committed to helping them realize value from IoT by creating intelligent systems solutions for their customers,” writes Karen Roberts on the Windows Embedded blog. To that end, the Intelligent Systems competency released earlier this year is being changed to make it even better for partners.

September 25, 2014
Study shows landscape of youth skills training programs and initiatives

In partnership with Making Cents International, Microsoft has released a study, “Understanding the Youth Workforce Development Technology Skills Training Landscape.” It maps current youth technology skills training workforce development programs, and draws core principles, success factors and lessons learned from a vast base of examples.

September 25, 2014
8 retro gadgets that are scary on their own in ‘Alien: Isolation’

“Alien: Isolation” takes place shortly after the events of the first “Alien” film, which came out in 1979. To fit that time frame, designers have populated the game with technology more in line with the ‘70s movie instead of its sequels from 1986 and later. The result: some crazy weird gadgets we’re so glad we don’t have to use IRL.

September 24, 2014
Apply to be a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert

Each year, Microsoft selects innovative educator experts (MIE Experts) to share ideas, try new approaches and learn from each other through a global community dedicated to improving student outcomes through technology. Now, you can apply to be one by Oct. 15.