Government-Microsoft partnership enriches student learning
Edmonton... A new $1 million partnership agreement between the Government of Alberta and Microsoft Canada will benefit more than 2,000 students participating in a wireless learning project in Alberta."This agreement is another example of how the Alberta government is partnering with industry to ensure we maintain our world-class learning environment," said Education Minister Ron Liepert. "Our goal is to provide students and teachers with leading-edge technology learning experiences in our classrooms."
The Emerge One-to-One Wireless Learning project is a three-year pilot to research all aspects of individual student laptop use in the classroom. Launched earlier this year, the initiative involves 49 schools in 20 school jurisdictions across the province. This new agreement will allow all students and teachers involved to access Microsoft's latest innovative software applications and professional development tools at no cost for the duration of the project.
"Microsoft is very excited to partner with Alberta Education to help make technology more accessible for students and teachers," said Phil Sorgen, President, Microsoft Canada. "Prioritizing education and learning, and expanding digital inclusion initiatives to enable as many people as possible to participate fully in a knowledge-driven economy, are all critical to Canada's future success."
The Alberta government committed $5.7 million for the Emerge project in March. Microsoft Canada's $1 million contribution to support the Emerge project is the corporation's largest investment in education to date in Canada.
Alberta is recognized as a leader for integrating new technology into the educational system. The province has been instrumental in the development of the SuperNet, which significantly supports the use of technology in schools. For additional information, please visit: www.education.gov.ab.ca/technology/.
Fostering student success through the use of current and emerging technologies is part of Premier Ed Stelmach's plan to secure Alberta's future by building our communities, greening our growth and creating opportunity.
Backgrounder
Enriching education through technology initiatives
Alberta Education provides leadership in building a vision focused on student and teacher excellence and seeks opportunities where technology can support this vision. The Emerge One-to-One Wireless Learning project speaks to the education community's commitment to ensuring Alberta's students receive the highest-quality education possible and a willingness to explore innovative ways of delivering education in Alberta and includes:
- More than 2,000 students from across the province,
- 200 teachers,
- 49 schools and
- 20 school jurisdictions.
Studies have shown that when technology is integrated into the classroom it increases student motivation and engagement. This new partnership with Microsoft Canada will give students access to a variety of software including:
- Microsoft Essentials,
- Microsoft School Desktop Suite (English and French),
- Microsoft Student with Encarta Premium (English and French),
- Microsoft Windows Vista Upgrade (English and French),
- Streets and Trips and
- Microsoft School Desktop Suite for Mac OS X (English and French).
In addition, teachers participating in the pilot project will have access to professional development, both educational and technical, through the Microsoft Canada Partners in Learning group.
Related Technology Initiatives
Renewal of the Provincial Microsoft Licensing Agreement: Alberta Education renewed a province-wide agreement with Microsoft Canada Inc. and a follow-up agreement with the successful reseller Acrodex Inc. that provides an opportunity for all publicly funded school jurisdictions to deploy Microsoft Office. The government funds the licensing costs for this initiative-$4.2 million over three years-with a cost savings to the education sector estimated at more than $10 million.
New Education Standing Offers for Technology Products: Alberta Education has established cost effective Education Standing Offers for technology products, which enable jurisdictions to purchase selected technology products at fixed pricing levels. Three new categories of product offerings include: electronic whiteboard technology, data projector technology and laptop and desktop computers. An amendment to the existing "Text-to-Speech" Standing Offer allows schools to provide students with 24-hour access to the software. This is particularly beneficial to schools participating in the Emerge One-to-One Wireless Learning laptop project.
