Posted by Jeff MeisnerEditor, Microsoft on the Issues
In this edition of The Week in Tech Policy, we have stories on the Apple v. Samsung case, Washington Monthly’s 2012 list of top universities, mobile phone text donations and more.
Federal Aviation Administration to consider overhaul of in-flight rules for electronic devices. Frustrated you can’t use your wireless device’s cellular connection to the Internet while on a long cross-country flight? Then you’ll be relieved to know that the FAA plans to “convene a working group that will reevaluate the current regulations concerning the use of personal electronic devices on airplanes,” according to this recent report in CIO, among others. However, if you were hoping to make voice calls while in flight, prepare the be disappointed. ZDNet reports the working group won’t be considering changing the rules regarding voice calls.
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Join us on Xbox LIVE or The Atlantic website TODAY at 2:30 p.m. EDT for Conversations with the Next Generation, a youth town hall discussion convened in partnership between Microsoft, National Journal and The Atlantic, being held in Charlotte, N.C. during the Democratic National Convention. The event is designed to engage our nation’s current and up-and-coming leaders on the important issues facing America's young and emerging workforce, including job creation and educational opportunity.
This edition of The Week in Tech Policy has stories on higher education, online privacy guidelines for children, wireless spectrum and more.
Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s assess higher education’s financial health. Two major credit agencies have reached the conclusion that the high education industry’s financial risks have intensified since the start of 2012. Why? According to the University of Washington’s Office of Planning & Budgeting Blog, “both agencies noted that…state budget appropriations continue to fall, operating expenses are outpacing tuition revenue growth, and diminishing family net worth could affect enrollment as a growing number of colleges become unaffordable.”
Posted by Marietta DavisGeneral Manager, Greater Southeast District, Microsoft
This past Saturday, Tampa hosted “Back to School with Microsoft,” a successful event that trained more than 500 local educators as part of our efforts to modernize in-classroom teaching with Microsoft technologies, boost students’ technology skills, and emphasize the value of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) learning in preparation for 21st century careers. The Back to School event marks the kick-off of an exciting new effort between Microsoft, the City of Tampa and Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) to implement a strategic digital education initiative across the region aimed at preparing local students for the opportunities of tomorrow’s economy.
At Microsoft, we know that science and technology are enormous drivers of innovation and job creation, but too many of our students are facing an opportunity divide – a growing gap between those who have the access, skills and opportunities to be successful and those who do not. Microsoft’s deep commitment to education and significant investments across the U.S. are aimed at closing that divide, with a focus on helping youth obtain the skills that they need while connecting them with greater opportunities for education, employment and entrepreneurship. We’re thrilled to be working with the City of Tampa and HCPS to bring the best technologies to area educators in support of helping students realize their full potential.
Editor’s Note: This is a guest post from Washington Secretary of State Sam Reed.
Washington is developing a reputation in the elections and tech community for pioneering work in reaching potential voters online and through social media. The latest example is the state’s partnership with Microsoft to create an app that links Facebook users with our MyVote online service for voter registration and information.
With strong cooperation from Facebook, the app was launched on Aug. 6, following considerable national advance national buzz as a fresh way to use the power of social media and networking to nudge people to take part in their government by voting.
Although people of all ages regularly use Facebook, I am particularly delighted at the prospect of another platform to reach our “Millennials,” people from 18 to 29.