Ensure your school leadership team is across the opportunity afforded by new technologies, by hosting a complimentary Windows in the Classroom seminar. Find out more information by visiting our website. To book a Windows in the Classroom personal development seminar at your school or for more information, please email nzeducation@microsoft.com.
Microsoft Partners in Learning is a $500 million global initiative working with schools and educators to improve teaching and learning practices; optimize the use of technology within pedagogy to improve learning outcomes; and help every student receive an excellent education and gain the skills they need in work and life. To sign up now, visit http://www.pil-network.com.
We've just launched our new Microsoft NZ Education Facebook page. If you enjoy receiving regular updates from us, come and "Like" us! We can't wait to give you more insight into what's going on in the NZ education sector.
In case you missed it, Microsoft has announced the new Microsoft Surface device. For schools wishing to implement a BYOD (bring your own device) strategy this is perfect! The Surface has the ability to provide students and teachers with a device that has the power and flexibility to create, collaborate and consume in order to provide the best possible learning experiences. Have a look at the press announcement or visit the Surface website for more information.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpzu3HM2CIo
We all have days when it is hard to remember what it was about teaching, education and ICT that got us involved in the first place. Then something drops into your mailbox and the feeling returns, the batteriesrecharge and you are ready to take on the world again!
As some of you know Microsoft, in association with IC Central, our Academic Support Partner (MASP), have been sponsoring “Do I.T Days”. The days are an opportunity for students and teachers to try out the internationally recognised Microsoft Office Specialist certification program.
When was the last time your students were lining up and asking to sit exams?! That is what happened at the Do I.T Days and it is something that will be repeated as more schools look to adopt and integrate the Microsoft Digital Literacy, Microsoft Office Specialist and MTA certifications into internally selected Grade 9 and 10 curriculum programs. Fully resourced, easy to implement, internationally validated, and incredibly cost effective these programs provide a comprehensive supported learning pathway and are an ideal solution to your ICT curriculum needs.
For further information about this or other Microsoft programs email info@iccentral.co.nz or visit the Microsoft IT Academy website.
BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) in education is a recurring topic that is coming up in conversations, and pops up in the media regularly too. There isn’t a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to BYOD in education, as each institution has different needs, policies, attitudes and current position. For some education customers, they are considering whether they’ll allow access to email from staff smartphones, whereas others may have been providing connections for students’ own laptops for years.
From an IT management point of view, there are many, many moving parts to implementing any kind of BYOD strategy, no matter how simple your plans. If you’re responsible for a BYOD strategy in a school, polytechnic or university, then you may find the TechNet Jump Start training useful. The training is actually labelled ‘Consumerisation of IT’, which seems to be the phrase used in the US instead of Bring Your Own Device in education.
Take the training here.
Yesterday Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer unveiled the customer preview of the new Microsoft Office, available at office.com/preview. The next release features an intuitive design that works beautifully with touch, stylus, mouse or keyboard across new Windows devices, including tablets. The new Office is social therefore perfect for the classroom and unlocks modern scenarios in reading, note-taking and communications and will be delivered to subscribers through a cloud service that is always up to date.
For more information see the Office website.
Microsoft is a prime sponser at this years New Zealand Catholic Education Covention.
This event brings together people from 239 schools, 30 Early Childhood Services and various tertiary institutions providing new possibilities and experiences to enhance learning processes within education. The theme of the Convention is Nga Taonga – living the treasure.
Microsoft will be presenting at four of the sessions, topics include:
The event takes place 8 - 10 August at the Wellington Convention Centre.
For more information see the website or register to attend here.