Engaging pupils with technology

ICT is taught a lot in schools, but there is not enough ICT used to teach ---- Steve Beswick, director, education, Microsoft  

Microsoft is inspiring teachers, through the use of a forum, to find out new and interesting ways in which technology can be used within lessons.

“We are delivering against a vision – any time, anywhere learning for all," said Beswick. "This will be achieved through the use of technology. It is about enabling all children to have access to technology, not just the ones that can afford it. Children may not know they have a talent, until they have the chance to work with technology. This in turn will lead to more computer scientists in the future.”

“Through using the Xbox, children have linked technology into their literacy lessons. The Xbox is a gaming experience, where they use the Xbox controller to write a story which is programmed,” he added.

To connect school leaders around the world, we have created a global community on the Partners in Learning Network where school leaders with common interests can share their experiences and connect with one another. We encourage members of the global community to organize local school communities, visits to other Partners in Learning Schools, hold local workshops, and share best practices.

Information technology trends 2013: figuring out how to manage the personal media tablets, notebook computers and smartphones that people are sneaking into the workplace/school, brace yourself. The trend will accelerate in 2013.

The most commonly supported devices are smartphones, followed by tablets, the data shows. But we definitely are starting to see more widespread adoption of BYOD," said Dave Casey, CEO of Westron Communications Inc., a network integrator in Frisco, Texas. "It's been slower than expected, but it's coming."

The BYOD trend is having a related effect at the infrastructure level, often in the form of corporate wireless network investments. "Companies are struggling to keep up with the fact that so many devices are competing for a connection," Casey said.