Microsoft Qatar has launched its “Anytime Anywhere Learning” initiative in Qatar to provide every individual in the country access to technology anytime, anywhere.

The company made the announcement at an event to demonstrate the latest solutions and initiatives for the education community in Qatar.

Microsoft’s initiative not only provides communication and collaboration platforms needed to nurture lifelong learning, but also extends to provide affordable learning devices to education end users with the right resources, content, training and tools needed to transform education and better engage students in the learning process.

The initiative will be developed based on education priorities and the specific requirements of the country. It will implement cloud services, software, training, support, distribution, and critical partnerships to help enable a successful partnership outcome, a statement from the company said.  

Naim Yazbeck, country manager, Microsoft Qatar, said: “The right technology combined with specific policies and inclusive programs can have a significant impact on improving access to quality education. For all citizens, access to this 'digital society' delivers tangible economic, employment, and social opportunities.  Digital inclusion transforms the education system and in turn, the total economy to a more dynamic state. This is where Microsoft’s expertise with various partnerships around the globe can be leveraged to benefit the citizens of Qatar through this initiative. “

The company also announced an awards programme with several levels of recognition to recognise the schools with the best technology implementations.  These include a ‘School of the Future’ award for the school which has the best application in terms of using Windows-based devices and applications in teaching and learning; the ‘School Transformation Award of the year’ award goes to one school which makes the best use of technology, programmes and innovation to transform education, enhance academic performance and teacher adoption of new tools for better teaching methods.

To help support ongoing technology education, Microsoft also showcased its IT Academy programme to benefit students and educators at the event. It features access to software licenses, E-Learning, official Microsoft course materials, and certifications that cover the spectrum of professions within the IT industry, the statement said.

E-Learning and course materials range from computer basics to high-level programming, along with information and communications technology (ICT) management, it said.

Microsoft demonstrated some of its latest solutions which are being used to engage, inspire, and prepare all students to learn and innovate at the event including the Microsoft Surface solution which breaks down traditional barriers between people and technology, provided effortless interaction with digital content and collaboration among users, making it a natural fit for education scenarios. The Xbox Kinect can transform ordinary classroom experiences into immersive educational experiences through its controller free technology. – TradeArabia News Service