| Q. | What is Partners in Learning? |
| A. | The Partners in Learning initiative is Microsoft's long-term commitment to partner with local governments, schools, and teachers to increase in part basic access to information communication technology (ICT). However, despite improvements in access to ICT, many students and teachers still lack the training and technology they need to compete on a global scale. Accordingly, we are also partnering to increase capacity by responding to this problem through locally tailored implementation of technology assistance programs—addressing the specific challenges each country and community faces. This initiative supports our long-term commitment to education and empowering students and teachers to reach their fullest potential through technology. |
| Q. | How was this initiative developed? |
| A. | The Partners in Learning initiative was created by Microsoft in consultation with a worldwide panel of advisors from government education ministries and institutions. |
| Q. | What is the US Partners in Learning Grants Program? |
| A. | Our learning grants represent a significant investment. Over a five year period Microsoft will invest over $35 million and seven full time Academic Program Managers to assist state and local governments and education communities in the United States, with the implementation of public/private partnerships that aim to jumpstart and advance local ICT goals. The grants provide for ongoing development and curriculum leadership to primary and secondary (K-12) teachers and students. These grants are helping create sustainable models for improving the use of technology in teaching and learning. As a result, students and teachers are being empowered to reach their fullest potential. The Partners in Learning State Innovation Projects reside in FL, MI, NM, VA, PA, and WA. The twelve selected Mid Tier Projects are based in NY, NC, SC, TN, MS, TX, CO, CA, and MA in addition to a few states listed above. |
| Q. | How can my school or district apply for a Partners in Learning Grant? |
| A. | Only six selected states and twelve Mid-Tier Projects were chosen to participate and build innovative solutions. The participants were selected primarily for their pioneer efforts in education and the revolutionary solutions they are developing that have yet to be but offer the potential to be deployed by other states or programs. The goal of Partners in Learning is to support a broad and diverse set of long term strategic models that can serve as blueprints for other schools and educators across the U.S. |
| Q. | How is the Partners in Learning initiative related to other Microsoft education programs? |
| A. | Microsoft's Partners in Learning initiative supports the company's long-term commitment to education, empowering teachers and students to achieve their fullest potential by providing for comprehensive ICT skills development; locally tailored training for teachers on ICT integration into curriculum and learning; and greater access to the latest computer technologies. Microsoft is committed to empowering teachers and students to achieve their fullest potential by providing greater access to the latest computer technologies and training in how to use them. This is a commitment that Microsoft takes very seriously and one that receives significant resources and attention. |
| Q. | What is the relationship between the Partners in Learning initiative and the Unlimited Potential Program? |
| A. | Partners in Learning and Unlimited Potential stem from the company’s "Advancing the Knowledge Economy" Corporate Citizenship pillar, and helping individuals gain access to the technology and technology skills training they need in today's information society. Unlimited Potential was designed to meet the needs of learners outside of the classroom while Partners in Learning is focused on meeting the needs of in-school learners. Additionally, the Unlimited Potential Program represents our long-term commitment to supporting IT access and skills training programs for learners throughout the community. |
| Q. | Can anyone apply for Fresh Start for Donated Computers? |
| A. | Donated computers are often a necessity for educational programs around the world, but schools which receive donated computers do not always have the proper documentation for the operating software. Fresh Start for Donated Computers helps primary and secondary schools make the most of donated computers by providing licensing certainty to the schools. Schools worldwide are given an easy solution to the problem of establishing legitimate operating system licenses. As long as schools have proof of computer donation, the certificate of authenticity (COA) would be sufficient proof of a valid Windows operating system. To sign up for the Fresh Start program, visit https://www.microsoft.com/education/freshstart/default.aspx. |
| Q. | Does the Partners in Learning initiative offer training resources? |
| A. | PiL offers several innovative programs in educator training: | • | Learning to Lead Change: Building System Capacity, which focuses on the knowledge base required to lead and manage these types of change projects; | | • | School Leader Development: Building 21st-Century Schools, which will guide participants in creating schools that help students develop essential ICT skills; | | • | The Peer Coaching Program: Developing Teacher Leaders, provides coaches with the knowledge, tools, and support needed to help teachers as they use information technology to facilitate student learning; | | • | Deploying Student Technical Support Solutions is a curriculum focused on helping teachers and schools employ creative, knowledgeable, and interested students as a resource for planning, implementing, and supporting technology in schools; | | • | Integrating ICT Skills into Teaching and Learning is designed to help teachers successfully weave technology into learning projects. |
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