| Education is the cornerstone of economic opportunity and today, technology plays a huge part in education. However, in many countries some students find it difficult to get the one-on-one practice they need to build their digital literacy. Recognizing this need, Microsoft® aims to provide students with access to programs that help fully integrate technology into the learning process, both in school and at home. |
 |
| To further facilitate students in need to engage in on-line learning at home, the Education Bureau (EDB) in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) launched the Computer Recycling Program. Under the program, the EPD will assist to provide recycled computers for needy students, while the EDB will arrange for one-year free Internet access service for successful applicants. On the other hand, Microsoft will donate Windows® and Office software for these computers. |
 |
 | | The "Microsoft Bill Gates Junior Program" aims to lead schools in creating an innovative learning environment to inspire students to become IT navigators of the next generations and to strengthen students' IT skills, enhance their self-confidence, enrich group learning and communication abilities. Through a variety of activities, students become fully equipped for challenges ahead in the new IT era and inspired to become the next Bill Gates. |  | | This year, we strive to enhance students' digital literacy in different directions, stimulate their interests for further potential development, help them to identify their targets and encourage them to move towards their targets. To shape students' selfhood, the Microsoft Bill Gates Junior Program 2009 will lead students to become Digital Artists, Digital Game Designers, Web 2.0 Architects and Professional Microsoft Application Users of the new generation. | |  | | To encourage students to participate in the program and develop them to become Bill Gates Junior, the program offers: | | | Certificates and trophies for winners | | | Certificates for all participants | | | Free participation in Microsoft's IT summer camp held in a university in Hong Kong for winners | | | Free visit to Microsoft's office in Cyberport for winners to gain work-related learning experiences | | | One Ocean Park Annual Pass for each winner | | | Extra prizes such as free or discounted software licenses, free airline tickets, food and accommodations for international competitions |
|  |
| |
| | | | | | | | | | | To fully enhance students' IT capability, Certiport, the sole distributor of Microsoft Office certification organizes a "Worldwide Competition on Microsoft Office" every year. Last year, student representatives from nearly 100 countries or regions vied for the title of "World Champion" in Microsoft Excel® and Microsoft Word. The Hong Kong and Macau Regional Competition of "2009 Worldwide Competition on Microsoft Office" will be held in April 2009, and the Final Worldwide Competition will be held in late July 2009 in Toronto, Canada. Subject software is Excel 2007 or Word 2007. Schools may choose to compete in one or both of the subject software. | | | Details of the Worldwide Competition on Microsoft Office: | | | | | | Target: | | Student aged 14 years old or above as of 1 April 2009 (20-40 applicants per school, excess applications will be handled with flexibility) | | | Content of Competition: | | Skills in Excel 2007, Word 2007 (i.e. 2 competitions with 2 champions) | | | Date and Venue of Competition: | | April 2009 (Hong Kong and Macau Regional Competition) and Late July 2009 (Final World Competition in Toronto, Canada) | | | Benefits to Participants: | | - Participants who passed the exams will each receive a MOS or MCAS certificate issued by Microsoft
- Regional Champions for each event will receive an all-expense-paid (including airline ticket and hotel accommodation) trip to compete at the Final World Competition held in Toronto, Canada
- Worldwide Champions for each event will each receive a US$6,500 scholarship fund, a trophy and other fabulous prizes (Subject to changes as announced by the organizer)
| |
| | For any inquiries, please email to hkedu@microsoft.com | |
| | The "Digital Artist Program" allows students to simulate various drawing styles to produce an artwork with different patterns using Microsoft Expression® Design software. Students can freely create and draw on their computers, raising their interests in visual arts and expands their room for development. 2008 – 2009 Digital Artist Program is now open for enrollment. Details are as follows: | | | Content: | | Students will receive three-phase professional trainings involving basic concepts on visual arts, color gamut and digital creation, ways to draw thematic traditional Chinese ink paintings, and combination of digital drawing skills to do sketches, watercolor paintings and ink paintings. Students will each receive a Microsoft Youth Digital Artist Certificate and a CD-Rom of their own work upon completion of training.
The program runs until 15 July 2009. Seize the opportunity and join now! | |
| | For any inquiries, please email to hkedu@microsoft.com | |
| | The "Microsoft Youth Digital Game Designer Program" is implemented in the form of school visits. Participants may use Microsoft Windows Live™ platform to produce a series of new and interesting creative works, including graphics design and game development, thereby fostering their interests in proactive learning. Students can also share their experience and work on the Internet. Through this program, they can learn how to design online games, and upload their work to their personal Windows Live website. Details of the program are as follows: | | | | | | Target: | | Secondary and primary schools in Hong Kong (Primary 3 to Secondary 3) | | | Quota: | | 50 schools | | | Phase 1: | | Professional instructors visit schools to organize systematic trainings. Students will each receive a certificate upon completion of training and submission of final work. | | | Phase 2: | | Outstanding students will be recommended to participate in the Microsoft Bill Gates Junior Program in 2009 to compete for the highest honor of Microsoft Youth Digital Game Designer. | |
| | For any inquiries, please email to hkedu@microsoft.com | |
| | The "Microsoft Youth Web 2.0 Engineer" program teaches students various skills on game design, web programming and graphics design using the Microsoft development platform with an aim to cultivate students' creativity and logical thinking. Professional instructors organize trainings in schools. With a Windows Live ID, students can save and share their works on the Internet. Students will each receive a certificate issued by Microsoft, and may have the chance to participate in Microsoft Bill Gates Junior Program Competition. Participating schools will each receive an Expression Design Academic License software. | | | For any inquiries, please email to hkedu@microsoft.com | |
|
|
 |
