At Microsoft, we believe that information and communications technology (ICT) can be a powerful catalyst to improving teaching and learning for all and that we should play our part in broadening access to ICT and engaging and empowering students and teachers to use technology in creative and innovative ways.
With that in mind, the Partners in Learning programme was first launched in 2003 and since then has reached more than 80 million teachers and students in 101 countries. The total worldwide investment to the programme in its first phase was almost £125 million, with £3 million of that being invested in the UK. In January 2008, the programme was extended for a further five years and an additional £120 million will be invested over that period.
Through Partners in Learning, we work together with schools, teachers, the government and partners from the education community. With very significant government investment in ICT for education in recent years, guidance from the Departments for Education in England, Scotland and Wales, and of Becta, the government’s lead agency for technology in UK schools, has been to focus Partners in Learning on activities that encourage better use of the technologies already in the classroom and will help us realise the value of ICT for education.
In the first phase of Partners in Learning, we worked with the following partners:
Teacher Development Agency
In England, the Teacher Development Agency carries the prime responsibility for securing an effective schools workforce - developing people to improve young lives.
Scottish Qualifications Authority
In Scotland, the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) is the national body responsible for the development, accreditation, assessment and certification of qualifications other than degrees. The SQA works in partnership with representatives from education, industry, commerce, government and social partners.
Welsh Assembly Government
In Wales, The Welsh Assembly Government carries the responsibility for implementing policy that improves education and training, so raising levels of achievement and empowering learners.
Futurelab
Futurelab is a registered charity pioneering ways of using new technologies to transform
