Microsoft and HP team up to transform tech in schools

Microsoft and HP have teamed up to transform how technology is used in schools.

The companies have chosen 61 schools across the world – including three in the UK – that will receive hi-tech tools to ensure children learn the latest digital skills.

Along with Digital Promise Global, a non-profit organisation working to encourage innovation in education, Microsoft and HP will use “Learning Studios” to “reinvent the classroom as a space for students to design, create and invent through innovative technology”.

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Using Skype, Microsoft Office 365, Microsoft OneNote and Office Sway, pupils will build a variety of skills, including design thinking, 3D design, visual communication, invention literacy, digital storytelling and social entrepreneurship. They will also be encouraged to foster greater collaboration with teachers, afterschool programme leaders, administrators and parents, who have all been encouraged to play active roles in the learning experience.

Their schools will be provided with ongoing training, support, resources and evaluation as well as the technology.

Our collaboration with HP on the Learning Studios is designed to encourage instructional innovation for teachers and produce better outcomes for students,” said Peter Han, Vice-President of OEM Worldwide Marketing at Microsoft.

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“International collaboration will be at a whole new level as teachers and students use Skype, Microsoft Office 365, Microsoft OneNote and Office Sway in the classroom for interaction, productivity and creativity. With more than 60 state-of-the-art Learning Studios around the world, Microsoft and HP are working to transform the way technology is used to help shape the future of classroom learning.”

The three UK schools are Aldercar High School and Post 16 Centre in Nottinghamshire; Newent Community School and Sixth Form Centre in Gloucestershire; and Old Buckenham High School in Norfolk.

Andrew Fell, headteacher of Old Buckenham High School, said: “The Learning Studio represents a unique opportunity for our students. It will give them the space and tools to acquire practical knowledge and skills that they’ll need in the future.

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“ICT is a huge focus at our school and we’re delighted to have this additional support that will help us deliver on our goal of being a leading information and communications technology (ICT) learning centre. We’ve also been lucky enough to have the support and encouragement of parents, local businesses and the community who have all got behind this programme. We can’t wait to get started.”

Each Learning Studio is also equipped with Sprout by HP, a Dremel 3D printer, HP x360 310 EE PCs, HP Pagewide printer.

These Learning Studios blend the power of educational technologies and instructional methods to truly revolutionise education by creating adaptive, immersive learning environments that energise teacher and student alike,” said Neil Sawyer, Channel Sales, Education and Small and Medium Business Director (UK and Ireland) at HP. “HP and Microsoft are committed to delivering exciting new devices and solutions that make education more flexible, collaborative and dynamic so it works uniquely, and successfully, for all.”