Technology & IT | Thursday 19 February, 2015 1:05 am |

In a clear message of Microsoft’s strong engagement and support to the MEA (Middle-East and Africa region), Dubai is hosting the two day Microsoft in Education Global Forum on the 22nd and 23rd February at the Grand Hyatt, Dubai. The forum will gather Education stakeholders to discuss Education Transformations in relation to workforce and as an enabler for competitiveness and Economic growth. It will also focus on innovative practices using technologies that can help drive rich learning experiences and highlight the achievements of teachers and schools from around the Middle East and Africa, as well as India, who are successfully using technology to engage their students and prepare them for the future.

Anthony Salcito, Vice President, Worldwide Education, Microsoft, who will deliver the opening keynote said,”The Global Forum in Dubai is an opportunity for education professionals to discuss how technology can address key challenges in education for the 21st century. The forum will explore the transformation of education, considering the roles of industry trends such as mobility, cloud, access and learning analytics in solving key challenges”

“There has been a rise in youth unemployment globally and to tackle that problem head-on, Microsoft programs like YouthSpark work with governments and NGO’s globally to empower young people to do more and achieve more by expanding their access to Computer Science education.”

Samer Abu Ltaif, Regional General Manager, Microsoft Gulf said “Microsoft continues to advocate for the integration of technology into the education system and has partnered with the UAE and other governments in the Middle East and Africa region to equip schools, teachers and students with smart learning solutions such as Microsoft Office 365 and Windows 8 devices equipped with education apps. The Microsoft in Education Global Forum in Dubai provides a platform for sharing ideas on how to make technology accessible for all students and teachers in the region. It is no doubt that technology has transformed learning experiences forever, and at Microsoft, we remain committed to helping educators leverage technology to equip students with the skills they need to prepare learners for work and life.”

The event will be attended by more than 450 education leaders, school leaders and teachers from the Microsoft Innovative Educators program, and leading Showcase Schools from over 35 countries, in addition to 15 of the top global and regional Education technology partners. It will also feature a vibrant speaker program, which includes elites from UAE Ministry of Education, leading education figures and Microsoft executives. Key discussions over the two days include the latest innovations in teaching and learning, and how technology can be used to solve education challenges around the world and in the MEA region.

The Microsoft in Education Global Forum is a flagship event for Microsoft, and it provides an opportunity for education stakeholders to collaborate, and discuss needed change in their own countries, schools and communities, providing real impact for better learning outcomes, and prepare learners for work and life.