Microsoft deal to make virtual classroom a reality

The traditional classroom is on the way to being transformed into a virtual learning centre in a revolutionary agreement signed between the government and Microsoft last week.

Next month Microsoft specialists will be flying to Malta to start the planning process of this massive investment, which runs into millions, and which is being financed by the global software giant itself.

A spokesman for the Information Technology Ministry explained that a five-year strategic alliance with Microsoft was paving the way for the creation of an e-Learning platform in Malta.

The idea is to create a portal that will link all the schools in Malta and Gozo, allowing teachers to pool their resources and share lectures, ideas, research and knowledge in their area of study.

Through this portal teachers will also be able to update parents on the child's progress, while students will have the chance to access a lecture they missed and submit their homework online, completely changing the traditional classroom concept.

The ministry spokesman said that realistically this system will be up and running in time for the academic year 2005-2006.

"The success of this innovative way of working will depend on the response of educators and all the parties involved," he said.

The agreement with Microsoft, which paves the way for such a massive project, was signed by IT Minister Austin Gatt and Jean Philippe Courtois, chief executive officer of Microsoft Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Another component of the agreement is to set up Community Technology Learning Centres, through partnerships with non-governmental organisations.

The ministry is already working with YMCA to set up a computer lab, with about eight to 10 computers, at its new shelter, Dar Nicky Cassar, in Valletta.

Microsoft has agreed to contribute a yearly sum towards these centres by offering access to broadband internet and training for the trainers to provide basic information and communication technology (ICT) to the clients of NGOs.

"We want to provide ICT to as many people as possible to narrow the digital divide. By setting up computer labs in NGOs we will provide this service to those who may never have access," the spokesman said.

The government is aiming to have 10 such centres up and running in Malta and Gozo by the middle of next year and it will be issuing a call for proposals from NGOs next month.

Microsoft has also committed itself to partner the government to recycle and upgrade computers discarded by companies, but still in a good condition, for specific use by NGOs. This initiative is also intended to help MCAST students in their training by allowing them to help refurbish the computers.

Another exciting part of the agreement provides university and MCAST students the opportunity to take part in two initiatives - the Microsoft Cambridge Research Programme and the Imagine World Cup competition.

The Microsoft Cambridge Research Programme is intended to spark students' imagination and encourage them to come up with a research and development programme using software.

The Imagine World Cup is, as its name suggests, a competition run along similar lines as the World Cup, with different teams of students from different countries coming together to develop innovative ideas on how to apply technology in everyday life.

"The bottom line of this competition is a chance for Maltese students to get exposure abroad and share knowledge with their foreign counterparts in a competitive environment," the ministry spokesman said.

This agreement will also allow the government to repeat the offer of presenting Microsoft software packages at giveaway prices to all students and teachers.

This offer, which will be announced in September, includes the Microsoft Office Professional 2003, Microsoft Encarta Library Reference and the Visual Basic.Net.

"The original price of these three packages is Lm780 and the government will be offering them for about Lm15," the spokesman said.

Malta is also one of the first countries to be provided with Microsoft's Partners in Learning Programme, which will provide the government with seven curricula on ICT.

These curricula will serve to provide the foundation ICT skills in primary and secondary schools to ensure that students leave school with a sound basic knowledge in the field, among others.

So what's in it for Microsoft?

"The fact that they see the government pushing ICT in Malta, Microsoft see a potential future market they can build on," the spokesman said.