A Partners in Learning Agreement has been reached between Microsoft Malta and the Directorate for Quality and Standards in Education which falls under the Education Ministry.
CEO Microsoft Malta Pierre Mallia said the agreement was designed to support change and innovation, especially in schools and across government.
It was very important that students and schools were exposed to new technology and ways of teaching and students also expected that what they had available at home was also available at school.
One of the greatest challenges was to keep students motivated to continue learning.
The agreement, Mr Mallia said, represented a continued commitment by Microsoft in investing in the Maltese and enabling a potential oriented education system which puts the talents of the individual first.
Through this collaboration, the St Paul’s Bay Primary School within the Maria Regina College has been selected to take part in a global programme bringing together schools from around the world in a mentoring and innovation friendly learning environment.
As part of the agreement Microsoft would be investing in the local education system by providing access to its knowledge and applications to improve the application of technology in teaching and learning.
It would also promote knowledge exchange opportunities between teachers and students.
Directorate director general Grace Grima said this agreement fit in with the government’s vision for smart learning and smart island strategy.
Dr Grima said the agreement was tailormade to meet Malta’s needs and focused on three areas – professional development for teachers, e-content in education, and participation in international initiatives.
Education Minister Dolores Cristina said the country would be much poorer without this partnership with Microsoft.
There is need to improve teachers’ skills to ensure they were up to date with technologies.
She said she wanted students to make the most of the opportunities laid out by technology. Schools, colleges and educators needed more support and guidance which could be achieved, for example, through this collaboration.