Microsoft in collaboration with Sindh government, School Education and Literacy Department, Information Science and Technology Department and Sindh Education Foundation hosted a ‘Microsoft Education Day’ at a local hotel. The seminar, which brought together delegates from across region, showcased latest technology designed specifically for education, which promotes immersive, inclusive and 21st century learning. Information Science and Technology minister Taimur Talpur said on the occasion that the initiative was being unfolded by Sindh government in a bid to speed up e-governance in government of Sindh. He appreciated the event and said that such events could lead to massive dividends for collaboration on technology front. During the seminar, the Education secretary and his team showcased work on management and monitoring solutions. The Sindh Education Foundation gave a presentation on ICT based teaching and learning initiative. According to 2017 Pakistan National Human Development report, Pakistan currently has more young people than ever before recorded in its history. The report highlights how country’s youth can be a critical force for development, if they are empowered with education and knowledge. “Developing digital skills from primary school age has become a necessity, as young people navigate an increasingly technological world. With technology in classrooms, learners can develop digital skills in a digital way,” said Sindh IT minister. While it’s essential that learners are ups killed, it is also important that educators are empowered and provided with adequate resources to successfully carry out lessons in the classroom.” Some of technologies on show included Office 365, Azure and Microsoft enterprise resource planning and Campus Management Solutions, which are designed to drive better learning outcomes, more productive classroom time, and budget management. “Technologies such as Skype, Minecraft and OneNote have played a big part in redefining learning through creating immersive and inclusive learning experiences that inspire lifelong learning,” said Abid Zaidi, Microsoft Country Manager for Pakistan. “They are also designed to make an educator’s job simpler, so that they can devote time and resources to what matters most. We’re committed to doing our part to ensure that every learner and educator has access to the best technologies in the classroom,” he added. “For any collaboration to be successful, having a common goal is important. We’re excited to work with the Sindh Education Foundation, School Education and Literacy and IT Department, who share our vision of driving digital transformation agenda in education, and empowering young people with a highly relevant education that positively impacts their future employability,” said Zaidi. In addition to technology showcase, Microsoft also announced E2 Educators Exchange competition for local Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts (MIE). The competition will give local education leaders opportunity to attend E2 in Paris, France, in 2019 and meet with global educators to explore industry trends and emerging technologies. “We are really excited to provide local MIEs with opportunity to travel to Paris and engage with over 400 innovative educators from around world,” reiterated Abid. “Each MIE today received support and training on applying for E2, which has a series of important criteria. Overall, we are confident that delegates have left today’s event with new ideas, a revived hope in what digital transformation can do for the next generation, and a sense of belonging to an important global effort,” he shared. Published in Daily Times, December 19th 2018.