The Hindu Business Line : Microsoft plans `Schools of Future'

Siem Reap, Cambodia, March 3, Microsoft is in discussions with the Union Government and some State Governments to establish `Schools of the Future' in India.

Mr Vincent S.K. Quah, Director, Public Sector Programme, Asia Pacific Public Sector, Microsoft, told Business Line that the discussions are intended to ensure that the programme, when launched in India, is in line with local requirements and the local environment.

This makes it necessary for a collaborative effort involving the Union Government, State Governments, Microsoft and other partners, he added.

Introduced as part of its `Partners in learning' initiative, the Schools of the Future seek to adequately prepare students for the future world, Mr Quah explained.

The schools work with students to enhance skill and competency levels, he added.

Globally, a number of `Schools of the Future' have been announced.

In India, the same global concept will be followed, but will be tailored to suit the Indian context, he pointed out.

Leadership programme

Meanwhile, the company is also working on launching its `21st Century Leadership Skills' programme in India. This capacity building programme is targeted at school leaders including principals and administrators, Mr Quah explained.

The `21st Century Leadership Skills' programme is intended to equip school principals and other school leaders with the skills, knowledge and attitudes required to manage Schools of the Future.

Microsoft has already piloted the programme in India and is now focusing on modifying the programme to suit the Indian context before rolling it out to a wider audience, he said.