Microsoft Corp India today announced the launch of its third IT Academy in the state of Karnataka, as part of the Microsoft Partners in Learning (PIL) initiative. The first two Microsoft IT Academy Centers have been set-up in Gulbarga (June 2005) and Dharwad (July 2005), and are already imparting training to teachers.

This according to Microsoft, is about ensuring technology access and affordability; ushering in economic development and new education models. It is also about public/private partnerships, that bridge the digital divide in a local and meaningful way.

The Microsoft IT Academy, according to the company, is a world-class
facility equipped with a state-of-the-art IT lab, comprehensive IT curriculum and well-trained staff for effective delivery of IT training for school teachers. Twenty desktop PCs are going to be used for the routine training process. A laptop has been provided to the IT Academy Manager, who is required to visit various schools across the state to ensure consistency in the delivery process. The overall infrastructure includes 2 class-rooms, a meeting room, library, cafeteria, and DG power back-up supply.

Additionally, the IT training course-ware has been translated in Kannada for ensuring improved understanding of content by teachers. Microsoft will also run a 12 days training program free-of-cost for participating teachers, to equip them to use technology in teaching students in a class-room environment.

The new Academy is a key part of the MoU signed in November 2004 between Microsoft and the Government of Karnataka, for the implementation of the Microsoft Partners-in-Learning (PIL) program that is aimed at accelerating IT literacy among government school teachers and students in the state. Under the MoU, Microsoft has committed to train over 20,000 teachers and 400,000 students (from class III to class XII) across the state of Karnataka over a period of 5 years. Till date, over 2500 teachers have been trained at the two Academies.

The three Microsoft IT Academy Centers together with the Karnataka government are estimated to train 3000 High School Teachers each year. After 5 years, these three Microsoft Academies will be handed over to the Government of Karnataka. The government welcomes a project of this unique nature, and hopes other MNCs will also join hands with the Government to provide computer training.

Rohit Kumar, country manager - public sector, Microsoft India, said "At Microsoft, we have a long-term vision for the cause of IT education, wherein we are committed to collaborate with Governments across the world to ensure integration of IT in the education process. This, we believe is integral for achieving our mission of creating a digitally inclusive society."

R Ramalinga Reddy, Minister for Primary & Secondary Education, Karnataka, said, "Computer Training is presently being imparted to 1238 High School Teachers and 765 Primary School Teachers in the state of Karnataka. The Central Government has approved imparting Computer Training to 480 more High Schools, and funds have been released for this purpose, and tenders are also being invited. In order to improve the quality of computer training, Government of Karnataka has signed a MOU with Microsoft India to impart computer training to High School teachers."

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