Media Announcement
6 April 2011

Microsoft New Zealand looks to raise digital literacy and enhance student performance

The recent announcement of Evan Blackman to Education Sector Manager at Microsoft New Zealand highlights the importance being placed on raising digital literacy around the country and enhancing the performance of students.

Microsoft is working closely with the Ministry of Education and New Zealand educators to address the lack of digital literacy amongst school leavers. The company says it is concerned at the number of students underperforming around the country due to lack of knowledge or limited access to technology, and it will be investing in rectifying this over the next few years.

"We are beginning to see a transformation within the industry as educators recognise the benefits of digitally literate students once they leave school. New Zealand will only be as strong as the students going through the education system today; and at Microsoft, we believe we have a vital role to play by providing tools, services and collaborative experiences that will greatly benefit our students and schools," says Paul Muckleston, Managing Director, Microsoft New Zealand.

The education team at Microsoft consists of Evan Blackman, Mark Woods, Ian Morrish and Joanne Bowey. As Education Sector Manager, Evan's core responsibilities include leading Microsoft's education strategy and execution, advancing interaction with education leaders and educators around New Zealand, and driving the Education Alliances - strategic partnerships designed to transform education, foster local innovation and enable jobs and opportunities.

"ICT in the classroom is proven to lift student engagement, performance and accelerate educational learning. Microsoft has a real opportunity to ensure all students leave school with a high level of technology competency, ready to compete on the world stage. Our globally recognised programmes, such as Partners In Learning, provide educators with access to international best practice, allowing them to integrate technology into the curriculum with ease," says Evan Blackman, Education Sector Manager, Microsoft New Zealand.

"We are partnering with the University of Canterbury through an Education Alliance that, among a number of joint initiatives, matches top students with top research facilities. We are also working with Botany Downs Secondary College, the first Microsoft Pathfinder School in New Zealand, to increase the impact of technology within the classroom. It is very positive to see these type of partnerships emerging and Microsoft will continue to focus on supporting New Zealand education, whether it's providing the latest technology at low cost through the Microsoft Schools Agreement, encouraging educators to make the most of cloud computing using the Live@Edu collaboration services or giving our top students access to international research centres"

Jan Anderson, winner of the Microsoft Distinguished Teachers Award in 2010 and ICT Lead at Methven Primary School, is one teacher open to the possibilities for students when using technology in the classroom.

"I always keep an eye out for new ways to keep my students engaged and actively using technology to enhance their learning. As a result, I now integrate a new Microsoft Xbox game into the curriculum each term and have found students becoming active participants in their knowledge acquisition, focused on using strategies throughout the games and linked literacy activities that employ higher order thinking."

For more information visit the Microsoft website or talk with your local Microsoft education partner.
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