Georgian Schools to Be Equipped with Wi-Fi by Microsoft
TBILISI - The Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia, and American company Microsoft signed a memorandum of understanding on Friday, which envisages implementation of Wi-Fi practices at Georgian schools.
Under the memorandum, Microsoft will support the implementation of the Wi-Fi infrastructure at Georgian schools and provide teachers and school leaders with the educational content, educational materials and expertise needed in order to support the utilization of internet and modern technologies in the educational process.
The agreement was signed by Georgia’s Minister of Education and Science, Alexander Jejelava; the Central and Eastern Europe General Manager of Microsoft, Michael Collagher; the Global Director of Microsoft Connectivity, Alexander Toledo Late; and the Manager of Microsoft in Georgia, Nikoloz Doborjginidze.
Initially, Microsoft will implement Wi-Fi technologies in 32 schools of various cities and towns throughout the country without any charges. However, the long-term strategy aims at providing free internet in all schools and other educational institutions of Georgia, as many schools now have internet, but do not have Wi-Fi modems.
After the project is implemented, the teachers and students will be able to connect to the internet at school for free which will remove barriers to access to knowledge. The memorandum also covers the MS Office 365 Cloud Service, which will assist Georgian teachers and students in the introduction of engaging teaching and learning practices.
The cooperation between Georgia’s Education Ministry and Microsoft began seven years ago and since then the company has conducted trainings and conferences for teachers, and organized seminars and consultations on implementation strategies of modern technologies.
Prior to signing the agreement, the representatives of Microsoft had a meeting with Georgia’s Prime Minister, Giorgi Kvirikashvili.
The meeting focused on the opportunities of Microsoft Game and Education Resources to be offered at Georgian schools, introduction of simple teaching and learning applications, development of a single space for e-learning and exchange of information, along with the design of e-textbooks.
Moreover, it was also mentioned that the Georgian government and Microsoft have a License Agreement, which permits the Georgian side to use copyrighted products of the Microsoft Corporation within public institutions throughout the country.
Giorgi Kvirikashvili thanked Microsoft representatives for their consistent support and effective cooperation in the areas of education and innovation and expressed hope that this bilateral cooperation would develop further in future.
By Thea Morrison
Photo: Georgia's Education Ministry and Microsoft signed a memorandum on Friday.