Transforming Education with Windows 8 in Sri Lanka
Coinciding with the global launch of Windows 8, Microsoft Sri Lanka recently introduced the latest operating system (OS) to students, helping them keep pace with the latest technological advances that are shaping the education landscape. The launch was held at Royal College Colombo on 26 October.
Addressing the audience via Skype™, Anthony Salcito, Vice President for Microsoft Education, said the use of the updated Windows 8 system will help enrich academic activities — creating a more impactful and interactive educational experience for students around the world.
“At Microsoft, we care about education and will continue to work together with nonprofit partners and education administrators in Sri Lanka to help students reach their full potential,” Mr Salcito said.
Around 300 students, teachers and journalists took part in the video conferencing event at Royal College Colombo, which is also the first school in Sri Lanka to be selected as a Microsoft Pathfinder School. The event kicked off with a YouTube video presentation showcasing the advanced new features of Windows 8. During the event, Microsoft also introduced how the recently launched OS can help students accelerate their learning curve. Wellington Perera, Developer Evangelist of Microsoft Sri Lanka, demonstrated how the new OS differs from previous versions, and how it can be used for educational purposes.
Mr Salcito explained, “The workforce of today has changed, and job opportunities are now more diverse and different. Students have to prepare themselves for that change. Windows 8 has been designed to facilitate the use of technology by students to improve their skills and pursue exciting career opportunities.”
Mr Salcito also cited the recent launch of the Microsoft YouthSpark programme as an example of how Microsoft aims to provide students with the necessary tools and resources for learning. YouthSpark is a company-wide initiative designed to create opportunities for 300 million youth around the world over the next three years.
Upali Gunasekara, Principal of Royal College Colombo, said, “Advances in software, hardware and cloud services from Microsoft have opened new avenues for students and teachers. It has accelerated the learning and teaching process in schools, and helped create a new line of communication between students and teachers. Technology and education should go hand in hand if Sri Lanka is to become the knowledge hub of Asia.”
“Advances in software, hardware and cloud services from Microsoft have opened new avenues for students and teachers.”
- Upali Gunasekara, Principal, Royal College Colombo