Microsoft opens doors to ‘Philadelphia School of the Future’

A glimpse into the future of education was unveiled earlier this month in Philadelphia at the School of the Future; a collaboration between the School District of Philadelphia and the Microsoft Partners in Learning initiative, the company’s flagship citizenship programme in education.

The school of the future is a blueprint of how schools must be designed if they are to successfully prepare students for life and work in the 21st century. The school features a progressive research-based curriculum, integrated technology, environmentally friendly architecture and is designed to be replicated throughout the world on a traditional school district budget.

The 750-student public high school is a state-of-the-art prototype for education reform, Microsoft said in a global statement.

Microsoft’s collaboration in this project results from the company’s deep commitment to working closely with worldwide education communities to understand their needs and offer the right resources and solutions to help address education challenges, while improving teaching and learning opportunities in the 21st Century.

Microsoft recognizes that as a responsible industry leader it needs to address critical social issues through programs and partnerships. Hence, this is just one of many initiatives which the company is committed towards.

The School of the Future has in place an ideal learning environment. Some of the key technology features of the school include:

* The World’s First Virtual Teaching Assistant,

* Created specifically for the Philadelphia School of the Future and the first deployment of its kind anywhere.

* Software allows teachers to distribute ad hoc assessments during class to gauge where learners are in their comprehension of the concepts being discussed. Eliminates the need for all learners to turn the page at the same time – and for learners to work at their own pace.

Interactive, media-rich classrooms and Interactive Learning Center

* Interactive Learning Center replaces traditional library (and textbook use) – Students are able to access resources throughout the building and from home. The ILC allows for community members to access these resources as well.

* Unencumbered access to expertise through streaming media on a variety of subjects, from a variety of content experts.

No longer limited due to location, these experts can be brought into the classroom, or home, whenever the learner or teacher needs access to them.

* Students can access curriculum and resource and study tools while in the building, at home or elsewhere.

* Each student receives their own Tablet PC in a wireless environment.

* Smartcard usage for everything from the cafeteria to the library, Students will swipe their cards for entrance to and access for everything -- from the food court to the interactive learning center to their online log-in.

* Digital lockers are secure and accessible through Smart Cards. No combinations to remember.

* By tracking food purchased for lunches, smart cards help track caloric intake and provide data on diet and nutrition.

* Digital format for all paperwork and processes,

* Home and school broadband connection through Philadelphia's Wi-Fi programme.

* Teachers and administration will have instant access to student assessment progress through a digital dashboard while day-to-day functions are made more cost efficient through web-based procurement and online HR tools for time reporting and payroll management.