In support of the Portuguese government’s e-Escolinhas program, Microsoft has developed a suite of software, training, content, services and support for the Magellan, an affordable portable computer for primary and junior high school students made in Portugal.
In addition to bring computing solutions to students and teachers around the world, Microsoft offers a host of technology-based education solutions, programs and products through its Partnerships for Technology Access (PTA) and partners in learning initiative, said Microsoft.
Microsoft expects to encourage international adoption of the Magellan educational computers through the investment in the Magellan Learning Suite, by addressing the need for relevant software and content, user support, digital literacy, and broad scalability.
A tailored desktop for the Magellan portable computer will be developed. In addition to the Windows XP operating system, Magellan computers will also feature Microsoft Office 2007 and a suite of educational products, including Microsoft Student Learning Essentials, Microsoft Maths and Microsoft Encarta Online.
Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft, said: Providing students with access to technology and educational opportunities that will enable them to thrive in the knowledge economy is critical to the future success of every community. We are pleased and honored to join the Portuguese government and others on the Magellan Initiative as we work together to make technology more relevant, accessible and affordable for students in Portugal and around the world.
