Lack of digital literacy in teens to be addressed

Microsoft has said it will work closely with the Ministry of Education and New Zealand educators to address the lack of digital literacy amongst school leavers.

In a statement today, the company said it was "concerned at the number of students underperforming around the country due to lack of knowledge or limited access to technology".

"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," said Paul Muckleston, Managing Director, Microsoft New Zealand.

Microsoft's education team will work on forming 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," added Evan Blackman, Education Sector Manager, Microsoft New Zealand.

"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.

Microsoft is working with Botany Downs Secondary College, the first Microsoft Pathfinder School in New Zealand, to increase the impact of technology within the classroom.

"It's 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," Blackman said.