MSN is inviting people in Ireland to “vote” for their preferred candidate in the global “Race to the White House” online election.
You can register your vote here.
You can see the voting results for Ireland and twenty two other countries around the world.
In addition to offering you a vote, the site also provides a one stop for up-to-the-minute US Election news, photos and gossip.
The final MSN verdict will be announced on 31st October 2008 and will include a breakdown of how each country has voted.
Three teachers from Northern Ireland; Tom Fitzsimmons and Ciaran McLaren from Crumlin Integrated College, and Eileen McStocker of St. Pius X College, will be travelling to Hong Kong to represent Northern Ireland at the 2008 Microsoft Worldwide Innovative Teacher’s Forum in November. The teachers were chosen from competitors all over Northern Ireland who entered the Microsoft competition to find Northern Ireland’s most Innovative teacher.
Tom Fitzsimmons and Ciaran McLaren were chosen to showcase their innovative pilot course which was initiated as a foundation for year 10 pupils who would later choose GCSE Double Award Engineering. Eileen McStocker’s exciting project, Conservation Online, takes pupils from a local primary school on a virtual journey around St. Pius X College conservation area. The teachers from both schools are part of the Northern Ireland Regional Training Unit’s (RTU) Online Learning and Teaching for Educators Programme, (OLTE). This programme, funded by the Department for Education, aims to develop and support schools’ ability to use elearning effectively.
Speaking today, Tom Fitzsimmons said: “Ciaran and I are delighted to be chosen to represent Northern Ireland at Microsoft’s 2008 Worldwide Innovative Teachers Forum. We are really looking forward competing against our peers from all over the world in Hong Kong.”
Eileen McStocker noted, “It will be great to see what other innovative projects people are doing to integrate digital learning in the classroom and I’m sure there will be many lessons to learn in Hong Kong that we can apply back home.”
Tom and Ciaran’s pilot course is designed as a foundation for the pupils in year 10 who will later choose GCSE Double Award Engineering and Mathematics. The design and planning of the course required students to have no prior knowledge of engineering concepts or have any previous experience in learning through the virtual environment. Therefore the course planning had to ensure that the students were fully inducted and introduced to both the rules of online learning and the fundamental concepts of Engineering.
Eileen’s project is a 10 week course which takes the user on a virtual journey around St. Pius X College conservation area. The various stops on the conservation area are outlined through digital photographs and the associated theory topics are conveyed to students using a variety of files, work tasks and discussions. Each week a new topic or stop is covered with some tasks extending over two weeks. When the 10 week course is complete students will make an actual visit to the conservation area.
Tom Jackson, Schools Technology Innovation Centre Manager, Microsoft Northern Ireland, said: “It’s great to have two Northern Irish schools competing at the global finals this year. I think it will be tight between the two projects and I really think one of them has a great chance of winning the overall prize with their project."
“As the world changes and the skills our children need in the work force of the future change, we need to move education to a model of 21st Century learning. These projects are great examples of the innovative approach we should be taking.”
Jackson continued, “People can always find new and better ways of doing things, if they put their mind to it. Teachers play an important role in helping achieve that. Through the Innovative Teachers Forum, Microsoft is bringing together accomplished educators from around the world who share an enthusiasm for continual innovation in education.”
Dr. Victor McNair, Senior Lecturer, University of Ulster, who was one of the judges in the competition noted: "This year, the judges had a challenging task as all the entries were of very high quality and reflected the creativity and commitment to ICT-supported learning of our teachers. I was particularly impressed with the way these teachers integrated their excellent lessons with well designed and stimulating ICT-based activities."
The 2008 Microsoft Worldwide Innovative Forum will take place in Hong Kong from the 3rd of November through the 6th.
The 2008 Microsoft Worldwide Innovative Teacher’s Forum is part of Microsoft’s Partners in Learning Programme, a worldwide initiative aimed at supporting interdisciplinary work in secondary education and beyond. The goal of the event is to enhance student learning through teacher development and leadership. As part of the initiative, Microsoft collaborates with local and international experts in curriculum development and teacher training and seeks to increase access to latest computer technologies in educational institutions.
Tipperary teacher, Kate O’Connell, whose teaching project beat the best of Europe, will be travelling to Hong Kong to represent Ireland at the 2008 Microsoft Worldwide Innovative Teacher’s Forum in November. Kate, who teaches at Scoil Mhuire, Kilvemnon in Tipperary was chosen to showcase her innovative project which, using technology and digital learning, encourages primary school children to build aeroplanes.
Speaking today, Kate O’Connell said: “I was delighted to be named Microsoft’s 2008 European Innovative Teacher and I’m really looking forward to representing Ireland to compete against my peers in Hong Kong. My experience in the European competition means I have learnt a lot from my competitors’ projects. It’s great to see what people in other countries are doing to integrate digital learning in the class room and I’m sure there will be many lessons to learn again in Hong Kong.”
Kate’s project, Flying High: Exploring Aviation integrated every subject in the primary school curriculum with ICT and digital learning. The children used LEGO®to construct their own working models of aeroplanes, building hydraulic lifts to raise the planes and stimulate flight. It used the constructivist approach developed by Professor Seymour Papert of MIT and pioneered in Ireland by Dr Deirdre Butler at St. Deirdre Butler at St. Patrick’s College.
Dr. Kevin Marshall, Academic Programme Manager, Microsoft Ireland, said: “It’s great to have an Irish teacher who has been named best in Europe competing at the globally finals this year. I believe Kate has a great chance of winning the overall prize with her project and it’s amazing to have an entry from a two teacher school.
“As the world changes and the skills our children need in the work force of the future change, we need to move education to a model of 21st Century learning. Kate’s project, which brings together all the subjects in the primary curriculum is a perfect example of the innovative approach we should be taking. Digital learning must be seen as an integral part of the curriculum and a core element of our teacher training programmes.”
Marshall continued, “People can always find new and better ways of doing things, if they put their mind to it. Teachers play an important role in helping achieve that. Through the Innovative Teachers Forum, Microsoft is bringing together accomplished educators from around the world who share an enthusiasm for continual innovation in education.”
The 2008 Microsoft Worldwide Innovative Forum will take place in Hong Kong on the 3rd of November.
The 2008 Microsoft Worldwide Innovative Teacher’s Forum forum is part of Microsoft’s Partners in Learning Programme, a worldwide initiative aimed at supporting interdisciplinary work in secondary education and beyond. The goal of the event is to enhance student learning through teacher development and leadership. As part of the initiative, Microsoft collaborates with local and international experts in curriculum development and teacher training and seeks to increase access to latest computer technologies in educational institutions.
This week marks the second annual Corporate Responsibility Week in Ireland, an initiative driven by Business in the Community Ireland (BITC).
As part of the Corporate Responsibility week, BITC have published the fifth "Inspiring Excellence" publication, which provides case studies on Corporate Responsibility initiatives and projects undertaken by companies in Ireland over the past twelve months.
To celebrate the fifth year of the Inspiring Excellence series, BITC brought together a judging panel to select the top ten best practice case studies from 2003-2008 and Microsoft's partnership with Enable Ireland has been selected as one of the top ten, along with entries from BT, IBM, Intel, Irish Life, Manpower, Oracle, Savills Hamilton Osborne King, Ulster Bank and Vodafone.
You can find out more about the partnership between Microsoft and Enable Ireland here.
Pictured below: Representatives from the companies named in the Top Ten corporate responsibility best practice at the launch last Friday in Ulster Bank's headquarters in Dublin.
Relevant links:
- You can download this year's Inspiring Excellence publication here.
- You can see videos of the other nine best practices here (foot of the page).
- You can find out more about Microsoft's work with Enable Ireland here.
Ireland’s third largest mobile communications provider, Meteor Mobile Communications has deployed Microsoft Office 2007 to over 800 people across the entire company. Meteor has standardised on the Microsoft Office 2007 system to optimise productivity and to enable both local and remote users to collaborate more effectively.
According to Paul Kirwan, IT Infrastructure Manager at Meteor: “We need systems that maximise the ability of our people to find the right information, use the right processes and work together wherever they are, resulting in greater productivity. We have moved from Office 2000 to 2007 and achieved these objectives in a very short space of time. The combination of our own planning and efforts, with the Microsoft conversion tools and the quality of the Office 2007 applications enabled us to complete the migration quickly and painlessly and we’re already seeing the benefits.”
Pictured from left: Paul Kirwan, IT infrastructure manager, Meteor Mobile Communications and Richard Moore, business manager, Information Worker Microsoft Ireland
Microsoft Office 2007 provides productivity and information management software designed to help you save time and stay organised. The tools in Office 2007 make it easier to quickly accomplish routine tasks, effectively manage sales and marketing activities, produce professional-quality communications, and organise your customer and business information.
Microsoft Office Sharepoint Server 2007 enables Meteor employees to communicate more efficiently and effectively inside and outside the office, reducing costs and increasing productivity while providing a secure environment.
Paul Kirwan continues, “As a communications company it’s imperative that we are able to connect easily with colleagues and partners both in the office and on the go. Effective and productive communication is a key part of Meteor’s framework. With Microsoft Office 2007 and Sharepoint we were able to realise a better service injust eight weeks with no negative feedback from users.”
The Microsoft Office 2007 software and supporting applications are easy to install with minimum interruption to normal daily workloads. The system has a more intuitive user interface which requires minimal training and as part of the upgrade package with Microsoft, Meteor benefited from free consultancy support and end user training and staff were provided with useful aids such as a downloadable Help Bar and video aids such as the “New to Microsoft Office Guide.”
“Microsoft Office 2007 is the result of in-depth research into how we can help office and home workers to become more productive whether they are working alone or in a team,” commented Richard Moore, Business Manager, Information Worker for Microsoft Ireland. “The applications solve many of the oldest productivity killers such as finding the right information, or not being able to use the more advanced function of an application. It’s fantastic when you see a company like Meteor gaining the full benefits of this technology.”
“The other major trend is collaboration. With people increasingly working on the move or from home, the ability to have integrated online workspaces where you can share calendars, documents, lists etc. is very important. SharePoint makes the entire collaboration process simpler and more efficient. When you have a team where all participants work with the same data set, you eliminate the possibility of errors which arise from working with multiple copies of the same document and you can get projects done more quickly,” added Moore.
With Office 2007, commonly used functions are no longer buried in sub menus and applications are better integrated across the entire 2007 Office system. This enables users to take advantage of functions which previously went unused. The result is proving to be dramatic in realisation of greater productivity and collaboration across the board.
It is easier to share information with colleagues via applications such as Word by directly accessing the document from SharePoint, thus eliminating repeated storage of the same data in different areas with the risks of various revisions being used by different users which could lead to unnecessary mistakes and errors.
Meteor’s upgrade to Microsoft Office 2007 using Microsoft Systems Manager Server and SharePoint 2007, illustrate that the upgrade can be easily and successfully achieved without significant education and training of non-technical users. The right attitude combined with the right tools can achieve painless upgrades and significant business improvements.
If you like to change your desktop wallpaper from time to time then MSN Wallpapers is just for you.
It’s a free download that:
- Gives you over 120 free wallpapers (and counting)
- Provides you with the tools to crop, rotate and resize images for your desktop
- Enables you to add text and effects to wallpapers
- Sets your desktop image to change through the day or you can even have a slideshow as your wallpaper
It’s a free download from here.
Intel, Microsoft and An Post today launched ‘Log On, Learn’ a new programme that aims to provide computer training to older people in Ireland.
‘Log On, Learn’ takes a unique approach by enabling a participating transition year student tutor to partner with an older person from their local community, so each shares their skills.
The one-to-one aspect of this training will mean that the training is tailored to suit each older person’s needs. The training will take the older person’s initial skill level, learning pace, interests and hobbies into account.
Máire Hoctor, T.D. Minister for Older People who launched the initiative said, “This is a wonderful initiative which will increase older peoples’ connectivity by giving them access to digital communication, while providing a unique opportunity for them to work with teenagers. I have no doubt this cross generational approach will be of mutual benefit. I congratulate teachers, transition year students, along with Intel, Microsoft and An Post for making this innovative approach, a reality.”
The programme is designed to run for 8 consecutive weeks during one, (or all three), school terms of transition year. This initiative allows young people to engage in a programme which has the power to change positively older people’s lives. Across almost 750 secondary schools nationally, this initiative has the potential to train over 30,000 older people, in computer skills, per annum.
In 8-weekly training sessions, (of between 1-2 hours each), which take place in the school’s computer lab/room, the student tutor shares:
- knowledge of how to use a PC and mouse - basic word-processing, eMail & internet
- confidence to overcome the ‘fear factor’ surrounding ‘new’ technologies
The older person shares:
- ability to relate and communicate
- memories of culture / rituals etc.
- life experience
‘Log On, Learn’ Log On, Learn is an Intel, Microsoft and An Post collaboration. It has been enthusiastically approved by Michael O’Leary, Transition Year National Co-ordinator.
“To survive and thrive in this growing knowledge-based economy, our older citizens must be equipped with 21st Century skills to stay in touch. Intel is committed to improving digital inclusion and education for all,” said John Davies, Intel General Manager, World Ahead Programme.
Dr. Kevin Marshall, Academic Programme Manager at Microsoft Ireland said, “We are constantly striving to identify ways in which technology can help everyone to realise their full potential, across all sectors of our society. The ‘Log On, Learn’ programme serves an incredibly useful purpose linking two sectors of society who derive valuable mutual benefits– older people who might not otherwise have access to technology and students who need to develop ICT skills to participate successfully in the 21st Century economy.”
Barney Whelan, An Post Director of Communications and Corporate Affairs said “We are directly in touch with millions of Irish people every working day, and we know the difference that this initiative will make to people, enabling them to fulfill their potential by using new communications tools to improve their own life, that of their peers and family, and the Irish economy and society in general”.
An Post has developed a national advertising campaign, including a 30-second TV ad, showcasing ‘Log On, Learn’ and encouraging older people and Transition Year students to become involved. This is the latest element of An Post’s successful national initiatives focusing on Literacy, and in particular, Technical Literacy.
Anyone wishing to register their interest in ‘Log On, Learn’ should contact 01-214 7417.
Microsoft Ireland is asking Irish companies to re-assess how they manage the disposal of end-of-life PCs and to consider the re-use of the computers they’re replacing.
Currently the vast majority of Irish business PCs end up in storage or landfill but the Microsoft Authorised Refurbisher (MAR) programme offers an alternative. The programme enables companies to donate computers they are no longer using, and those computers will then be refurbished, upgraded and serviced, installed with new copies of Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office and then provided to local schools, charities and community groups who typically struggle to finance technology purchases. By lengthening the useful life of the computers companies can reduce their environmental impact while at the same time create a ready supply of PCs suitable for schools, charities and community groups.
There is currently a chronic shortage of suitable PCs for schools and charities in Ireland, while at the same time it is estimated that over 200,000 PCs will be disposed of by businesses in Ireland this year. While only 2,000 PCs have been refurbished this year to date, a large proportion of those machines could be productively used by schools and charities - groups that typically struggle to finance technology purchases. It is anticipated that this number could be trebled by the end of the year.
Microsoft Ireland Managing Director, Paul Rellis urged Irish companies to consider donating their PCs for reuse when they are finished with them. Commenting on the issue he said: “Companies typically replace their PCs on a three or four year cycle. While an old PC may not longer by useful for the business, it could continue to have a productive life providing access to technology for students and charities across the country. This serves two purposes, helping companies reduce their environmental impact and secondly closing the digital divide.”
“The MAR programme provides a great way for companies to ensure that a PC stays out of landfill and has a longer, more impactful life. I would urge people in business everywhere to consider these options rather than simply dumping the obsolete machines.”
Martin Reddy at Rehab Recycle one of the largest refurbishers in Ireland believes that there’s a great opportunity for Irish businesses in the programme. “Right now the biggest challenge is securing a supply of PCs to meet the incredible demand from schools and charities. If we can get suitable PCs we can ensure that we can get PCs into local communities which ensuring unstuitable PCs are properly recycled. Our refurbishment programme provides fantastic employment opportunities for people with disabilities, so by participating in the programme companies get a range of benefits from reducing their environmental footprint, to supporting local schools and communities and supporting employment for people with disabilities.”
The Community MAR programme is run by Microsoft but the authorised third party refurbishers are Irish companies and organizations who look after the PCs and ensure they are recycled or channeled to schools and community groups. The biggest issue today is ensuring that there is a sufficient supply of old PCs to meet the huge demand from schools and local communities. Companies can find a full list of Irish refurbishers at http://www.microsoft.com/mar.
Paul Rellis is also encouraging schools and nonprofit groups to register for the programme. “Access to technology plays a vital role in encouraging students to pursue careers in areas such as science, technology and engineering. This is a hugely cost effective way for schools to increase their computer stock. For nonprofit groups, utilising technology can help deliver greater operational efficiencies and enhanced provision of services,” he said.
Pictured: PCs being refurbished at Rehab Recycle's Dublin facility
The initiative is just one part of Microsoft’s commitment to environmental sustainability and to bringing the benefits of technology to everyone in society. Microsoft is committed to reduce the environmental impact of PCs and to close the digital divide by bringing the benefits of technology to as many people as possible.
Companies, schools and non profits interested in finding out more about the MAR programme or how to register can visit http://www.microsoft.com/mar.
Beta versions of the next release of many of your favourite Windows Live products are now available for download.
There’s a range of new Windows Live betas available including:
- Messenger
- Mail
- Photo Gallery
- Movie Maker (new!)
- Writer
- Toolbar
- Family Safety
- Outlook Connector (new!)
You can download them from: http://download.live.com/
Here’s the new look Messenger client..
- Read Martha’s post on the new betas here.
- You can find out loads more about the betas and the new features on the Windows Live Wire blog.
[There’s also new planned releases for other Windows Live services such as Hotmail and I’m happy to report I’m writing this post with the Windows Live Writer beta]
It was today announced that sales of the Xbox 360 console has broken through the six million mark in Europe
Last week the estimated retail price of the entry level Xbox 360 was brought down to €179.99.
The next wave of the Windows Vista global advertising campaign has kicked off with the “I’m a PC” advert.
You can watch it and find out more at: http://www.windowsvista.com
From this Friday, 19th September, the estimated retail price for the Xbox 360 in Ireland will start at €179.99.
The new pricing is part of Microsoft’s ongoing strategy to open up the ultimate in high-definition gaming and entertainment to an even wider audience, with something for everyone. A major part of this strategy is a new Xbox LIVE online experience coming to Europe this autumn that will reinvent home entertainment from the inside out, with a bold new look and feel that is fun, social and simple to use. It’s the first time in history that a mass market consumer electronics device has been reinvented through free software, changing the way we play games, watch movies, and even become contestants in game shows. Along with the new Xbox experience, the Xbox 360 platform is offering a stunning games portfolio for all ages and interests this Christmas, with new titles for music lovers, family-friendly games, and exciting blockbuster titles for the committed gamer.
You can find out more here.
Microsoft Research has announced a new product, AutoCollage 2008, which enables you to take your favourite photos and build automatic collages.
You choose what photos to use, what size output you'd like (you could create a postcard, or PC wallpaper etc etc.) and then you just press the button and AutoCollage goes and builds the collage automatically.
You can find out more and download a free 30-day trial version of AutoCollage 2008 from the web site. A full version of AutoCollage costs GBP£19.90 and can be bought online.
Sometimes it's hard to keep track of the latest and greatest devices, online services and applications.
We rarely think about how they all come together in our daily lives. That's why I love this video (from Microsoft).
It shows how all these different technologies can come together.
As the children go back to school, many parents will be considering investing in a computer for their children to use so they can access online educational resources and use word processing and graphics software to produce their homework and coursework. Dr. Kevin Marshall, Education Director, Microsoft Ireland, is advising parents and guardians to take their time when choosing a computer and to educate themselves on internet safety.
Speaking today, Dr. Marshall said: “There is no doubt that being technically literate and aware gives your child a head start, not just in school but also in preparation for life. Unlike practically everything else, where prices typically go up year after year, technology becomes more affordable as time passes.”
“The internet is a wonderful educational tool and children’s use of the web is increasing every day. Although this gives them huge advantages, we need to recognize that certain basic things need to be done in order to ensure the safety of our children when online. As a parent myself I am very aware of the risks of giving my children access to the internet. I would recommend parents today take heed of some simple guidelines will ensure that your children maximise the benefits of the internet while avoiding any potential issues.”
Microsoft is recommending that parents and guardians familiarize themselves with the simple guidelines outlined below and to put them into action in order to enhance the overall experience of children online.
- Talk about potential dangers and your concerns with your children
- Get your children to talk to you about what they do on the internet
- Encourage them to talk about anything "uncomfortable" they find
- Check the history section of your web browser for suitability of sites and chat rooms
- Only set up the computer in a public area of the home where you can monitor your children’s activities
- Set rules about when the internet can be accessed and for how long
- Make a rule that they can never give personal information without permission
- Make your children agree that they never agree to meet an on-line friend without permission
- Check e-mails (especially for younger children)
- Check phone bills
Many new PCs, such as those running Windows Vista included built-in parental controls which enable parents to manage children’s use of the computer from the times they are allowed online to the types of site they can visit.
Microsoft has also launched a new back to school web site which provides parents and students with resources to make the most of their computers during the school year. The web site can be found at: http://www.microsoft.com/ireland/backtoschool/
If you encounter any suspected illegal content on the internet you can report it confidentially by logging on to www.hotline.ie. Other forms of illegal content and activities may also be reported using this service.
