On Nov. 20, 2003, the Ministry of Education (MOE) and Microsoft ( China ) Co., Ltd signed a cooperative framework in support ICT ( Information and Communication Technology) improvement in China 's K-12 education in Beijing . According to the framework, with the guidance of MOE, Microsoft will over the next 5 years contribute no less than US$10 million in investments, donations and other forms of support to the ICT of China's K-12 education education, with special emphasis on rural and remote areas. Microsoft will first start the cooperation from concrete projects including teachers training, skills cultivation, modern distance learning technologies project of rural K-12 education, and ICT management training on education, etc. The signing and implementation of this framework is another process for putting the Memo of Understanding signed between the National Development and Reform Committee and Microsoft Company into effect.
　　 “Education is a long-term undertaking for a country in talents cultivating. There is no doubt that enable utilization of ICT will further promote the educational level and quality of our K-12 education. Especially for the teachers and students of rural areas, ICT will allow them to share abundant teaching & learning resources through Internet, and shorten the difference between rural and urban areas. Cooperating with Microsoft, which is a global company leading in ICT area, will definitely promote our K-12 education process. ” Zhou Ji ， Minister of the MOE said.
　　 3 roles of full-time IT teacher: Role 1: teach IT courses; Role 2: maintain and manage IT classrooms; Role 3: share and spread IT skills among the teachers in school, and provide support for teachers of other subjects.
　　 Note: the 3 roles can be borne by one full-time IT teacher simultaneously, and also can be borne by two different teachers or network administrators. Role 3 can be freely selected at the above conditions.

Project Goal

　　Our Commitment: Help teachers and students to realize full potentials by innovative software and practice.
　　How can we narrow the digital divide generated due to imbalanced regional economic development as far as possible? How can ICT be fully utilized in K-12 education , and make more people, especially those from rural areas, enjoy benefits brought by ICT? To solve this problem, with the guidance of MOE and through the project of “Partners in Learning”, Microsoft works closely with education institutions, educators, partners and students to support ICT improvement in China K-12 Education and realize full potentials of all relevant people in learning, work and life .
　　 Our Mission - Confronting Challenges and Developing together with China 's Education.

Project Contents

-· IT Classrooms Building
-· IT Teaching Training Centers establishing
-· IT C urriculum Development